Softball Today Magazine

Softball Today • August 2011

By Dave Utnik

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It all came down to the swing. That was the consensus of nearly two years of field research.

The new line of fastpitch and slow pitch bats from Combat all have one significant theme in common: They have been designed with a swing weight that gets the bat through the strike zone in a hurry.

"We wanted to be able to build the highest performing bats and one of the things that drives that is swing weight. We have worked for the last 21 months to find the optimum weighting," said Combat Senior Vice President Don Cooper. "We have worked with Major through E class players as well as many female players. We then took all that data and came up with what we feel is the perfect swing weights for all. We have even went as far as eliminating the 30 ounce bats from the new line as we can get the better performance out of the 28."

“Quicker is better and Combat has the bats to prove it in the slow pitch Avarice and Avarice 98 as well as the Morphed Reload fastpitch.”

Designed to accommodate new USSSA and ASA accelerated break-in performance standards, the new line doesn't stray far from tradition. Essentially, the creative team improved on a concept that is already endorsed by some of the game's most prominent athletes -- most notably Olympic champion Lisa Fernandez and Team USA star Rick Baker.

"We have done a bunch of field testing and we are very excited about the new line up," Cooper said. "It’s by far the best line up top to bottom we have ever had. What we really saw with the new test standards was a chance to

redesign our line."

If the slow pitch models seem familiar it's not a coincidence. The Avarice is already being compared to a pair of Combat's most popular bats -- the Dan Smith and the Plague. The Avarice 98, with a more pronounced weight in the load, reacts similar to the Antivirus.

And that is just the beginning. In addition to adding alloy to the company's baseball bat line, Combat recently moved into the lacrosse market and has purchased MF2, the premier custom hockey glove, pant and bag company.

But the most significant strides are being made in the expansion of the fastpitch and slow pitch bat line. For example, Combat's design team is still hard at work creating a two-piece bat that will make its debut this fall.

"We will also be launching some alloy models in both fastpitch and slow pitch," Cooper said.

"And we have had great success this year with our hybrid baseball line."

Innovation is one reason that Combat remains a big player on the softball diamond.

"It is pretty cool when you can have Lisa Fernandez test your fastpitch bats or Rick Baker test your slow pitch bats,” Cooper said. “Our engineers are all here in North America and all play sports. We have great testing sessions together and they take that information straight back to the lab."

“We do this in all our sports,” he said. “Our head engineer plays hockey twice a week with a stick he designed. This also works for batting gloves, bags and our other accessories. The people designing them are using them every day.

It’s nice to have a batting cage in your office."

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Softball Today • August 2011

Early NPF Play-off action with the Diamonds and the Pride. All NPF photos courtesy of Dina Kwit at www.dkwit.ifp3.com

Softball Today • August 2011

By Maria Garcia

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Sulphur, La. --- The Chicago Bandits and the USSSA Florida Pride were battling for the National Pro Fastpitch Championship Cowles Cup for the second year in a row at McMurry Park in Sulphur, La. on Aug 20-21.

The Pride upended the top-seeded Bandits two games to one in the best-of-three series to win in 2010.

But this year it was the third-seeded Bandits, riding the left-handed arm of pitcher Monica Abbott, who sat atop the NPF world after the final out was made on Aug. 21.

Chicago’s two-game victory over the Pride – 4-3 in eight innings, 10-3 in seven – was its reward for keeping the faith during a roller-coaster season.

The up-and-down theme carried into its first preliminary-round game against the Akron Racers. The umpires dinged Abbott with three illegal pitch calls right away, which led to Akron’s first and only run of the game.

Chicago regrouped on the strength of eight Abbott strikeouts, Nikki Nemitz’s two-run double and Tammy Williams’ three-run home run to win 8-1.

Abbott relieved Nemitz in the third the next day, with the Bandits up 4-3. Although Sam Marder’s homer in the sixth sent the game into extra innings, Nemitz – who stayed in the game as the designated player – sent the Bandits to the finals with a three-run walk-off in the bottom of the ninth. Nemitz was credited with the 7-4 victory while Abbott picked up the save.

The Pride faced the NPF Diamonds in the other firstround series. The regular-season champs (30-9) held a 4-0 lead over the Diamonds when lightning strikes suspended Game 1 after two innings.

What a difference a day almost made as the Diamonds, came up swinging against Danielle Lawrie

and Jordan Taylor when the game resumed the next day, scoring six runs in the sixth inning to take a 7-4 lead. The Pride's Cat Osterman came in relief and Osterman sparked her team as the Pride came back to earn a 8-7 victory.

The close defeat seemed to take a lot of steam away from the Diamonds as Sarah Pauly one-hit them in the day’s second game for a 7-0 victory.

COWLES CUP FINALS Game 1 of the 2011 National Pro Fastpitch Championship finals was a publicist’s dream.

Besides being a rematch of the 2010 finals, Abbott – whom the Pride traded away in May 2010 - was going against Osterman – the pitcher for whom she had been traded.

Abbott got off to a shaky start. Her throwing error on a force play at home in the second gave the Pride an early 2-0 lead.

In comparison, Osterman held the Bandits scoreless the first four innings. But Osterman gave up a three-run basesloaded double to Megan Wiggins that put Chicago up 3-2.

Then the unthinkable happened.

Osterman grabbed her left arm and fell to the ground in pain after throwing a drop pitch to Jamee Juarez.

Unconfirmed reports said Osterman had torn or strained a bicep. The injury ended out being very costly for both Osterman and the Pride.

The Prides Andrea Duran’s two-out solo home run in the seventh put the game into extra innings. However the Bandits quickly answered back as Vicky Galindo scored in the top of the eighth on Amber Patton’s single to give Abbott and the Bandits a 4-3 decision.

Pitcher Jordan Taylor started the game off for the Pride.

Bandits base hitter Megan Wiggins led off the bottom of the first with a triple and scored on a fielding error. For the game Wiggins earned a walk, a fly out, a single and a tworun double.

At that stage of the game the Pride went to pitcher Sarah Pauly. Pauly gave up two more runs before retiring the side with the Bandits leading 5-0.

The teams traded pairs of runs in the second as Abbott, walked Alissa Haber and Charters and then yielded a single to Natasha Watley.

The Bandits scored their runs on two hits, a walk and a Pride error.

The Pride picked up another run in the top of the third, when Jessica Mendoza doubled and scored on Haber’s single into center field.

From that point on Abbott allowed only three more batters to reach base the rest of the game – two on fielder’s choices – while striking out five.

Wiggins’ home run in the bottom of the third made the score 8-3 Chicago. The Bandits scored their final two runs

Chicago Bandits outfielder Megan Wiggins makes a outstanding diving play in the championship game against the USSSA Pride.

in the fifth off Lawrie, the third Pride pitcher of the day Wiggins ended a potential Pride comeback in the top of the seventh with a circus catch of Lauren Lappin’s drive to left field.

“Those are the catches you live for and practice for all the time,” Wiggins told ESPN2.

Abbott, went on to win the tournament MVP, and the Bandits dream to win the Cowles Cup twice was now a reality.

The Chicago Bandits poise after winning the NPF Championship.

By Dave Utnik

The 18U Ca. Cruisers defeated the Florida Lady Gators in the title game. against each other. It's a very slight difference, but significant nonetheless. It creates a competitive environment void of dissention and other things that can tear a team apart," Christensen said.

There were 32 teams in Louisville for the annual Independence Day extravaganza and the top six earned a berth to the Boulder in 2012. That was incentive enough to the Cruisers.

"Winning the tournament is huge for our program and, more importantly, for the girls. Our stated goal was to showcase our uncommitted players and return with a championship," Christensen said. "We wanted to compete, represent, and punch our ticket to [Boulder] next year."

Claiming the first-place trophy was significant for a team that fell short of its goal of capturing the 18 Gold ASA Regional Qualifier in Lancaster.

"The Louisville Slugger Independence Day became our redemption," Christensen said. "I just knew we were going to be tough to beat on Sunday after our Saturday Night Cardiac Comeback.

"When these girls get rolling, they can hit. I probably have eight players on this roster that would be legitimate number four batters on many other teams. It's a nice problem to have. It lets me ride the hot bats on any given weekend."

In Colorado, there were a lot of hot bats.

Tiffany Mikkelson led the way with nine of the team's 19 home runs and a .615 batting average. She had 28 RBI,

including four game winners. And with Bree Celaya, the team's leadoff batter, starting things off, the Cruisers scored a total of 107 runs and gave up 39 -- a credit to starting pitchers Madison Osias and Ashley Ercolano, who combined to go 13-1 with an ERA of 2.14.

Defense played a significant role, too. Center fielder Natalie Caporuscio, for example, caught a pair of potential home run balls at the fence and had eight total put outs against the Colorado Warriors.

"It is always nice to have a little bit of everything. But I do admit, defense is my thing," Christensen said. "I am sure this is a product of my playing days. I just feel good pitching and solid defense will keep you in games, even win a game for you."

The Cruisers have come a long way since 2004, when the team began as an all-star squad known as the OC Wildcats. Mike Reiss helped Christensen put that fledgling group on the field and many of the players have grown up together.

Tiffany Mikkelson and Madison Osias have been the 3-4 combo since 12U and four players began their careers in the 6U/8U Rec. ball all-star program.

"We didn't get all top prospects at tryouts, but we found some gems. We stuck to our philosophies and managed to put a competitive product on the field each year," Christensen said. "We earned the respect of the top programs."

Softball Today • August 2011

Louisville, CO. --- Five runs down and one out to play with. The California Cruisers never stopped believing.

They traveled to Colorado to win a championship and nothing was going to prevent that. This entire travel season has been all about "faith and patience" and the Cruisers leaned heavily on both at the Louisville Slugger Independence Day 18U Tournament -- defeating state rival Pure Fastpitch 6-2 in the semifinals and the Florida Lady Gators 11-2 in the title game.

"You never really know who or what you are going to face in tournament this size," Cruisers coach Lyn Christensen said. "That's okay, though. I am always telling my girls: 'It doesn't matter who you play, it matters how you play. The scoreboard will take care of itself.'

"If we pitch and play defense, our sticks generally figure it out. My goal in any game is to simply give ourselves a chance to win, meaning don't give extra outs and stay out of the big inning on defense. This team just never gives up. If we can keep games close, I always like our chances."

Even when they were down to their final strike against the Minnesota Sting in an elimination game where a loss would have sent them home, the Cruisers kept on swinging until they'd pulled out a 9-7 extra-inning victory.

"The Sting didn't know what hit them. We rode that momentum all the way through to the finals," Christensen said. "My motto is faith and patience. It is amazing where this can take you."

That was evident in the Cruisers' comeback against the Sting -- the team's third consecutive elimination game.

Kelly Christensen battled through a 10-pitch at bat before singling to ignite a game-tying rally. Ashley Ercolano followed two batters later with a three-run homer and Oklahoma State recruit Tiffany Mikkelson tied it with a two-run bomb.

"I don't look to re-tool my roster if we hit a rough patch in-season, bringing in new players and cutting those that are struggling. Don't misunderstand me, the girls know they must compete.

"They compete with and for each other rather than

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Softball Today • August 2011

By Kevin Beese Contributor

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be,” Richardson said. “She gave up eight runs the game before … She did really good. In Irvine, CA. --- For the seventh, she got the Southern California three straight outs.”

A's, this year's PGF The A's, which have Championship was all now won the PGF about validation. national title three times, Although the squad also rolled through early round won the 2010 18 competition in the Premier Girls Fastpitch tournament. title, the team felt it did They topped the not get its proper due Arizona Hotshots 12-0 for the title run. With with Kelly clubbing two Junior World players homers and Allison not present at the Brown, Jessica Plaza and tournament last year Aubree Munrobecause of their Steingraeber each hitting commitment to Team one. Delaine Gourley was USA, there was talk in the winning pitcher.

The 18U Ca. A's win their second straight Premier Girls Fastpitch National Championship. some circles of the A's Next up were the Washington All Premier Girls Fastpitch Photos by Eric D. Danielson achievement being Ladyhawks. somewhat tainted, according to A's head coach “We thought this would be a tough early game and it tournament title.

Bruce Richardson. was just that,” Richardson said. “They had two really good With two outs in the bottom of the seventh and down a pitchers. We beat them 2-0 with the two runs scoring on a “We heard the rumblings,” Richardson said. “The Junior World players were there (this year) and we run, Kelly wasn't given anything to hit and walked to keep squeeze bunt.” still got this done. It is more special because of that.” the team's hopes alive.

The A's managed just four hits off of the Ladyhawks' Aubree Munro-Steingraeber then hit a ball off the end of Madi Schreyer, who has committed to Stanford University.

Losing only three senior starters from last year's squad, the A's came into the tournament as her bat and was able to beat the throw to first from the The game's only scoring occurred in the fifth inning when one of the favorites, but knew they would face second baseman. When Jasmine-Smithson-Willett was hit the A's Erin Ashby laid down a squeeze bunt and on the tough competition from the OC Batbusters and the in the knee, the bases were loaded for lead-off hitter Danica throw home the ball kicked away from the catcher Mercado, who had been 0-for-4 at that point, but she laced allowing a second base-runner to scamper home.

Worth Firecrackers.

And that they did, with the Batbusters beating the a 3-1 pitch up the middle for the walk-off victory.

The A's Gourley, who will be heading to the University of “Our seven, eight and nine hitters were fantastic,” Florida, topped Schreyer in the pitchers' duel, allowing just A's in the first semi-final game to force a second game for the right to face the Firecrackers for the Richardson said. “All three of them came through in that one hit and striking out nine in the game. national title. And in the championship, the last inning.

The A's recording their third consecutive shutout, “There were doubts we deserved to win (last year's topping the KG Hitters 9-0. Megan Geer and Brown both Firecrackers closed to within one out of being champs themselves until a two-out, two-run rally in tournament),” Richardson added. “We were the best team. had two hits in the route, and Mariah Ramirez equaled the bottom of the seventh gave the A's an 8-7 victory We won it and they did not give us the credit. That's why Gourley's pitching fete, also firing a one-hitter. this was validation. We don't advertise it a lot, but these and their second consecutive tournament crown.

The Beverly Bandits, who wound up tied for third in “They are one of the top hitting teams in the girls play hard and don't quit. They are the ultimate team. the tournament with OC Batbusters, was the squad's country,” Richardson said of the Firecrackers. “We They are a talented bunch. They may not be the most next opponent. known kids, but they are absolutely the best team.” knew that all along. We knew it would be a battle.”

Plaza helped break open a close game with a homer; In order to get to the PGF finals, the A's had to get past and Darian Tautalafua's added a couple of hits, including The A's did not get their first hit against the Firecrackers until the third inning when Mo Mercado the OC Batbusters, who had to beat the A's twice in order a double, in the 5-1 victory. Gourley again went the belted a three-run homer to erase a 1-0 deficit and to advance. distance in the pitching circle, allowing just four hits and The Batbusters came out a team on a mission and hit striking out 12. give the Athletics a 3-1 lead. After the Firecrackers scored one in the fourth and one in the fifth to tie the three homers off A's pitching in that first game en route to The A's then topped Strike Zone 3-1, with sophomore game, they got a three-run homer in the sixth inning a 8-2 victory. “We were taken aback,” Richardson shortstop Mo Mercado and Plaza both homering in the to take a commanding 6-3 lead. But the A's admitted. “Our pitching staff hadn't given up anything to contest. Gourley again dominated, giving up just one run responded with a three-run sixth inning of their own. that point.” and striking out eight in the seven-inning contest.

But led by Mercado's 3-for-4 performance and Darian Jenna Kelly got the sixth-inning scoring started Richardson credited his assistant coaches, Rob Weil with a homer, and when Jasmine Smithson-Willett Tautalafua's three-run homer in the second semi-final and Sean Nierman, with helping to create a winning doubled into a gap, she then took third on a ball in game, the A's took control early and were cruising until a attitude on the team. the dirt and scored on a passed ball, the team was Batbuster three-run homer in the sixth made it a 5-4 game.

“They do an outstanding job with the kids,” Richardson back in business, only chasing one run. They pushed The A's hung on and moved on to the championship. said. “That is a big part of our chemistry. One day one of “That was our big game,” Richardson said. “It was icing us will be the bad guy. The next day it will be someone still another run across in the inning to tie the game on the cake to go to the championship.” Mariah Ramirez else. We have some special kids. Some coaches won't tell heading into the seventh.

The Firecrackers scored a run in the top of the pitched the A's into the finals with a strong performance. players how good they are. We are OK with telling them “She gutted it out and was clutch when she needed to that … We don't try to hide that.” seventh, leaving them just three outs away from the

By Kevin Beese Contributor Irvine, CA. --- With a core group of players together for just a year, Jeff Blanco knew he had something special when the former Bomb Squad team finished 13th in last year's Amateur Softball Association nationals.

Adding a few key players made the difference and put the squad, which became the Firecrackers, in contention for the National Premier Girls Fastpitch Championship.

Taking third in this year's Colorado Fireworks Tournament and fifth in the Champions Cup only further fueled the expectations for this team.

“I knew that we had a talented enough team to compete in a tournament like this,” Blanco said of the PGF competition. “But it is not always the best team that wins.

You've got to win extra inning games and get two-out hits.

We did all the little things to help us win. We put it together.

We had our backs to the wall a couple times and found ways to get it done. We never quit.”

In fact, the Firecrackers started out with their backs to wall in their opening contest against Mizuno Pride.

Trailing 1-0 early in the game, the squad put together a total team effort, highlighted by Tera Blanco's two home runs. Heather Morales was the winning pitcher in the 11-3 triumph.

Amanda Sanchez led the Firecrackers with seven runs batted in during the squad's 9-1 victory over TNL. Sanchez's three-run homer and grand slam gave winning pitcher Blanco more than enough run support.

The squad then blanked Mizuno Impulse 10-0. Homers from Amanda Vargas, Krystal Gutierrez and Blanco lead the way offensively. Blanco picked up her second consecutive

victory in the contest. “The offense really came through for us in this tournament,” Jeff Blanco said.

Tera Blanco then won a hard-earned, 10-inning contest over the Southern California Athletics. Nicole DeWitt got the game-winning RBI in the 5-3 triumph.

Morales took the pitching circle again against Cal Lite and picked up the 9-4 victory.

“Amanda (Sanchez) and Heather (Morales) stood out in the tournament,” Coach Blanco said.

Offensively, the Firecrackers again powered their way to victory. Gutierrez hit a three-run homer, while Tera Blanco added a two-run blast of her own.

The 14U OC Batbusters (McNee) beat the Corona Angels (KK) to win the Premier Girls Fastpitch 14U National Championship.

For more information on the Premier Girls Fastpitch please visit their website at www.premiergirlsfastpitch.com.

Softball Today • August 2011

The 16U Firecrackers beat the Texas Glory 5-0 to win the Premier Girls Fastpitch National Championship.

The squad then faced the Renegades who had to beat the Firecrackers twice in order to advance to the title game. The Renegades beat the Firecrackers in the first game and had them down 4-1 in the sixth inning of the second before Morales hit a three-run blast to tie the contest.

The battle went nine innings with the Firecrackers capturing the contest, 6-5. Tera Blanco went the distance for the win.

Going to the international tie-breaker in the eighth inning, the Firecrackers did not score in the top of the frame.

The Firecrackers walked the first hitter in the bottom of the eighth to set up a force-out situation. The Renegades' next hitter faked the bunt and took a halfswing, hitting a soft line drive to second baseman DeWitt who made a diving catch and then doubled off the runner on second base to end the inning. Anissa Urtez got the game-winning RBI in the ninth to give the Firecrackers the victory.

In the championship contest, with Tera Blanco having gone nine innings the previous game, the ball was given to Morales, who held Texas Glory scoreless for 6 2/3 innings. Tera Blanco came in to record the final out of the contest with the bases loaded.

All of the Firecrackers' pop came in the top of the fourth inning when Tera Blanco led off the inning with a base hit. Sanchez walked, and Morales drove in the first run of the game with a double. Vargas doubled in Nikki Oviedo, who had entered the game as a courtesy runner for Sanchez, and Morales.

With two outs in the inning, Cassidy Gustafson homered with Vargas aboard to given the Firecrackers a 5-0 lead – and that is how the contest ended.

Jeff Blanco expressed his appreciation to program head Tony Rico for the ability to coach this group of girls.

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By Jim McCurdy Sometimes the toughest task is competing against one of your own.

When Corona Angels-Marty met up with Corona Angels-Kim, that was just the scenario a summertested softball team was in for. Corona Angels-Marty needed an International Tiebreaker time-rule game to decide the 4-3 win over Corona Angels-Kim in the quarterfinals of the Champions Cup 18U tournament in mid-July in Irvine, Calif.

"That particular game was a big game," AngelsMarty assistant coach Jeff Langdon said. "It's always fun to go against your sister team and measure yourselves."

It took a two-out double by Bethany Kemp, an Arizona State signee, to get past its sister squad in the quarterfinals of the Irvine event. Nisa Ontiveros, who is headed to California, recorded the win in the circle in a game in which AngelsMarty used four pitchers.

It brought the best out of Angels-Marty, which went on to win the Champions Cup to begin a stretch that had them playing for three straight weeks.

"It seems like we've been gone a long time," pitcher Taylor Langdon told her dad afterwards.

Corona Angels-Marty beat SoCal 3D, 6-2, in the semifinals. The Angels trailed 2-0 before tying the game in the fifth. Nicole Girard, an Arizona State recruit, collided with the catcher at the plate on a

Softball Today • August 2011

By Jim McCurdy

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Irvine, CA. -- There’s nothing light about California Lite. In fact, these girls are packing a heavy punch. When California Lite made it to the tournament round of the Champions Cup July 11, in Irvine, Calif., they were nearly unstoppable. So much so, that despite surviving a onerun battle in the quarterfinals, California Lite cruised to the 16-under championship.

California Lite beat the California Cruisers, 6-0, in the title game. That followed an 8-0 win over the Firecrackers-RP in the semifinals. California Lite’s biggest test in the tournament bracket came in a 12-11 nine-inning win over the Firecrackers-JB in the quarterfinals.

“I am especially proud of the team in the Champions Cup tournament,” California Lite head coach Pam Newton said. “They played exceptional, and made many believe in their abilities. After taking third in the 18-under division at the Colorado Fireworks (tournament) less than a week before, they came back and continued their success.”

California Lite went 10-1 in the tournament, losing its only game in pool play to the Firecrackers-JB. CA. Lite scored 94 runs in the 11 games, and hit .408 as a team.

In the five tournament bracket games, California Lite outscored teams, 42-11, and posted four shutouts.

The Firecrackers scored five runs in extra innings, only to be one-upped by California Lite, which scored six

Corona Angels (Marty) defeated Minors Gold 9-1 for the 18U Champions Cup title.

passed ball, allowing the Angels to tie the game at 2-2 when a second runner came around from second to score. The Angels tacked on four runs in the sixth to secure a trip to the championship game.

Ontiveros went three innings, allowing two runs in the win. Danielle O'Toole, who is headed to San Diego State, worked the final four innings, allowing two hits and no runs.

In the championship against Minors Gold, Amber Freeman hit a three-run homer that cleared the 200-foot fence by 30 feet, and the Angels scored four runs in the third to take an 8-0 lead. Langdon, who will play at Fresno

State, picked up the win, pitching four innings, allowing a run on four hits. UCLA recruit Stephany LaRosa had two hits for the Angels as they went on to defeat Minors Gold 9-1.

Corona Angels-Marty placed third in the Women's Open state tournament and second in the Fastpitch Championship Invitational in Henderson, Nev., where college players compete in the summer.

All 21 players on this Angels team signed or gave a Division I school a verbal commitment. Angels-Marty will lose 10 seniors from this year's team, with 11 juniors returning and a talented sophomore class moving up.

runs in the additional innings, decided by the international tiebreaker. Pitcher Erin Rodriguez won five games in the tournament, starting the championship game. Rodriguez allowed just four earned runs in 23 1/3 innings pitched, and struck out 25 batters.

California Lite pounded 109 hits in the Champions Cup, while driving in 83 runs. Linn batted a team-best .567 and had 14 RBIs and eight stolen bases. Third baseman Brandi Harkness batted .536 and drove in 12 runs while pounding seven doubles. Second baseman Taylor Purdy, who committed to San Jose State, hit .500 with a double, triple and team-high 12 singles. She and Harkness were two of 10 California Lite players with a 1.000 fielding percentage.

“The team believes they are stronger, faster and more confident because of all our organization training,” Newton said. In February, California Lite partnered with EM Speed and Power Training, a non-profit speed and agility company. The players train there twice a week. “Our players swear that their success of more power is directly related,” Newton said. “I have seen their bodies develop with more muscle tone, more power in first step explosiveness, and their reaction times are much faster.”

Catcher Kirsten Mack hit two homers in the Champions Cup and drove in a team-high 17 runs while batting .433.

She had four doubles and a triple and had a team-best .833 slugging percentage. Rogers went 4-1, with a 2.78 ERA. “The coaching staff has made a combined effort to train specifics, dedicate time to every player’s weakness and to motivate them to believe in those special abilities they

each possess,” Newton said. “Coach Francisco Rodrigez and coach Chris Abacherli have helped me build a successful formula with a special group of young female athletes.”

California Lite beat the California Cruisers, 6-0, in the title game for the 16U Champions Cup title.

Sportsplex USA of Santee is one of two premier complexes in the San Diego area with the second Sportsplex USA in Poway. For full details visit their website at www.sportsplexusa.com.

By Jim McCurdy

Team North Florida lost to New Town Rock (Pa.), 5-4, in the winner's bracket final then bounced back with a 4-2 defeat over Texas Impact, and a 5-2 and a 2-1 victory over New Town Rock for the ASA 18 Gold National title.

Florida trailed 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth. Kelsey Carpenter drove in North Florida's first run on the fourth consecutive single of the inning. Powers had a two-run single to make it 3-2, and Ronnie Gajownik drove in two insurance runs to give North Florida a 5-2 win.

Hoover worked the final three innings in relief, allowing a hit, three walks and no runs to pick up the win. Fagan, who joins her sister, Kasey, at the University of Florida, went 2 for 3. It was redemption for Hoover, who lost the earlier game to New Town Rock when the Pennsylvania team scored five runs in one inning. New Town Rock tried to ride one pitcher the whole way, and North Forida capitalized.

"I think she got tired and we finally got to her," Kevin Fagan said. "The sixth inning, it just came together for us.

You know how hitting is, it was contagious."

North Florida opened the championship game with two runs in the top of the first, jumping out on New Town Rock on Carpenter's two-run double. New Town Rock scored a run in its half of the first before the game turned into a

defensive battle.

One in which North Florida prevailed, 2-1, to win the national championship.

"It's kind of like we scraped by in those last few games, and that's what made us champions," said Hoover, who went the distance in the title game, allowing five hits."

Fagan, Hartness and Carpenter each went 2 for 4 in the championship.

"We had a lot of focus," Kevin Fagan said. "We had a pretty loose team before the tournament. The bottom line, they just weren't going to be denied."

North Florida went 47-3 in the summer, and 8-1 at the National Championship. Six players from this team moved on to play NCAA Division I softball.

"They expect to win these tournaments," Kevin Fagan said. "It was just really rewarding to win it, and finally come through. It was a super team. Sometimes you get these quote-unquote all-star teams with egos. It was just a really rewarding season. The group of kids makes it or breaks it."

Softball Today • August 2011

Santee, CA. --- Sami Fagan had just chipped her teeth, bloodying her mouth trying to slide into home. An inning later, a hard hit ball caromed off her eyebrow, cutting her face open again.

"Her face was gushing blood," pitcher Carley Hoover said.

"She didn't cry. She was just laughing."

That game was no laughing matter though for Team North Florida as it lost to New Town Rock (Pa.), 5-4, in the winner's bracket final of the ASA 18 Gold Nationals in late July at the fabulous Sportsplex USA in Santee, CA. The loss made the road a longer one for North Florida, a team that had finished runner-up in the 2010 national tournament.

But it was a road the girls from the Sunshine state were ready to take.

North Florida beat Texas Impact, 4-2, in the semifinals.

Trailing 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning, North Florida loaded the bases on singles by Stephanie Hartness and Shellie Robinson and a walk to Alex Powers. Bailey Schinella hit a bases-clearing double to propel North Florida to the championship series.

Hoover picked up the win in relief. Hartness was 2 for 2, and Emily Carasone went 2 for 3. So onto the championship series North Florida met up with New Town Rock again, needing to win twice to take home the championship.

In the first game of the championship series, North

11

Indy Crush 18U-Walker from Indianapolis, IN went undefeated to capture ASA National Championship.

Softball Today • August 2011

By Dave Utnik

12

Normal, IL --- Sarah Cretin knew it all along. She had something close to a premonition back in the fall of 2010. The players from Indy Crush were huddled together during one of their first days together when the precocious catcher suddenly announced: "We are never going to lose."

She wasn't bragging. Cretin sincerely believed that.

And, it turns out she knew what she was talking about.

Indy Crush has lost a few times. But when it mattered most, this summer at the ASA Girls 18U National Championships, Cretin and her teammates won them all.

"We didn’t know she was referring to the ASA National Championship Tournament," Indy Crush coach Lorenzo Walker said. "We always thought we were good and even during our very last practice in Indy before nationals I saw an unusual calmness with our team.

Most of the time at a season's last practice players are either sad that it is over or happy to be finishing the year and ready to move on. Our last practice was like one of the mid-summer practices, and it was the first time we had our full team at practice.

None of the teams we played during the summer played against our team that competed for the ASA National Championship."

It's likely that none of them would have wanted too. Indy Crush is that good when all the parts are properly assembled. Cretin understands that better than anyone. She saw it on the first day.

In July, Walker had a sense, too.

"I told many people leading up to the week of nationals that I felt this would be a special week, but my realistic goal was to finish in the top 10," he said.

Special was just one way to describe it. Indy Crush came from behind to win four times and the final four victories were each by one run.

"The week was jam-packed with drama," Walker said. "But we did not start talking championship until Saturday night."

There could be a few more championships in Indy Crush's future, though the 2012 squad will have a decidedly different look. Eight players have moved on to college, which makes winning an ASA title that

much more meaningful.

"It is a huge accomplishment," Walker said. "I think it puts our program firmly on the map."

The 18U Indy Crush was a perfect mesh of talent and personalities -- a chemistry that has established a foundation for future success.

Taylor Lockwood, Jessica Cates and Nikki Thomas shared the pitching circle in spectacular fashion, while the team was led in hitting by first baseman Shelby Turner (.444), Katie McCool (.417), outfielder Casey Williamson (.414) and Carly Atkinson (.414).

But they will be remembered for much more than stats.

"We have always been very competitive and usually one of the top two or three teams of local tournaments that we participate in," Walker said. "Now the expectations have increased, and players returning to our club will have to really step up.

With most of the history-makers headed in different directions, I have decided to move to the 16U division where I have a very talented group of young ladies who will try and build on the foundation that Indy Crush 18U laid and continue to be successful in the world of fastpitch softball.

The Next Level Captures ASA Girls Class A 16-Under National Championship

the 18U division at the prestigious Independence Day Tournament in Boulder, Colorado.

So when they out-played a 172-team field to capture the ASA National Championship it wasn't a complete surprise.

"It doesn’t get much better than that," said Delamater, whose team went 9-1 in championship round play. "It proves that the teams in our program can compete with the best of the best out there."

The Southern California-based squad proved that by defeating Georgia Impact 5-3 and 3-0 to win the championship.

"After we did well in Boulder, Colorado at the Independence Day Tournament among the older age group we knew that we could win nationals if we played well," Delamater said. "We will continue to get stronger as all of our players returned this fall. We should be contenders next summer as well."

The future is indeed bright considering that virtually all of the team's biggest stars have already received college scholarships. Top-of-the-order hitters Monica Downey is headed to San Diego State, while Samantha Camello will play at Texas Tech. Power-hitting pitcher Noelle Johnson is committed to Utah State and catcher Molly Hutchinson at N.C. State.

"It's very strong and balanced lineup," Delamater said.

And they know each other well, having played together for two years now.

By the time Nasland hurled her bracket play no-no, The Next Level was clearly on its way to achieving greatness.

Johnson led the team with a .457 batting average, going 16 for 35, while Hutchison and Hailey Kofler each hit a pair of homers. Camello hit a two-out double in the bottom of the seventh to defeat Southern Force, 5-4, and The Next Level received big hits throughout the tournament from Celinna Cosio, Hana Gilbert and Madison Lerma.

Naslund, a junior at Torrey Pines High School in San Diego, earned the win in the finale, too, tossing a threehitter with 10 strikeouts -- a performance that was backed by a diving, back-handed catch by outfielder Lani Vanta in the seventh inning.

"This group of players has a great chemistry on the field.

They support and encourage one another through every game," Delamater said. "They are friends on and off the field.

Every one of them contributed to the success of our season.

"There is a lot of movement in travel softball but not much to speak of on this team for next year. Our goal is to win 18 Gold Nationals next year."

Chattanooga, TN --- The no-hitter was a precursor of things to come. When Notre Dame recruit Rachel Nasland struck out 12 batters in a dominating performance against the Renegades it was clear that The Next Level had come to Frost Stadium well prepared to win an ASA Girls Class A 16Under National Championship.

"Qualifying for nationals is something that every travel softball team strives for. Some qualify and others may never get the opportunity," coach Jerry Delamater said. "Our organization has been very successful in sending numerous teams in each division to nationals every year."

The Next Level truly lived up to its nickname during nationals. Even before then, there were obvious signs of the team's potential. They won the Southern California State The Next Level from Southern California Captured the ASA Girls 16-Under Championship and placed ninth in National Championship.

By Dave Utnik

The 14U Laser Gold from Canton, OH will go down in ASA Softball history for being the first team from Ohio to capture a ASA National Championship.

Firecrackers Light up ASA Girls 12U National Championship Montgomery, AL --- Arissa Paulson kept putting the ball where nobody could hit it. Low and away was her target and the Firecrackers' ace never missed in leading her team to the ASA Girls Class A 12U National Championship.

Paulson tossed back-to-back 4-0 shutouts against Victory USA at Lagoon Park. Opponents kept swinging -and mostly missing.

After moving from Ohio to join the Firecrackers 12U team from Chino Hills, CA., Paulson was nearly perfect in the pitcher's circle. She followed a nine-inning shutout performance by throwing a no-hitter in the championship game.

The Firecrackers were already a pretty good team before Paulson arrived. But this was unquestionably their best summer ever. They went 67-2-2 overall, including a 9-0 record at nationals, where they scored 45 runs and allowed only one in wins over Texas Peppers, TPS, Georgia Impact, Team Rawlings, Homer Hawks, Tri County Smash and

Victory USA. Paulson allowed one base runner in the finals -- on an error. Nobody else came close to reaching. The final seven batters went down in order.

That in itself was a rare feat against a Victory USA team that is accustomed to contending for championships. The 2011 finale marked the program's third straight top-five national finish. The 10U squad won a championship in 2009 and the 12U squad was fifth in 2010.

The Firecrackers weren't intimidated by that tradition.

They rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to beat Victory USA in the final Saturday game of the weekend and then returned to the field for the title game on Sunday with Paulson back in the circle.

She was their biggest advantage, though Yvonne Siordia shared the spotlight with a tremendous game at the plate. She went 3-for-3 with a sacrifice fly and wound up knocking in three runs.

That was far more than Paulson needed to secure the national championship.

Softball Today • August 2011

Midland, TX.--- The players hail from virtually every corner of the state. They travel for hours just to practice.

Wearing a Lasers Gold uniform is something of an honor in Ohio. And that was true long before the 14U squad captured the 2011 ASA Girls Class A National Championship.

Now it's the epitome of cool.

For several years now, Lasers Gold has been an organization on the rise in fastpitch softball. It all began with a Pony National Championship in 2007 and just kept building until all the promise and potential came together during one remarkable week in Texas in early August.

That's when the year-round commitment the girls made to one another truly paid off and Lasers Gold became the first team from Ohio to win an ASA national title in any age division.

"We entered the week wanting to make history. We were a team that played together as one to the highest degree," coach Steve Gambone said.

Lasers Gold doesn't enter a tournament with designs on anything except winning a first-place trophy. Often they'll play up an age division or two just for the sake of the challenge.

But the plan is to always win and they have become quite good at it. The Lasers' 16U team had quite a summer, too - placing fifth at ASA Nationals in Tennessee.

Nothing, however, has ever compared to what the 14U squad accomplished when it battled out of the losers' bracket to defeat the Tennessee Fury, 3-0 and 10-4 in the ASA finals.

"The best finish for our organization until this year was ninth place two different times," Gambone said.

All that changed when Kristen Adkins pitched a twohit shutout against the previously undefeated Fury and then the Lasers scored seven runs in a sixth-inning rally to win the finale.

"Some big time college coaches told me we had the best pitching, defense and hitting at the tournament," Gambone said.

The heart of the order has been together for six years now and it shows. Kori Caughenbaugh led the Lasers with a .500 batting average during the week. Adkins, who hit a pair of homers, finished with a .458 average.

Caitlin Gambone, who bats second, had a .435 average and Kennedy Beach batted. 432. Clean-up hitter Taylor Kirian hit .400 and there were some very memorable at-bats throughout the week, including a grand slam by pitcher Shelby McCombs on Sunday and a two-run homer by Emily Clark against the Fury.

"Our lineup has always gotten it done offensively," Gambone said. "We can get it done a variety of different ways offensively."

Rallies traditionally start with Sidney Melton, who can slap, bunt and hit for power out of the leadoff spot. At one time or another, the Lasers also receiving clutch hits from Kelly Dillow, Jordan Kennaw and Maranda Stansbery, who made her travel ball debut this summer.

"It's every girl's dream that plays fastpitch softball to win ASA Nationals" Gambone said. "My 11 girls are very honored to be the first in our organization to do it."

Firecrackers (Brashear) from Chino, CA went 67-2-2 overall, including a 9-0 record at the ASA Nationals.

13

Texas Elite Easton Gold went 9-1 to capture the VTD 18U World Series.

By Dave Utnik "The VTD World Series opening ceremonies were held at the Airhogs Stadium in Grand Prairie, TX. with about 10,000 in attendance." Said President of VTD Operations Allen Richardson. "Dot Richardson was our guest speaker and we had an all star game that included a couple of the players from the USA team."

Softball Today • August 2011

18U VTD World Series Championship

14

McKinney, TX. --- Craig Ranch is one of their favorite places to play softball. It's close to home for one thing and Texas Elite Easton Gold is backed by a sense of nostalgia every time they take the field.

They have created rivalries and friendships there that will always be remembered long after their careers are finished. Oh, and then there's that 18U VTD World Series Championship they won together back in July.

That trophy is one to cherish for a couple of reasons: Texas Elite Easton Gold won it with a one-run victory over sister squad, Texas Elite-Baker, and, perhaps more importantly, nearly the entire squad returned home with college scholarship offers.

"Our goal this past season was to put an emphasis

on getting our girls verbally committed," Texas Elite Easton Gold coach Don Mongillo said. "We began the year with two out of 15 girls verbally committed and after the completion of the VTD World Series, we had 12 of 15 completed."

Even without four regular starters, Texas Elite Easton Gold went 9-1 at Craig Ranch, avenging its only loss of the competition by sweeping Texas Elite-Baker 7-2 and 6-5 in the championship round.

"When the pool schedule came out, I knew we were going to have our hands full with Texas Glory and Texas Travelers. They are extremely well coached and full of quality players," Mongillo said. "But I liked our chances because I knew we would have to focus from the first pitch of that first pool game in order to move forward. I had high expectations and the girls delivered."

Hannah Newcomb led the way with a .545 batting average and eight RBI, while Lauren Bancroft hit .533 and drove in six runs. Paige Mongillo batted .460 and knocked in seven runs. JoJo Schaefer hit .425 and Julia Colman hit .420.

"It was great to see everyone contribute," coach Mongillo said.

Texas Elite Easton Gold traditionally wins with power.

Five players hit at least 10 home runs during the season. But they have athleticism and depth as well.

With four of their top six batters unavailable, Ashton

Atwell and Nici Starkey made things happen at the top of the lineup while Newcomb, Mongillo and Bancroft delivered most of the clutch hits.

"The great thing about this team is how versatile our lineup is. We played this entire tournament without our normal No. 1, 2, 4 and 6 hitters," coach Mongillo said.

That enabled every player to accomplish something memorable. Brooke Puckett had one game-winning hit and drove in the tying run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh in the thrilling finale.

Paige Mongillo, who helped Celina High capture the 3A state championship in the spring, caught nine games in the 100-plus Texas heat. Shortstop Brittany Gehle (.400) and second baseman Tyler Casada (.387) turned four double plays on defense, while Margo Beck hit .333.

The pitching was exceptional, too. Katelyn Drummond (4-0), Hannah Newcomb (3-0) and another Celina High star, Victoria Brown, (2-1) combined for three shuts and 25 runs allowed in 10 games.

"This team has been together for five years. When [assistant coach] David Newcomb and myself put this team together we could not have envisioned the success that this team would have," coach Mongillo said. "The girls are dedicated to the game and are the ultimate ambassadors when representing Texas Elite."

Forney, TX. --- It was something that had to be witnessed to truly comprehend. And even those who took part in one of the most remarkable rallies in fastpitch softball this season still marvel at what The Fastpitch School (TFS) Texas accomplished by winning the 16U VTD World Series championship.

"You can't do anything but shake your head and smile," Tom Lach admitted. And he'd know better than just about anyone since his last game as a softball coach will undoubtedly rate among the most sensational in his team's history.

Down by eight runs with barely 30 minutes remaining, Lach is still somewhat awed by how his team managed to comeback to defeat the Freeze, 11-10, to capture perhaps the organization's most significant first-place trophy ever.

"The victory over the Freeze was simply amazing. Many parents and fans who were there have consistently said it was the most unbelievable comeback win they had ever seen," Lach said.

The initial goal was to place among the top three -- an achievable feat for a squad that had previously captured the Keller Spring 16U Warm-up and placed second at the Memorial Weekend Invitational. But two days into the competition, TFS Texas decided it wanted something more.

"Our players began to realize that our solid play might carry us to the championship," said Lach, who was assisted this season by Roger Morin. Bob Bratcher and Kelly Bratcher. "Our confidence soared with each win, and after defeating the Dallas Tigers in our semifinal matchup, it was clear the team would not be satisfied with anything less than a first place finish."

The Freeze did everything it could to prevent that

from happening - claiming a winner's bracket showdown 9-2 and then jumping out to another huge advantage in the "if" game.

But closer Chelsea Herndon never stopped believing her team would prevail. She led TFS Texas in on-base percentage and runs scored before scoring the deciding run in the climactic finale.

"Chelsea was definitely our tournament MVP," Lach said. Taking home the first-place trophy would definitely be a team effort with game-changing contributions from 13 players, including shortstop Victoria Bratcher, who came through with a two-out, two-run double to beat the Dallas Tigers, 3-1, in the semifinals.

There was Tess Eby, who sparked the championship rally with a two-run homer, and Jessica Taylor, who tripled to drive in the only run in a shutout win over Legends Gold.

"Our team actually struggled most of the summer hitting and scoring runs. We would have some good games at the plate, but nothing like the consistent hitting our girls demonstrated during the World Series tournament," Lach said. "We found throughout the season that hitting was contagious...either they all hit

Team TFS Texas (Lach) use dramatic come back to capture 16U VTD 18U World Series.

or they didn't; a real roller coaster."

When it mattered most, TFS Texas hit.

Leadoff batter Riley Dillion, third baseman Megan Lach, star bunter Taylor Davis, power-hitting first baseman Calin Sims, speedster Emily Kemins and lefty hurler Shayne Starke played pivotal roles in the championship performance. So did slugger Hailey Morin, veteran Carly Randall and versatile Lauren Heintzelman, who played three positions and led the team in total hits.

By capturing the season-ending VTD World Series, TFS Texas transformed itself from a one-time recreational squad into a legitimate travel team contender. Teaming up with former Team USA and Chinese National Team coach Michael Bastian brought instant credibility and a huge spike in attendance for tryouts.

"We added several key players to our team," Lach said. "The increased level of discipline, training and expectations coach Bastian instilled in our players has made the team what it is today. Our girls have worked very hard this past season, partly due to the expectations set by our coaching staff and coach Bastian, and partly due to their athletic skills, passion for the game of softball, and competitiveness."

That was reflected in the pitching performances alone.

Starke, a lefty, started every game and Herndon, a right-hander, finished, giving TFS Texas a dominating duo that limited opposing teams to 16 runs in eight games.

"Our pitching was very solid all season, but especially outstanding throughout the World Series.

We shortened up the rotation for the World Series, only pitching Shayne Starkey and Chelsea Herndon," Lach said. "The different pitching styles of these two really kept the opposition off balance."

TFS Texas won six consecutive games to reach the finals against the Freeze. Then, they did something fans in Texas will be talking and shaking their heads about for years to come.

"Overall, winning the championship means so much to our returning players, and to the organization as a whole," Lach said. "We just finished our fall season tryouts and many of the new players who came to tryouts did so because of our World Series success."

Softball Today • August 2011

By Dave Utnik

15

14U Centex Buzz (Chambers) batter Ashton Chambers hit well over 400 for the tournament as she helped her team win the 14U VTD World Series.

After a close 3-2 victory over San Antonio CLASH, and a 3-0 win over Texas Glory 98, Centex Buzz was as close as ever to their goal of winning the World Series title.

Standing in their way of the championship was a tough Texas Dirtbags squad.

Centex Buzz opened up their first match with a 5-2 victory over Texas Dirtbags. Centex Buzz batter Taylor Stephens started off the game with a triple that set the tone for the victory as Carrigan Chambers pitched a outstanding game on the mound.

With the 14U VTD World Series on the line Centex Buzz seemed to save their best performance for last as they out hit and out pitched the Texas Dirtbags for a remarkable 30 victory.

"Our pitching was outstanding in the championship game and we got several clutch hits when we need them."

Said Chambers. "Winning the 14U VTD World Series here means a lot to our program. I am very proud of what these girls accomplished and each and everyone of them played a critical role in our success."

Centex Buzz (Chambers) is looking to the future as they will start there 16U run this fall with 10 returning players out of the 11 player roster.

Softball Today • August 2011

By Maria Garcia

16

Midlothian, TX. --- The 14U Centex Buzz (Chambers) team had already won the ASA State championship, however the group felt they still had some important business to take care of.

"The team had done a great job in winning the ASA Texas State title." Said team manager Richard Chambers.

"However we felt we had some unfinished business as our goal now was to win the VTD 14U World Series."

With a outstanding group of pitchers such as Sydney Holman, Carrigan Chambers, and Kamyrn Dawson, Centex Buzz knew they would be in the hunt for the VTD title as long as their hitting could produce for them throughout the tournament.

Their pitchers held up their end of the bargain as they held opponents to a to a meek .55 earned run average on the tournament. This group of hard throwers was handled by 14U VTD World series Most Valuable Player, Catcher Shelby Hitt.

While team offensive leaders Tori Phillips, Ashton Chambers and Taylor Stephens all hit well over 400 for the tournament as they helped their team secure a perfect 8-0 record to win the 14U VTD World Series.

Centex Buzz earned a early 9-2 tournament victory over 14U 97 Texas Glory as Adkins Holinsworth and Tori Philips went 2-3 at the plate while on the mound Carrigan Chambers pitched a complete game.

14U Centex Buzz (Chambers) compiled a perfect 8-0 record to capture the 14U VTD World Series.

Batter Lexi Newman, Morgan Crosslin and Taylor Crosslin formed the foundation of the inaugural team.

Grand Prairie, TX. --- Hitting was a priority. The Centex Buzz 12U girls spent hundreds of hours during the summer travel season working on nothing but making contact and advancing runners around the bases.

Coach Troy Crosslin already had everything else that is desired in a championship contender -- outstanding pitching, lots of speed and lock-down defense. The bats, he figured, would be the difference makers.

"My coaches and I devoted a lot of practice time to our hitting this season," Crosslin said. "The extra work has paid off as our team has hit very well all year with the exception of our first tournament this spring."

What truly mattered to Crosslin and his assistants -Jessyca Hedrick and Jill Suggs -- was how the team hit in July and August. That is when championship teams truly shine at the plate and the Centex Buzz had every intention of being a contender.

So they hit and hit and hit and hit until they returned home from the 12U VTD World Series with a first place trophy.

"These girls have worked very hard all year," Crosslin said, after his squad capped off an 8-0 tournament run with back-to-back one-run victories over the MC Border Bunch. "They set the goal last year to win the 2011 12U VTD World Series. Through hard work and dedication they accomplished that goal."

Not surprisingly, hitting played a tremendous role. The Centex Buzz combined for a .430 team batting average.

Catcher Lexi Newman (.609), Chloe Henze (.550), Carigan Suggs (.538), Sammi Augeri (.538) and Abby McKenzie (.455) provide the pop as the Centex Buzz combined for 40 runs on 83 total hits.

"I had very high expectations about our chances for the

championship," Crosslin said. "I knew the girls could compete for one of the top three spots if they would play to their abilities."

The Buzz began in central Texas four seasons ago with Morgan Crosslin, Taylor Crosslin and Lexi Newman forming the foundation of the inaugural team. Over the past three summers a powerful lineup began to take shape with the arrivals of Bethany Baker, Dani Degner and Suggs in 2009, followed by Abby McKenzie, Courtney Robinson, Gaby Hay and Augeri in 2010 and Henze in April.

Over the course of four travel seasons, the Buzz won nine tournament titles and finished second at the 2009 ASA 10U B Texas State Championship. But nothing has compared to the show they put on at the VTD World Series,

Softball Today • August 2011

By Dave Utnik

where the bats came alive at just the right time to pull out a come-from-behind win over the Sliders (43) and two dramatic triumphs over MC Border Bunch by scores of 2-1 and 3-2.

"I set my lineup from game-to-game depending on how each player is responding at the plate after pool play. The girls are very consistent so my lineup does not change much," Crosslin said.

Augeri and Hay, for example, are almost always at the top of the order because they are quick and usually hit the ball down one of the lines. Newman and Suggs are the big boppers and the lineup is anchored by McKenzie, Henze, Degner, Baker. The No. 9 spot, which essentially serves as a second leadoff position is shared by Robinson, Morgan Crosslin and Taylor Crosslin.

"We have a very defensively sound team with some great power at the plate," Crosslin said.

"And a few girls who can get around the bases with their speed."

Each of those assets was on display against the MC Border Bunch as Degner drove in the championship game's first run with a secondinning hit. Suggs knocked in Hay from first with a long drive to the left field fence in the third and then, with the game tied in the sixth, Henze doubled to start the game-winning rally and scored on an infield hit by Degner.

In their most significant performance as a 12U team, the Buzz backed up their potent batting order with exceptional pitching from McKenzie, Henze, Suggs and Degner.

"If you ask the girls on our team if they expected to win they would say, 'absolutely,'" Crosslin said. "They never talked about not coming home without the championship."

The Centex Buzz (Crosslin) 12U girls spent hundreds of hours during the summer travel season working on nothing but making contact and advancing runners around the bases.

17

The Texas Shock 10U squad have solved the equation with a three word motto: Attitude + Effort = Success.

By Dave Utnik Behind phenomenal hitting performances from Tatum Sorrels (.600), Paxton Scheurer (.583) and Caitlin Rothell (.571), Texas Shock scored 66 runs in seven games to edge out runner-up Centex Buzz and Hotshotz for the 10U title.

"We have strong hitters top to bottom.

However, they all know that bunting can win a game too," Hukill said. "We had struggled with our hitting the tournament before the VTD World Series, so I challenged them in their last 10U tournament to go out with a bang."

Hukill and her assistant coaches -- Vince Aguilar, Larry Scheurer and Jeffrey Sorrels -- took a rather nontraditional approach in putting together a batting order, opting to bat the power-hitting Scheurer in the leadoff spot. Speedster Jayda Coleman hit second followed by Sorrels at No. 3.

"It seemed to work since we scored at least one run in the first inning in almost every game," Hukill said. "This team was built on the fundamentals of the game and each girl had a role for this tournament, with either hitting, fielding, pitching or catching."

Madison Munoz and Coleman, for example, were asked to get on base so the team could take advantage of their quickness, while Kate Tovar and Courtney Taylor were responsible for moving runners. Briana Clark, who was hurt most of the season, became a clutch pinch-hitter, while McKenzie Griffin was recruited from the North Texas Lady Horns because of her versatility.

"That is what makes this team so special, they rely on

Softball Today • August 2011

North Richland Hills, TX. --- It all comes down to simple math really. For Texas Shock, winning championships are about heart and hustle. And the players on the 10U squad have solved the equation with a three word motto: Attitude + Effort = Success.

Head coach Melodie Hukill believes there is no better way to earn a first-place trophy or, more importantly, respect.

The entire Texas Shock organization practices and plays with the same approach and the results are hard to ignore as the 10U team captured the VTD World Series with a perfect 7-0 record in July.

"We talk a lot about respect and earning respect, not only with parents and coaches, but with fellow players and teams. I think they have definitely earned some respect with the way they play on the field," said Hukill, after the 10U and 8U squads claimed VTD World Series titles."

"Texas Shock is a relatively small organization.

However, the organization has the biggest heart and soul of any program around the area. The girls realize that we can only be successful as a team instead of individually."

The World Series championship was three years in the making for a team that began playing together as 8-year-olds. After rebounding from a bracket play loss to reach the finals a year ago, Texas Shock spent the entire summer preparing to win it all in 2011.

"They set their goal last year and they worked all year to achieve it," Hukill said. "The core of this team has been together for three years and we are looking forward to keeping the family together for a very long time."

18

Texas Shock earned a perfect 7-0 record on their way to capturing 10U VTD World Series.

each other to get the job done," Hukill said. "Our power hitters have been asked several time to lay down a bunt just to move the runner and they will gladly do it because they know the next batter will do their job to score the run they set up to score."

Throughout the tournament, Shelby Noah, Camryn Aguilar, and Jaycee Cook each had game-winning hits as Texas Shock wrapped up a remarkable summer that featured first-place finishes in six VTD competitions.

The crowning achievement was the VTD World Series, where Scheurer also dominated in the pitcher's circle -earning two shutouts and allowing three total hits. Noah and Caitlin Rothell also excelled as the Texas Shock earned wins over the Royals (11-0), Freeze (8-0), Sha-Bang (160), Ft. Worth Batbusters (11-4), Texas Shock 9U (10-1), Hot shotz (3-1) and Centex Buzz (7-3).

"This team was built on the premise of learning the game the way it was meant to be played -- fun mixed with fundamentals, respect, hard work and dedication. We always say that we may not have the most talented players on the field, but we do have the most talented team," Hukill said.

"The girls will tell you that just because you are placing first in tournaments does not mean that you get to quit working hard because they know that the target is on their back for the many other area teams to aim for.

"The metroplex has so many competitive teams and players in this age group so each tournament could end up with a different result," she said. "That is what makes us stronger. As we get ready to play 12U, the girls are learning how to respect the older teams and hopefully they will learn something from each game we play -- win or lose."

By Jim McCurdy Coppell, TX. --- Jimmy Middlebrook's team is built on defense. Next season, his Texas Glory Blue will have a lot to defend.

Including the Virtual Tournament Director World Series title -- an honor his 8-under girls team claimed by virtue of winning this year's championship July 27-31 in Coppell, Texas.

Texas Glory beat Texas Shock, 14-6, in the championship game to win its fifth tournament of the season. "We've come a long ways since the spring since we got back on the field from last year," Middlebrook said.

Based out of Mesquite, Texas Glory went 6-1 in the VTD World Series, a premier sanctioned event in the Lone Star state. After losing 9-7 to the Shock in the semifinals, the Glory bounced back in resounding fashion to win the title.

The Shock, a club from Mansfield, Texas, needed to beat Glory twice on championship Sunday to win the title.

But after No. 2 hitter Audrey Fenn belted a two-run home run to trigger a five-run first inning, the Glory wasn't about to take its foot off the pedal. "That kind of set the tone," Middlebrook said of his team's first inning power surge.

Texas Glory added six more runs in the third to essentially put the game away. "That kind of separated us from them," Middlebrook said.

Kylie Lathers went 2 for 3 with an RBI and scored three runs for the Glory in the title game.

In the 9-7 loss earlier that day, Glory shortstop Abbie Orrick was 2 for 2 with two runs scored, while making some excellent defensive plays in the field. On one play, she chased down a fly ball behind third base, running behind her teammate before diving to make a spectacular catch.

"It was pretty amazing to see a 9-year-old make that play." Middlebrook said.

Girls must be eight or younger before January 1 to be eligible to compete at the 8U level, which was the case for Orrick.

Texas Glory first baseman Jessie Camacho, the team's clean-up hitter, doubled in the first inning, and put a heavy swing on the ball in each of her plate appearances in the loss to the Shock. Camacho also made some nifty stretches at first base to nab a few runners on close plays. "I think she made every play all weekend," Middlebrook said of his first baseman's defensive efforts.

Shock shortstop Mia Greenvweig was equally impressive in the field.

Greenvweig made four diving stops to take away hits from the Glory, and didn't commit an error. She also ripped two doubles and scored twice.

"She probably had the game of her life," Middlebrook said of Greenvweig.

The Shock scored five runs in the second inning after the Glory put three runs on the board in the first. Texas Glory scored one in the second, one in the third and two in the fourth. But after scoring twice in the third, the Shock tacked on a pair of late insurance runs to force another game.

"That game was pretty intense," Middlebrook said. "Our girls have a high level of confidence, kind of a swagger about them. I know they were pretty pumped up after beating us. Our girls were like, 'We're just gonna go out there and put it to 'em.' After we scored those five runs in the first inning, that game was pretty much over."

Texas Glory Blue beat Texas Shock, 14-6, in the championship game to win its fifth tournament of the season.

Texas Glory beat Texas Shock three times in the World Series, the first a 32 win to send the Mesquite club on to championship Sunday unscathed. Texas Glory's Simonne Sanders led off the game with a single. She stoled second and third base before scoring on Fenn's RBI double. Orrick doubled home Fenn to give the Glory a two-run lead. The Shock scored one in the fourth and one in the fifth, but the Glory tacked on what proved to be the game winning run in the fourth.

"Obviously, it felt pretty good to be undefeated up to that point, and know you're going to the championship game the next day," Middlebrook said. "We felt we could've done some things to open it up a little bit more.

Our defense was phenomenal. We made the plays. The way we looked at it was we won that game, we were undefeated going to the championship game the next day, and our defense was top notch, at its best."

Texas Glory outscored their opponents, 86-26, in the World Series. They put the finishing touches on a season that saw the Glory win 60 of its 74 games. Texas Glory, which won the USSSA World Series July 9-10 in Moore, Okla., won five of the eight tournaments it competed in during the season. In the other three, Glory finished second. Texas Glory won three tournaments in July, including an event in Mesquite July 16-17.

"Pretty good season," Middlebrook chuckled, adding his team will move up to 10U in the fall. "We feel like we have the best team in the area to do it.

"It's got to the point they just shut teams down. Every tournament we go to, we feel like we're the best defensive team. There's no question about that. We're dangerous late on Sundays, and that's because of how well-conditioned we are."

Texas Glory's parents are active in providing extra oneon-one support for their daughters, taking them to extra training sessions on the side -- a nice luxury for Middlebrook. "It's a special group of parents," he said. "It's very great to work with a great group of people like that."

Of course, the girls aren't too bad either.

"They don't worry about what name is on the other jersey," Middlebrook said. "They're not scared to play anybody, anytime, anywhere."

Softball Today • August 2011

In early tournament action 8U Texas Glory Blue infielder Abbie Orrick chased down a fly ball behind third base, running behind her teammate before diving to make a spectacular catch.

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Resmondo-Specialty Tank /Worth from Winter Haven, Florida won their fourth straight Smoky Mountain tournament.

Softball Today • August 2011

By Dale Weiser

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Maryville, TN. --- Thirty of the top teams from 19 different States traveled to Maryville, Tennessee to compete at the prestigious 43rd Annual Smoky Mountain Classic.

The Classic started on Friday night July 7th with a huge excited crowd on hand at the Sandy Springs Park main fields. Each year the bracket is set up so that there are 6 teams that win 2 games in a row on Friday and those 6 teams join the number 1 and number 2 seeds, who only have to win one game on Friday, and they all meet on Saturday in the final 8 on the main field - Sandy Springs #3.

Saturday's "Final 8" of the winner's bracket games: The final 8 competition started off with Shoppe and Team Combat/Laser Vision. Brett Helmer and the "Derby Boys" from Combat came out swinging for the fences and put on the best home run show of the day as they run ruled Shoppe 37-14. Helmer was 5-5 with 5 homers and 14 RBI in the game.

In the second game at 10:30 AM, GTL beat EWS 2014. The ball definitely was beginning to fly less and less as the temperature approached 90 degrees and the

humidity softened the ball. GTL was led by Sean McDonald who had a pair of clutch home runs.

In the 3rd game at noon, Resmondo beat Combat/Pharmapar 22-13 with a nice balance of timely defensive plays and a couple of key homer's.

In the final game of the winner's quarter finals at 1:30 the ball just would not go as Suncoast wrestled a 7-6 win away from Famous Sports.

Final 4 of Winner's Bracket: In the semi-finals GTL used some great pitching from Geno Buck and a smothering defense which included the first of a string of rare 3-6-5 double plays to completely shut down Team Combat/Laser Vision 19-2.

In the second semi-final, Resmondo held off Suncoast 20-14 as the ball started to fly a little bit towards the end of the game.

Winner's bracket championship game: The winner's bracket championship game was a great match up between Resmondo and GTL, the number one and number two teams in the country, the competition began at 7:30 PM in front of a hefty crowd and was a great game from start to finish.

GTL held the lead much of the game but stranded 14 runners in the first 7 innings and was unable to run rule Resmondo. Going into the top of the 7th Resmondo was down 22-16.

GTL got 2 of the first 3 Resmondo batters out and then Resmondo just refused to make the final out and put up a 7 spot to take the lead 23-22. In the bottom of the inning GTL scored 1 but left the winning run on third with 2 out to send the game into extra innings. Resmondo scored 5 in the 8th to steal the victory. The game was filled with some high drama, some great defensive plays, and some long home runs.

On Sunday morning, the day started at 8 AM with a loser's bracket semi-final rematch of the 2nd round contest between Famous and Team 454. Famous would beat Team 454 for the second time in the tournament by an impressive 35-17 mark and advanced to play GTL who then sent them home 34-14 in the loser's bracket championship.

In the first game of the championship GTL hung within striking distance of Resmondo for awhile but never was able to explode offensively and Resmondo run ruled them 27-12 when Scott Striebel hit a walk off homer in the bottom of the 6th inning. Resmondo won their fourth straight Smoky Mountain Classic, and added to their 2011 trophy case with their 7th tournament win of the year.

By Robert Campbell Orlando, FL. --- One of the most anticipated Softball World Series in the last 5 years. This season A teams had unprecedented success and parity in conference play. The talent is fearless and level of play reaching new heights, as the youth movement continues. The 2011 USSSA Class A World Series had 21 high powered teams in the hot and humid Florida sun.

The early winners were Sinister, EWS Easton, Suncoast/Reebok, Woodlaw Famous Easton, Team 454 Worth, R&M Easton, PrimeTime, and 1st Step/DCS. Team 454 Emerald Worth playing its finest all season long was matched against Woodlaw Famous Easton in the winner’s bracket semi-final. Team 454 was down early by 5 runs and stormed back in the 5th inning to secure the lead and a win 20-16 moving to the winner's bracket championship.

In the other winner’s bracket semi-final game R&M Metals/Troupe/TCP/Easton from Waterloo, IA. was arguably one of the top A programs over the last three Conference events. They secured mid-season additions of Easton veterans Sam Lopez, Nick “Noodle” Robertson, Matt Albert, and Veteran Manager Chris Chaney. R&M faced Sinister/Pritchard/Miken.

The competition featured some incredible defense by R&M outfielders Brian Zirkle, Nick Robertson, and shortstop Scott Roen that kept the game low scoring.

The game see-sawed and lead changes occurred in nearly every inning and with Sinister up 12-11 going into the home half of the seventh. R&M made two quick outs on Sinister’s Mike Rose excellent pitching and command of his defense.

R&M added hits by Mike Roen and Aaron Middendorf.

Brian Zirkle secured an infield hit and the bases were loaded. Veteran Sam Lopez came to the plate with the game in the balance and Sinister countered with Pitcher Jeff Graus.

After four pitches from Jeff Graus, Sam Lopez walked and the tying run scored to even things at 12. Re-enter Sinister’s Rose to face R&M’s Chris Greinert with the winning run on third. Chris Greinert showed extreme patients at the plate as he took three consecutive balls for

a walk-off 13-12 game-winning walk.

The winner’s bracket final would see R&M Metals/Troupe/TCP/Easton face Team 454 Emerald Worth.

The game was played on a rain soaked stadium field under less then desirable conditions on Saturday night. Team 454 began to separate in the 4th inning with an offensive barrage by Mitch Mabes, Kyle Moyer, Kevin Bazat, Wayne Habermehl, and Will Rhew as they scored 8 runs to brake the early tie. R&M failed to keep pace and Team 454 Emerald Worth won a trip to the World Championship final with a 22-13 victory.

The loser bracket was full of the division’s top teams as upsets ruled the early rounds for top ranked Shoppe/Team TPS/Elite, Sonny’s/Desert Falls/Elite, SunCoast Reebok, and EWS/S&L/DrGrpahix/Easton. On Sunday, EWS and Woodlaw Famous survived the losers bracket treacherous path to see who would face R&M Metals/Troupe/TCP/Easton.

Woodlaw Famous Easton jumped out to an early lead on the powerhouse EWS and never looked back. Woodlaw Famous run-rule EWS in the fourth inning 33-13. R&M

"A" World Offensive MVP Nick Robertson (Right side) with an .844 batting average and Manager Chris Chaney.

Metals/Troupe/TCP/Easton would now face Woodlaw Famous Easton to earn a trip to the Championship finals.

The third place game featured two strong offenses but defense ruled the day. R&M would put together a 16 run game to finish off Woodlaw 16-10.

By the fifth inning R&M jumped out to a 11-1 lead.

Pitcher TJ Thompson with stellar defense from Sam Lopez, Matt Albert, and Brian Zirkle was working a great game against Team 454 offense.

R&M held off a final inning rally by team 454 and forced the A World title to the ‘IF' game.

One early setback for R&M was that starting Pitcher TJ Thompson went down from dehydration in the first inning.

The Championship pitching matchup was now Kyle Yerkes, R&M and Andy Vitcak for Team 454. R&M was down early in the contest 5-4. Team 454 started their power surge in the 3rd inning as the ball began to fly. They took themselves to modest leads through the defense of Evan Gallmeier (A World Tournament Defensive MVP).

The contest through the 5th inning was close with R&M players Chris Greinert and Kyle Yerkes countering with the long ball. Team 454 took the lead in the bottom of the 5th with key homeruns by Wayne Habermehl, Don Rogers, and Will Rhew (A World Tournament MVP).

This completed their 8 homeruns limit but more importantly staked them to a pivotal 21-17 lead. R&M made 2 quick outs in the 6th and then garnered 2 key hits.

One homerun remaining, R&M Pinch-Hitter Keith Anderson stepped up and delivered a clutch three-run homer that tightened up the game to 21-20. Team 454 went 1-2-3 in the 6th but held the lead going into the 7th inning for the title.

R&M had their 2-5 hitters coming up and Pitcher Andy Vitcak shut them down allowing one hit by Nick Robertson (A World Tournament Offensive MVP). was all R&M could deliver as Andy Vitcak made two outstanding plays on missiles right back up the middle box.

The last out was an incredible catch by Vitcak and fitting as Team 454 Emerald/Worth based out of Glen Allen, Virginia with a 5-1 record were the 2011 “A “ World Champions. Manager Tim Tiny Taylor stated, “Our players and entire organization realized our goal from day 1 and we could not be prouder of our accomplishment.”

Softball Today • August 2011

Team 454 Emerald/Worth captured the USSSA "A" World title.

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C Division winner- V.F.W. coached by Juan Aukerman won a huge prize package for winning this year's Bang for Bucks championship.

Softball Today • August 2011

By Robert Campbell

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Poway, CA. --- Talk about your "Big Time" prize tournaments and the first tournament that comes to mind on the entire west coast is the Bang for Bucks tournament held at the Sportsplex USA in Poway.

"When your given out over $11,000 in prizes you tend to draw a lot of excitement and interested teams that are willing to compete to the fullest for our extraordinary prize package."

Said ASA director Sean Melvin.

The 18 team D division drew some of the top competition from throughout Southern CA. When the final dust had cleared Team Kongo from San Diego had earned first place honors with a perfect 5-0 record. Their road to the championship started off with a tough 15-12 victory over Royal Flush team.

"We had several players who stood out but none more than our mid infielder Pilar Amaya, he was on fire at the plate as he went 4- for -4 with three singles and a triple and he played great defense with spectacular dives to the left and right of second base," Said coach J.J. Rodriguez. "Also second baseman Maui Guirillo went 3- for -3 with a double and single."

In their next outing they beat Meredith Digital 11-6 as third baseman Colton Campos and his brother John combined for a perfect 6- for- 6 at

the plate. The tandem also played some stingy defense to spark their team to victory.

In Game three against South Baze Swagg. Kongo would have to be at the top of their game as they narrowly defeated Swagg 14-13. Amaya went 3-4 with one homer a triple and a double and short stop Benny Vega went 2-3 with 2 singles.

In the undefeated game against Magz Elite, Kongo

had to come from behind to pull out a 12-11 victory.

"This game went down to the bottom of seventh inning," said Rodriguez. "We got a single from Benny Vega and a single by Wilson Garcia and a follow up single by his brother Hilario Garcia to load the bases for mid infielder Pilar Amaya. Amaya stepped up to the plate and slammed the game winning run to win the game."

The championship appeared to be a great match up between Kongo and So. Cal Swagger. Kongo's opponent jumped out of the gates with a 7-0 lead in the third inning. However Kongo was not about to lay down as they chipped away at the lead.

Eventually Kongo took the lead with some late inning rallies as they went on to win the game and the championship with 16-8 victory.

Right fielder Abraham Gonzalez went 3-4 with a double a triple and a single and Billy Munoz went 34 with 2 home runs and a 1 single and Pilar Amaya finished off where he started as the mid infielder went 4-5 with 2 singles, 1 double, and 1 triple.

So where did Kongo go with their super sized prize package they just won?

"Well believe it or not we actually used the prize winnings to pay for rooms, meals and gas for the ASA 2011 Men's D Western National Tournament in Medford, Oregon," said Rodriguez. "Our entire team drove 14 hours to participate in that tournament."

Team Kongo from San Diego had earned first place honors at this year's Bang For Bucks championship with a perfect 5-0 record.