Sports : Two-out homer in 7th by Ashley Strong gives Vikettes N. Butler Tourney title

Ashley Strong holds the softball she hit over the fence for a game-winning homer Saturday.

North Butler Tourney Champs! The Vikette players and coaches pose after winning tournament.

It's every ball player's dream. Last inning. Two outs. A chance to win the game.

For Vinton-Shellsburg junior shortstop Ashley Strong, that dream came true Saturday during the North Butler softball tournament. Strong and her Vikette teammates had won two relatively easy games, 12-0 over Clarksville and 8-4 over Lakesville. But after reaching the title game for several years without winning the championship, the Vikettes had to face 9th-ranked and only once-beaten Janesivlle in the title game.

Janesville led, 3-2, in the bottom of the seventh. Strong came to the plate with two out and hit her third home run of the season. The three wins improve the Vikettes' season record to 17-10.

(Photos courtesy of Connie Barnes, who has more on her Facebook page.)