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Softball Today • JUNE 2013
It's sort of like swinging Thor's hammer. Only Easton's 2013 Raw Power and Power Brigade is a lot easier to carry to the plate. Which makes them perfect for mortals who want to hit like superheroes. Or, if ASA rules, dictate, simply smash a line drive up the middle for a base hit. Either way, Easton's got it covered with fresh models that deliver the roar of a thunder clap for a $199-$299 price tag. “Many players will only buy one bat a year and the Power Brigade allows them to buy a great bat at a great price that can be used in every association,” said Easton Sports Slow Pitch Marketing Director Brett Helmer. “With the great feel, performance, and durability of this line, we have made a great offering for every players needs “The fact that we delivered a line of bats that competes with any of the $300+ bats on the market and we delivered it for $199-$219 really sets this line apart from the competition.” If you play only ASA or only USSSA or you want the best of both world’s then the Raw Power line is the answer for you. we have a bat in the Raw Power series that will work for every players needs, no matter what they are. The ASA only models, B3, L4, and L6 are the hottest line of ASA bats we have made and are dominating the fields. Versatility allows the Raw Power/Power Brigades to stand out, because the new lines feature 13.5-inch balanced barrel designs best suited for scrappy singles hitters as well as end loaded 12-inch barrel models that are mostly coveted by sluggers. “The Raw Power/Power Brigade lines have several offerings that will appeal to hitters that like to use the whole field and base hit,” Helmer said. “The 13.5” barrel design really lends itself to bat control and feel for those types of hitters. Players who have used the Raw Power or Power Brigade seem to like the feel, weight distribution and, of course, the pop. But bat control is, perhaps, it's greatest asset. “The majority of power hitters tend to like a more end loaded feel for their bats. That would be the 12” barrel designs that we have,” Helmer said. “With today’s rules in the game even the best power hitters must base hit
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
By Dave Utnik
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Softball Today • JUNE 2013
many times over the course of a game or tournament. “It is really a matter of being comfortable with the bat model you like. That will provide the confidence necessary to be successful no matter what the situation calls for during an at bat.” Every aspiring Thor can relate to that. With a Black Carbon handle and IMX composite design, the Raw Power/ Power Brigade offers a great feel with minimal vibration on contact. “No player wants to hit a bat and feel a stiff negative vibration in the hands,” Helmer said. “Our current bat line is very popular with our buy-in teams as well as our full sponsored teams and players, “Many of our competitor/s players have come to us this season and told us how much they liked our bats. That is when you know you are doing it right.” The fastpitch models have received similar praise for many of the same reasons. The FX1 and FX2 bats are designed with power hitters in mind, while the Power Brigade series offers a variety of models for contact hitters who prefer line drives to home runs. “The FX1 and FX2 are designed for the hitter that is looking for more mass through the zone to drive the ball out of the park,” said Easton Assistant Product Marketing Manager Julie Burney. “With the end loaded design, it allows a power hitter to drop the barrel in the zone and drive through the ball with authority.” Authority matters to single's hitters, too. And that's what makes the Power Brigade line special. The FS1, FS2 and FS3 models are designed with an evenly balanced barrel that allows a hitter to take complete control of her swing and drive the ball with confidence. “The Power Brigade was designed for the player to personalize her power no matter what level of player or what type of hitter you are,” Burney said. “There is a bat to complement each and every player.” “The players know what type of hitter they are, and personalizing their power will help them be the most successful in the batter’s box.”
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Oklahoma beats Texas A&M 8-0 to advance to the WCWS
NORMAN, OK. --- Oklahoma Senior Keilani Ricketts had been dominate in the circle all season long and Ricketts continued to be a force to be reckoned with in the Super Regional's against Texas A&M. The Senior star pitcher threw her 16th shutout of the season as Oklahoma beat Texas A&M 8-0, to advance to the Women's
College World Series. Oklahoma lit the scoreboard up with 8 runs and their offensive highlights arrived as sophomore Shelby Pendley belted two HR's. Once again Ricketts stepped up big in a big time game, as she improved her record to 31-1. Ricketts allowed just 3 hits. Over the two-game sweep, Ricketts was 2-0 with a 1.27 earned run average. Oklahoma scored in the first inning as Pendley’s slammed a solo HR. In the third Oklahoma's Lauren Chamberlain hit a single to center field, Georgia Casey followed up with a walk before Pendley launched a long three-run blast. In the fourth inning Oklahoma tacked on four more runs. With one out senior Brianna Turang kept the inning alive with a single up the middle and Chamberlain got on base with a walk. Casey was struck by a pitch to load the bases before Pendley drew a walk on a full-count to make it 5-0. Ricketts tacked on two more runs as she pulled an RBI double down the line, while junior Brittany Williams singled through the right side to score Chamberlain and bring in the game’s eighth run.
Michigan outscored LA. Lafayette 2-1 in their final game to move on to the WCWS
ANN ARBOR, Mich., --- Michigan outscored LA. Lafayette 2-1 in the in the deciding game three of the NCAA Super Regional. Michigan won the first game but they were out played and outscored by Louisiana Lafayette in game two as Michigan fell in a 5-0 defeat. The deciding best two of three game was won by Michigan as the big hit of the game came when Michigan Senior Ashley Lane slammed a two-run double in the bottom of the fifth inning for a 2-1 victory.
The Texas Longhorns swept the best-of-three series against Florida State in NCAA Austin Super Regional
Michigan beat LA. Lafayette in games 1 and 3 to advance to the Women's College World Series.
Austin, TX. --- The Longhorns downed Florida State in the best-of-three to earn the program's fifth trip to the Women's College World Series. After a solo home run from junior Karina Scott, a two-run shot from teammate Taylor Thom and senior pitch Blaire Luna's fourth no-hit performance of the season lifted Texas to a 4-0 victory over Florida State.
Scott drove in three of the Longhorns' seven runs during the series against the Seminoles, and both game winners. The Longhorns broke the game open with four runs in the top of the fifth. Scott started the frame with a solo home run. After a groundout, freshman pinch hitter Lindsey Stephens doubled. Following a groundout, a two-run home run by Thom made it a 4-0 lead. Luna retired the final six Florida State hitters to seal the no hitter and Women's College World Series trip.
Huskers Heading to Women's College World Series
Eugene, OR. --- Behind a masterful performance from right-hander Emily Lockman and timely hits from classmate Alicia Armstrong and sophomore Mattie Fowler, Nebraska defeated Oregon, 4-2, to clinch a berth in the WCWS. Oregon scored twice in the first. In a completegame effort, Lockman (15-5) scattered eight hits while allowing only two runs. The game ended when Kaylan Howard grounded into a game-ending double play. Senior Gabby Banda fielded the hard ground ball, fired to sophomore Hailey Decker at second for the first out, and Decker completed the double play by firing to Fowler at first, prompting a dog pile on the field. In the top of the first, three consecutive one-out singles from Banda, junior Taylor Edwards and senior Brooke Thomason loaded the bases. Breault then hit a ground ball to the right side, that got past the second baseman, turning an RBI groundout into two runs, as Taylor Edwards scored from second on the play. With bases loaded Samantha Pappas tied the game with a two-run single, scoring both runners. The Huskers used a two-out rally to take a 3-2 lead in the third. Breault hit a single, Decker then laced the next pitch down the left field line for a double. Armstrong then brought Breault home when she beat the throw on an RBI infield single. Nebraska went on to win 4-2 as the Huskers turned their 48th double play to punch their ticket to Oklahoma City.
Washington Huskies down Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. --- The Huskies clinched a spot to the WCWS with a 1-0 win over Missouri. Junior Bryana Walker had a no-hitter going until the sixth. Walker earned the win (19-7) after allowing just two hits in 5.0 innings. In relief, junior Kaitlin Inglesby earned the save, her second of the year, pitching two perfect innings. The Huskies took the momentum in their first at bat of the game. Junior Victoria Hayward (Mountain View, Calif.) hit a solo home run to right field and that
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
By Lance McCall
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would stand for the game-winner. Each team had just two hits in the game, Hayward with both for the Huskies. The Tigers drew four walks and had a runner at third in the sixth after breaking up the no-hitter but three groundouts to the infield ended the threat. Washington looked to extend its lead in the sixth after Hayward walked on four pitches. A sac bunt by Hooch Fagaly (Chino, Calif.) moved her to second and she reached third on an error at Inglesby's at bat. Hayward went home on a ground out but was called out at the plate.
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
Tennessee Gets by Alabama
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KNOXVILLE, TN. --- The Lady Vols combined for three sacrifice flies in a gritty game where five different players stepped up with key RBI knocks. Melissa Brown went 3-for-4 with one RBI, Tory Lewis went 2-for-2 with one walk and one run. Ivy Renfroe earned the win after striking out four over four frames and allowed three runs. Cheyanne Tarango, pitching in a game for the first time since April 20 at Ole Miss, tossed a scoreless fifth in relief. Ellen Renfroe rang up three strikeouts over two scoreless relief frames to earn the save. Jackie Traina (19-8) tossed 5.1 innings with four runs allowed and one strikeout. Leslie Jury threw 1.2 relief frames with one earned run allowed. Alabama, which was the designated home team, jumped ahead, 2-0, in the bottom of the first. Kayla Braud had a leadoff single to advance to second on a throwing error from left field and then to third on a wild. Haylie McCleney reached on an infield single and stole second base, giving the Crimson Tide two runners in scoring position. Two batters later, Molly Fichtner knocked a two-run single and advanced on the throw to give Alabama the lead. In the second, Alabama struck again. With the bases loaded, McCleney reached on a fielder's, Danae Hays scored on the play and Alabama's lead grew to 3-0. Tennessee came to life in the top of the third. Lewis hit a leadoff single and Raven Chavanne reached on an sac bunt. Lauren Gibson followed with a single to center to load the bases. Madison Shipman came up big with a sacrifice fly to center field that plated Lewis. In the fourth, Tennessee tied the game at 3-3. Kat Dotson hit a leadoff single and Brown followed with a single to left. Rainey Gaffin stepped up with a sac fly to center field to bring UT to within 3-2. Hannah Akamine drew a walk on a full count and Jennifer Burroughs pinch ran. A passed ball put two Lady Vols in scoring position. Lewis drew a walk on a 31 pitch to load the bases. Chavanne followed with an RBI single to center field to even the game. In the top of the fifth,
the Lady Vols pulled ahead. Shipman hit a leadoff double to left field. Two batters later, Kat Dotson scored Shipman from third base with a sac fly to center field. Tarango replaced Ivy Renfroe in the fifth after Braud drew a walk. Tarango issued a walk to McCleney, but with two on, the hurler was fantastic. Tarango induced a fly out to center, an infield fly to first and a line out to short. Jury replaced Traina in the sixth with one on and one out. Lewis used her speed to leg out a single. Jury left two UT runners stranded with a strikeout and a lineout too short to end the inning. Ellen Renfroe relieved Tarango in the bottom of the sixth. Danielle Richard was hit by a pitched and advanced to second on a sac bunt, but Ellen Renfroe prevented the tying run from getting any closer with a strikeout and a fly out to center. UT added one more run to give it a two-run advantage in the seventh. With one out, Tarango drew a walk on eight pitches. Whitney Hammond pinch ran for Tarango and stole second base in her final game in Lee Stadium. Fellow senior Brown followed with an RBI double up the middle to plate Hammond and push Tennessee's lead to 5-3.
Florida Beats UAB
Gainesville, FL., --- Florida first baseman Taylor Schwarz roped a two-out RBI double off the wall in left center in the fourth, and that’s the only run the Gator squad would need in a 1-0 victory over UAB in the Gainesville Super Regional to earn a trip to Oklahoma City for the fifth time in program history. In a defensive game the Gators behind junior ace Hannah Rogers’ performance in the circle, and Kelsey Stewart showed her range at second on a UAB ball hit up the middle that had Blazer senior pinch runner Hailey Glynn – representing the game-tying run – scampering home from second with two outs in the seventh. Stewart laid out, snagged the ball in the dirt by second base and gunned the throw to freshman catcher Aubree Munro (Brea, Calif.) at the plate for the third and final out in dramatic fashion. Florida used base hits from catcher Taylore Fuller designated player Lauren Haeger, Schwarz and junior third baseman Stephanie Tofft (Lincoln, Calif.), as Fuller and Tofft led off the third and sixth innings with base
hits, Tofft her league-leading 18th double and second two-bagger of the game for UF. The Gators faced a tough Blazers squad, including pitching duo Lauren Webster (4.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K), who earned the decision and moved to 12-5 on the season, and Lannah Campbell in relief (3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K). Florida posted its 20th shutout of the season Sunday after chalking up its 21st come-from-behind victory in Super Regional Opener.
Arizona State Beats Kentucky to Earn trip to Women's College World Series
TEMPE, AZ., --- The Arizona State Sun Devils downed Kentucky 5-2 by winning their second victory in the best of two out of three to earn themselves a trip to the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City. This marks Sun Devils 11th Women's College World Series appearance in program history and is the seventh under Clint Myers. Arizona State was able to take the game over in the top of the seventh on a two-run homer by Haley Steele. Arizona pitcher Dallas Escobedo improved to 30-4 with the 5-2 victory; she is now 5-0 in the postseason this year. With the final deciding game tied at 2-2 in the top of the seventh, Arizona State took the lead as Haley Steele slammed a homer deep to left field. It was her 11th home run of the season and the team's 94th. The Sun Devils held on for the 5-2 victory after Escobedo closed out the bottom of the frame three up, three down.
Oklahoma catcher Jessica Shults did an outstanding job behind the plate and at bat for the Sooners in the at the Super Regionals.
Oklahoma base runners wreaked havoc on the base paths throughout the Women's College World Series. Photos by Ty Russell
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
By Lance McCall
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Oklahoma City, OK., --- The Oklahoma Sooners softball players played hard for their fellow teammates, they played hard for their coaches, but most of all they proudly played hard for their state of Oklahoma, a State that had recently been devastated by tornados. When the final out of the Woman's College World Series was called it was the Oklahoma Sooners devastating the competition for the Woman's College World Series championship. This 2013 Oklahoma Sooners team will go down as one of the top softball teams in the history of the game. From their Bronx Bomber hitters to their incredible pitching staff, this team will gone down as one of the all time best. When it comes to Fastpitch softball, great pitching is critical, and Oklahoma possess arguably the best tandem in the game, with "All World" Keilani Ricketts and their incredible "Big Time" lefty Michelle Gascoigne. In game one of the Woman's College World Series finals Ricketts shined on the mound to
Oklahoma pitcher Keilani Ricketts pitched and hit her way to a Women's College World Series championship.
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
spark the Sooners to a 5-3 win over Tennessee. After 10 scoreless innings, both Oklahoma and Tennessee scored three runs in the 11th before Oklahoma's Lauren Chamberlain blasted a two-run home run in the bottom of the 12th to win the game 5-3 for the Sooners. Chamberlain's late game heroics capped the longest postseason game in school history and the longest WCWS championship series finals game since 1984 when UCLA beat Texas A&M, 1-0, in 13 innings to win the title. "I really don't even know what to say," said Oklahoma coach Patty Gasso. "That was one of the most amazing comebacks I've ever seen. I can't imagine. I mean, it's nervous on the field, I can't imagine how people felt watching it. But this is a team on a mission, and, man, I've never seen anything like it." The second game in the best two out of three was equally exciting. Ricketts would rest her arm and focus more on her at bats as Oklahoma pitcher Michelle Gascoigne confidently took the circle. "I only found out about three hours before the game, but I was excited," Gascoigne said."After Coach [Melyssa] Lombardi told me, we had to watch film, the pitchers, and adjust. Just with knowing that Keilani was all for it and she was supporting me and she was going to be in the bullpen if I needed her just brought me all the confidence in the world." Tennessee tried to get to Gascoigne early, but Kat Dotson was erased in the first inning after a one-out single as she was caught stealing second by senior Jessica Shults. The Lady Vols got a runner into scoring position in the second with one out, but junior center fielder Destinee Martinez ran in to make a great sliding catch for the second out. Gascoigne took it from there, retiring the next eight batters, six of which came by strikeout including five in a row at one point. Oklahoma scored first in the third inning. Senior Brianna Turang lead off with a walk and took second when sophomore Lauren Chamberlain extended her hitting streak to a season-best 16 games with a sharp single to left field. Sophomore Georgia Casey advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt, but it wasn't needed as Ricketts smashed a three-run home run to the bleachers in right field. It was Ricketts' 50th career home run and 15th of the season. Tennessee's Melissa Davin snapped Gascoigne's streak of outs recorded with a oneout single in the fifth, but that would be all the rest of the way for Tennessee as Gascoigne retired the final eight batters of the game in order. Ricketts added an insurance run in the top of the seventh and picked up her fourth RBI in the process when she grounded out to first base after Chamberlain hit a leadoff triple. That set the stage for the bottom of the seventh. Gascoigne started with a swinging strikeout of Raven Chavanne, one of three finalists along with Ricketts and Chamberlain for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. For the second out, Madison Shipman grounded out to sophomore Jessica Vest at shortstop. That brought pinch-hitter Lexi Overstreet to the plate, who was set down on three pitches, including a called backdoor screwball to end the game and set off a wild celebration in the circle. The victory was especially sweet for the Sooners, who have tried to serve as a source of joy and pride following the recent tornadoes that have affected the local community. "We were very, very pleased to represent the University of Oklahoma as well as the state of Oklahoma," Gasso said. "You've heard a lot about it this week, and that is who we were representing. The phrase is 'Moore than ourselves. 'We had a lot of people we wanted to give pride to, make happy and just forget about things that have been going on in the last three weeks or so."
The Oklahoma Sooners softball players played hard for their fellow teammates, they played hard for their coaches, but most of all they proudly played hard for their state of Oklahoma, a State that had recently been devastated by tornados.
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By Dave Utnik
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
The power is pure. How far the ball travels is totally up to the batter. Barrel up and watch it fly. With the 2013 Worth Legit slow pitch line, bat speed and the industry's largest sweetspot have combined forces to create an entirely new Wow factor. "The bats have been extremely well received," said Worth Sports Marketing Manager Mike Cornell. Both the Legit Power Core and HMF models are designed to deliver pop -- in tournament play and in power hitting competitions. "The Power Core tech basically is a process that trims wasted material creating a more pure composite barrel. It gives the Legit bats
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Softball Today • JUNE 2013
fewer voids in performance thus creating outstanding performance. The HMF carbon fiber material used in the outside layer is smaller in diameter and we are able to do more in the same amount of space, thus resulting in more strength and performance," Cornell explained. Worth Legit bats were used frequently at the recent Power Tour and 454 home run derby competitions. And they are popping up in some nationwide prestigious tournaments as well. "The new ASA bats are more about exit speed," Cornell said. "But we can always take our technologies and build them around the specs laid out by all the associations." One of those technologies is a full-ounce, end-loaded barrel that promotes power and bat speed There is a thinner handle as well on three of the new models, giving them the familiar feel of Worth's one piece bats. "The Flex-Fifty handle gives the hitter increased flex and whiplash," Cornell said. Outfielders may get some whiplash too, as the ball soars over their heads. Fastpitch hitters have embraced the Worth Legit models for the same reasons, according to Brand Marketing Manager Chelsea Wilson. "The new Legit line opens up the doors to a whole new type of hitter," she said, noting that the combination of materials produced with the Power Molding /HMF technology and the Flex Fifty really help players with lower, slower swing speeds maximize their potential. "The bat does the flexing, and increases the trampoline effect where these slower swing speeds need that assistance. We have bats that fit both types of players now and technology that is undeniably powerful. Anyone who’s had their hands on the right bat has loved them." "When a player is strong enough to bend the bat, they’re going to produce more trampoline effect and hit the ball further. The Flex Fifty makes this possible for slower swing speeds by allowing the bat itself to be more flexible and produce trampoline, without the player having to generate the strength to do that." The difference is undeniable on the diamond. "If you swing last year’s Legit and this year’s you’ll be amazed," Wilson said. The HMF technology and Legit Power Core molding process has taken Worth to a new level. The bats are essentially void of needless material -- creating the leanest, highest performing composite on the market. Players with slower swings may also get a boost from the FPLG9, FPLG10 and FPLG11 models, which are a two-piece composite design. The weight and length are dependent upon the size of the player, which relates to the different models: FPLG11 is a -11 bat, FPLG10 is a -10, and FPLG9 is a -9. "This year has been like nothing ever before," Wilson said. "Players are lighting up over the tailoring of our line to their swing speed, the options in size and weight, and of course the graphics. These bats pack as much punch as their graphics… you can judge them by their cover." And players can judge them by who is swinging them as well. The Oklahoma Sooners brought Worth to the plate throughout the Women's College World Series. "We are incredibly proud to be the choice of the National Champions," Wilson said. "The Tennessee Lady Vols (national runnersup), were also swinging our bats. It is a huge testament to the work we put in every day to make the best performing bat on the market, and having teams of that caliber choose us. Champions choose Worth; we are living that now."
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LEGIT Resmondo Max End-Load USSSA Slowpitch Bat (Model: SBLUR) Product features • LEGIT POWER CORE - Worth's Power Molding Process trims wasted material creating the purest composite layer on the market. The process removes voids in performance making a leaner, higher performing barrel than ever before. • HMF - New Carbon Fiber material using High Modulus Fiber Technology on the outer layer. Fibers with smaller diameter allow more individual fibers to be woven together in the same amount of space resulting in amplified strength for greater performance and extended lifetime of the bat. • 454 USA - Worth's patented 454 technology extends the sweetspot two inches in BOTH direction giving the player the largest sweetspot in the industry.454 USA - Worth's patented. • RESMONDO LOADED - A full-ounce end-load, providing the hitter the most powerful bat speed through the zone. • LENGTH / WEIGHT - 34"/26oz, 34"/27oz, 34"/28oz, 34"/30oz • Approved by - USSSA, NSA, ISA and all other associations using 1.20 w/ABI standard
LEGIT Resmondo Max End-Load USSSA We had a large group of excited tournament players that had heard of Worth's new line of Legit bats but none of them had hit one of these bats thus far. Once the hitting got underway the comments were gushing. "Worth you have got to be kidding me, this is one outstanding bat, myself and a majority of us were hitting bombs with this bat, this is a extremely lively bat with a generous sweet spot," Said Marcus Ashby. "After I pick up my Friday pay check I will be searching for this Bat."
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
"This is got to be my new U-trip bat for this season, it's got exceptional pop and the line drive hits were coming off this bat like a rocket. By the end of the day we got over 200 swings on this bat and we experienced no durability problems." Said Jimmy Meininger.
Line Drives 95 Distance 95 Feel/Sting 93 Sweet Spot 95 Sound 94 Durability 100 Graphics 95
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Softball Today • JUNE 2013
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out in the dirt waiting for something to come their way. It isn’t easy being an infielder, having to combine glove work with a solid Kelli Hanzel was named Most Valuable bat, and there are also Player on her Lady Bearkats high school other responsibilities team after all four of her years at Klein, and that come along started receiving accolades throughout the with it. On most state (Texas) after her freshman year. teams, the shortstop is team captain since she is the leader of the infield. She positions the defense By Jeff Berlinicke and is also expected to be a big bat. It isn’t easy, but it comes with the job. Unless you have a pitcher that can throw no-hit Here are four of the top high school infielders shutout softball day after day, you need a in the country. They will all be attending a major backbone that can stop it every time the ball Division I school next year and are expected to comes off the bat. step in right away. That’s where the infield comes in, and it takes a lot more than just the ability to gobble up ground balls and hit over .400 to make a difference. These days, most infielders don’t have a set position. (Klein High School, Houston) They are utility players who can play every infield Hanzel is one of those players who juggles multiple position and are sometimes even called in to pitch. positions and is expected to do the same when she While the pitchers get the headlines, the starts out at the University of Texas this fall. She plays infielders are the ones who go unnoticed, taking every infield position and can be called on to pitch as the criticism for every error and little recognition well. for the routine groundouts. If the team has one of She was named Most Valuable Player on her Lady the superstar pitchers who strike out 15 batters a Bearkats high school team after all four of her years at game, the day can become a little boring, standing Klein, and started receiving accolades throughout the
KELLI HANZEL
state after her freshman year. As a junior, she batted .516 with 18 extra-base hits and five home runs. She was also named to the district’s All-Academic team after each of her four seasons. For Hanzel, softball is a year-round activity. She played as a member of the Texas Sudden Impact Gold, which qualified for the ASA Gold Nationals and still plays for the Texas Impact Gold. In her senior season at Klein, Hanzel struck out just once all season and was the winning pitcher in a key win over Spring High while hitting the goahead home run.
RACHEL HOUCK (Mount Vernon High School, Greenfield, Ind.) Houck brings a solid presence at shortstop to Louisville, which is becoming a national softball power. She was named to the Indiana State Super Team after batting .611 during her junior year and led the state with 14 homers. The state should have seen it coming, since she is a four-time first team all county player and was also named Defensive Player of the Year and led her county in stolen bases. Louisville coach Sandy Pearsall is looking forward to seeing Houck take it to the next level. "Rachel is a very good multi-sport athlete,’’ Pearsall said. “She is a strong and competitive player who is capable of playing in the infield and will also bring good power to the plate."
Houck, who said Louisville was her first choice all along and the first school she visited, plays for the Indiana Xtreme Gold travel team.
KIRSTEN MACK (Arlington High School, Riverside, Calif.) Playing for California LITE, one of the top travel ball teams in the country, Mack had her choice of almost any softball power in the country, but chose to take her skills halfway across the country to rising power Missouri. Mack said she choice Missouri because of the “homey’’ feeling she got when she visited the campus, but the Tigers were interested in the many skills that Mack brings to the plate. She batted .421 as a junior with 15 homers and a triple during the summer and batted .341 the
previous summer. She was invited to participate in the prestigious Colorado Fireworks All Star Game. Mack is great with the glove and may start immediately at Missouri, which had a senior-laden class this season. In addition to her bat and glove, she brings a brain that qualified for the President’s Award for Academic Achievement after earning a 4.4 grade point average.
VICTORIA DADDIS (Creekside High School, St. Johns Florida) Daddis is staying close to home next year after signing with Florida State, about a two-hour drive from her home just south of Jacksonville. She led all of St. Johns County in batting with a .456 mark as a junior and was named first-team in almost every category imaginable. In addition, she was also named All-
Florida Defensive Player of the Year last season. As a junior, she led Creekside High to a conference and district championship and her club team, Florida Select, finished runners-up in the ASA Southern Nationals. Daddis was vital in leading both her club team in Florida Select and her high school squad to much success. As a junior she guided Creekside High to both a conference and district championship, and helped Florida Select to an Amateur Softball Association Southern National Runner-up finish. Her club team was honored as the United States Specialty Sports Association/ESPNHS 18U Gold "A" World Series champions. “Victoria Daddis is an extremely athletic shortstop who will contribute right away with her glove and speed and can play several positions on the field,’’ said Florida State coach Lonni Alameda.
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
Kirsten Mack batted .421 as a junior with 15 homers and a triple during the summer and batted .341 the previous summer.
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Laservision/Desert Falls/Boombah/Easton of Cicero, NY. finished with a record of 7-1 and by double dipping Shopp they won the Conference USSSA 1st Annual Columbus B.A.T.S Major. Photo by DW http://www.softballcenter.com
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
By Lance McCall
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Columbus, OH., --- The 2013 Nationwide Conference USSSA 1st Annual Columbus B.A.T.S Major was attended by 36 teams and 17 were Conference teams. This was another Conference event with the top 15 teams well represented. Easton’s Brian Wegman served as the tournament director and it was very well run. The tournament took rain on Friday and Saturday evening but it did not disrupt play. The facility was in good condition throughout the weekend and the large turf infields made for great play. The wind was however a factor and depending on the field, some teams were stymied with lower scores. The teams that surfaced as this weekend’s top contenders were Shoppe/TYJA/Louisville Slugger of McKenzie, TN, Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth, GTL Doerflinger R&M/Easton of Burligton, IA, Laservision/Desert Falls/Boombah/Easton of Cicero, NY, Albicocco/Scene/Easton of NY, and Line Drive Sportz/SSS/Miken of Warren, MI. The semi-finals featured Shoppe and a 2013 undefeated Resmondo in a showdown that proved to be one of the weekend’s better games. Shoppe maintained solid defense against Resmondo but the consistency of their offense held off a solid Resmondo and Shoppe moved on with a 42-39 win. This was a very significant win for Shoppe against such a quality opponent. Shoppe was in the winner’s bracket final. Next up was Laservision dueling with GTL and each had just come off convincing wins over LineDrive and Norkap
respectively. GTL began this game with great play from their pitching and defense. They held the lead until the last inning and were led by All Tournament selections Brandon Dillion and Brad Reckart. This was when LaserVision was able to garner two key grand slams that allowed them to take a 6 run lead that GTL failed to answer. LaserVision secured a 25-19 victory. They were lead by Brett Helmer (CO-MVP) and Brian Wegman (All Tournament). The winner’s bracket final result between Shoppe and LaserVision on this weekend was not a big surprise. Shoppe was on fire and they stayed even with LaserVision ending the third inning tied at 15. Shoppe put on an impressive fourth inning hitting barrage that did not end until they plated 22 runs. All Tournament selections Robert Blackburn, Eric Thompson, and Lee Powers led the way. Shoppe moved on to the Championship game with a 37-15 run rule. Shoppe was now in the driver’s seat and looking for their first Conference tournament win in 2013. LaserVision dropped to the loser’s bracket where they would meet the winner of GTL and LineDrive. The loser bracket games were very well played and offenses were putting up some large numbers. LineDrive rallied in the sixth inning and separated from GTL. LineDrive went on to a 41-34 convincing win. On Sunday morning, LaserVision and LineDrive locked into an early inning battle that threatened LaserVision’s chances to avenge their early loss to Shoppe. LineDrive was led all weekend by Sal Formosa, Cory Large, and Faron Miller. The fourth inning was the turning point in this game as LaserVision left no doubt as they rallied to bury
LineDrive. The result was LaserVision running away with a 36-19 run rule win. They were led by Scott Kirby, Kevin Kennington, and Brian Wegman. It was a solid beginning to Sunday. Laservision was now in the Championship to exact their revenge on an earlier drubbing at the hands of Shoppe. In the Championship game LaserVision was in complete control and on a mission. They dispatched Shoppe in a seven inning 41-35 victory. The runs allowed were high but LaserVision dominated both sides of the ball and Shoppe was playing some of their best softball as well. The Championship game victory set up the “IF” game. Laservision/Desert Falls/Boombah/Easton began the “IF” game with a consistent and balanced attack. Brett Helmer and Kyle Moyer (CO-MVP’S) were feasting on Shoppe. All Tournaments Bryson Baker, Chad Durick, and Scott Kirby contributed on the defensive side with several HR’s that helped set the winning pace. The theme in this contest was similar to the previous game as LaserVision outlasted a now weary Shoppe 34-26 and claimed the Columbus title. They finished with a record of 7-1 and by doubledipping Shoppe certainly enjoyed a measure revenge and satisfaction. In the three consecutive games on Sunday LaserVision scored 111 runs and left no doubts about their reign and that the 2012 Major World Series Champions are returning to form. Brett Helmer stated, “We were very patient and the wins came to us, it was satisfying for the players and our entire organization.”
disappearing into the night for a game tying grand slam at 29 apiece. Sonny’s was elated. The final out was a spectacular backhander in the 5-6 hole by Swats AJ Montano to end the threat. The bottom of the seventh was tense but with Nick Robertson on second base pinch-hitter Daxton Mamuyac delivered a walk-off winning hit scoring the run for a 30-29 victory for OC Swats/Easton. AZM and OC Swats would face off for a chance at the Championship game. This was a battle between AZM and OC Swats/Easton to try to double dip Classic Glass/Easton. The game was always close throughout and AZM just came up short in the final inning. OC Swats were lead by Fred Scriptures (All Tournament) , Jason Kreider, and Steven Lopez. In the end it was the terrific defense by outfielders Nick Robertson and Allen Samuels that secured the 25-24 victory for OC Swats/Easton. Swats Manager Chris Chaney stated, “ We had four one-run games this weekend and found our team chemistry/metal to help carry us through the rest of our schedule.” The Nationwide Conference USSSA Cactus Classic final would be a real desert duel. Classic Glass/Easton really produced each and every inning. OC Swats/Easton was up to the task as the game entered the seventh all even after a see-saw battle. Key Homeruns were hit by Chris Terry and Jake Conroy to pace Classic Glass and they were answered by Swats Jason Kreider, Jim Kulovitz, and Jeff Flood. Classic took the game to a 20-20 tie by the end of the seventh as the Championship entered extra innings. It was in the bottom of the ninth inning when Classic Glass/Easton received a game winning walk-off base hit from Pitcher John Wheeler (Defensive MVP) to capture the tournament victory 21-20. OC SWATS/Easton finished second with a 6-2 record. Classic Glass/Easton finished 5-0 and was only the second Conference “C” team to win a Conference tournament. “We are a very proud and competitive team and this win was well deserved”, said Manager/Sponsor Tom Formosa. Congratulations to Classic Glass/Easton on their win and accomplishment.
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
in the stifling heat of their hometown. AZM began with wins over 915 Sadistic, 4 The Fallen, and West Coast/Miken. AZM started out with 15-5 victory over 915 of Texas and were not threatened throughout. AZM was very impressive against 4 The Fallen/Miken as they went out to a 10-1 early lead and held off a late inning charge to win 10-8. This propelled them to a impressive win over West Coast/MIken. The temperatures only heated the bats in this evening contest as 86 runs were put up between the 2 squads. AZM took it right down to the wire with a final inning rush to stay on top 48-42 and send West Coast to the loser’s bracket. AZM was now in the Classic Glass/Easton, San Jose, CA. used solid defense and winner’s bracket final facing Classic timely hitting to maintain leads and control over their opponents. Photo by DW http://www.softballcenter.com Glass/Easton. The winner’s bracket final featured some By Lance McCall incredibly consistent play on both sides of the ball by AZM and Classic Glass/Easton. Classic scored early Phoenix, AZ., --- The Nationwide Conference and often with double digit runs in the early innings USSSA Cactus Classic had temperatures that reached keeping the pressure on AZM. Classic was really on 110 degrees and the play was equally as hot. The with their defense and pitching in this contest. Multiple Conference event featured 20 teams with the double plays and good defensive positioning paid off. prohibitive favorites “A” teams Sonny’s of Casper, Classic was lead by All Tournament selections John Wyoming and local powerhouse 4 The Fallen /Miken. Wheeler, Chris Terry, and Dameon Smith. The game The top rated Nationwide Conference USSSA “B” was decided in the fourth inning when AZM’s scoring program nationally was OC Swats/Easton, San Diego, stopped at 16 runs and Classic ran it up to an CA and they were flanked by Famous/Premier/Easton, impressive run rule of 38-16. A well put together West Coast/Miken, AZM, and “C” powerhouse Classic Saturday for Classic Glass/Easton and would now Glass/Easton. await the Loser’s bracket winner on Sunday. Classic Glass/Easton, San Jose, CA began with wins AZM entered the Losers bracket and would face the over Cheba Hut, OC Swats/Easton, and Sonny’s that winner of an epic showdown between Conference landed them in the winner’s bracket final. Classic powers OC Swats/Easton and Sonny’s. The early Glass used solid defense and timely hitting to maintain innings were close as both teams remained tight and leads and control over their opponents. Sonny’s had the edge 14-10. OC Swats/Easton in They narrowly beat OC Swats/Easton 16-15 in a innings five thru seven jumped out and took over the well played game that featured some outstanding lead. OC Swats were lead by AJ Montano (Offensive defense and pitching on both sides. Classic Glass had MVP) , Julio Salazar, Allen Samuels (All Tournament), a key hit late by Chris Terry (Tournament MVP) and a and Chris Arredondo (All Tournament). They held the double play that gave them the 16-15 upset victory. lead going into the top of the seventh by a count of 29The battle with “A” power Sonny’s was another tight 25. Sonny’s had their first batter ground out to pitcher game. Classic Glass was able to separate late in the Mark Urbain. The next two hitters reached base on a contest when they were able to score 6 runs with 2 base hit and double with runners on second and third; outs giving them the victory. Classic with the 28-22 Sonny’s was fortunate to get a slow roller that loaded win were now in the winner’s bracket final. the bases. Swats Mark Urbain’ second pitch to Kevin AZM of Phoenix, AZ , truly showed how to perform Ballard was quickly sent over the left field fence
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STADIUM CL22 Dominate the field! The 2014 Stadium lineup features a nasty 12” barrel end-loaded Chris Larsen signature model and the smooth swinging 13” barrel 2.1 model. Each bat features our SC4 Stadium Alloy handle and a 4.ONE composite barrel for maximum performance. Approved by USSSA, NSA & ISA and available in 26, 27, 28 & 30 weights. 34 inch only
Review: STADIUM CL22 Our group of C and D tournament players were excited to hit the DeMarini Stadium CL22. Before the hitting got underway our players gave high marks to the bats "Sweet" Stadium graphics and of course the number 22 tribute to Majors big time hitter Chris Larsen. Once the hitting commenced the comments were flying as far as the distance the ball flew from the bat. "Wow this is my new favorite USSSA bat I absolutely loved the extra distance I generated on the long bombs," Said Scotty Blackwell "Loved the bat from top to bottom from the comfortable grip to the generous sweetspot."
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
"I can't believe how lively this bat was from the first round to the last rounds of hitting. This bat has got some serious pop to it." Said Paul Reyes.
Line Drives 95 Distance 95 Feel/Sting 94 Sweet Spot 95 Sound 94 Durability 100 Graphics 96
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Joliet, IL.,--- The Nationwide Conference USSSA tournament featured a 35 team field with the top 8 nationally ranked teams and 20 Conference teams. LaserVision/Desert Falls/Boombah/Easton of Cicero, NY proved to be very resilient in this edition of the 2013 Nationwide Conference USSSA. Solid weather kept the event moving at a very good pace. This was the most competitive event to date featuring the Conferences best collection of competitors. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth grabbed second place, Shoppe/Tyja /Louisville Slugger outlasted the field for third place, Line Drive Sportz/SSS/Miken captured fourth place. LaserVision progressed early with dominating wins over Lumber Company, Trust/Detroit, and Precision/Hang Rite all by run rules averaging 34 runs per game. In the winner bracket semi’s they met Pure Romance of Cincinnati, OH, who dispatched Nordkap/Suncoast/Reebok in a tight contest, LaserVision beat them 32-26 in a tough battle. LaserVision/DesertFalls/Boombah/Easton was now headed to the Winners bracket final. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth was rocking the other side of the bracket with wins over Wizard’s Softball, South Texas Posse, and surging Red’s Astros/Louisville Slugger. In the Semi’s Resmondo would face Baugh Ford/MOJO/Louisville Slugger who narrowly beat GTL/Doerflinger/R&M Metals Easton 31-28. Resmondo jumped out early and Baugh Ford lost its horsepower and fell to the Resmondo 31-1. A hot
Resmondo would now face nemesis LaserVision who was without one of their leader’s pitcher Geno Buck in the winner bracket final. The winner’s bracket final featured some solid Resmondo offense as this game ended in four innings. Resmondo was lead by Greg Connell, BJ Fulk, and Dennis Rulli. The unexpected and usually reliable LaserVision defense made some untimely errors that extended several early innings. Resmondo was able to stifle the reigning Major World Champions as LaserVision stumbled in a disappointing four inning 33-13 run rule. Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth would now await their opponent in the Championship for the Windy City Title. The Sunday Losers bracket final featured a rallying Shoppe/TYJA/Louisville Slugger who dominated the loser’s bracket to face LaserVision. This game was very close as LaserVision’s pitcher Travis Clark (CO-MVP) and his teammates were down late in this contest. A seventh inning nail-biter as Brett Helmer, Mike Umscheid, and Bryson Baker keyed a game tying comeback. The bases were loaded for LaserVisions Chad Durick as he stroked a game winning single off Andy Vitcak that propelled LaserVision to the Championship finals to face an awaiting Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Worth. The Windy City Championship game started off with an offensive outburst by LaserVision. They jumped out to a big lead by 10 and 12 runs in the early going. LaserVision was led by All Tournament selections Sam Lopez, Brian Rainwater, Todd Filby, and Scott Kirby.
Resmondo trying to change their fortunes late in the game smoked a ball through the middle that struck pitcher Travis Clark in the hand. LaserVision stifled Resmondo in the fifth by making several key defensive plays by Lopez and Umscheid. LaserVision entered the fifth inning with one thing on their mind to end this game and move to the “IF” game for their ultimate revenge. A great offensive push rallied LaserVision to a 4732 run rule victory. “We wanted to beat Resmondo and take this Windy City title for our team and sponsors” said LaserVisions Brett Helmer. In the “IF” game LaserVision brought a fast and furious barrage of offense and defense in the quest for the title. The fourth inning proved decisive as LaserVision/DesertFalls/Boombah/Easton of Cicero, NY scored 37 runs and finished off Resmondo with a run rule 37-17. The tournament CO-MVP was LaserVisions Travis Clark and Mike Umschied. The Defensive MVP was Easton’s Brian Wegman and Resmondo’s Greg Connell was the tournaments Offensive MVP. It climaxed a weekend of tremendous play by many Conference teams but certainly was highlighted by and overall impressive run by a 7-1 LaserVision/DesertFalls/Boombah/Easton team that now resembles their reigning Major World Champion status. The top of the softball food chain is certainly poised for some very competitive and feisty battles as we progress through the 2013 Nationwide Conference USSSA season.
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
By Robert Campbell
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B3, ASA- Raw Power ASA Slow-Pitch Bat Engineered for an evenly balanced feel for ultimate bat control. The B3.0 is an ASA evenly balanced 2-piece composite design. The 2-piece connection provides a great flex at contact while the all new SIC Black carbon gives the bat an extra soft feel when you are smashing the balls.
• Provides maximum energy transfer upon contact • Improves feel and reduces vibration for smooth bat control
Review: B3, ASA- Raw Power ASA Our group of hitters were fired up to try-out Easton's new B3, ASA- Raw Power bat. "I have been swinging Easton bats for several years now and this bad did not disappoint," Said Randy Walters. "The grip and bat were very comfortable to swing and our group launched several long balls. The ball fired off the bat well and I would strongly recommend this bat."
Softball Today • JUNE 2013
"With great pop and great durability this will be my new top ASA bat in my bat bag. I loved the sweet look and overall feel of the Easton B3." Said Marty Verdello
Line Drives 94 Distance 94 Feel/Sting 93 Sweet Spot 95 Sound 94 Durability 100 Graphics 95
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