ESPN RISE Softball | Promote Your Page Too

Senior shortstop Gianna Duncan of Wheat Ridge High School (Colo.) hadn't hit the ball out of the infield in her previous at bats when she walked up to the plate with two on, two outs, down by one in the seventh inning. That wouldn't matter...she only needed one hit. She hit a double over the centerfielder's head on Saturday and sparked a five-run rally during the seventh inning as Wheat Ridge won its second consecutive Class 4A state softball title and fourth championship overall since 2002.

 

If you enjoy rooting for the underdogs, you might have stumbled across Blanchard High School out of Blanchard, Okla.

The team faced adversity all season including having to give up three wins after playing an ineligible player for three games. After that, their coach was suspended for the season.

Regardless, the Lions fought.

They went into the state championship with 11 losses. What is more important is that they finished their season on a win. With only one senior on the field, the Blanchard Lions took out defending champion Tuttle High School to take the 4A title.

The Lions took advantage of a unsteady Tuttle squad and scored three runs on errors.

Leslie Miller, the winning pitcher, is only a sophomore but played with the experience of a senior. She struck out four of the last eight batters including the final batter. She had 11 strikeouts on the game.

 

*****

When the No.19 out of 32 Highlands Ranch High School (Littleton, Colo.) team set to face the No.3 Chapparral (Parker, Colo.) squad, most people thought it would be an easy win.

However, after the Falcons rallied to win five in a row to even qualify for districts, people should have known they would not go down without a fight.

The district final nail-biter was tied 3-3 in the ninth inning. Sid Guitierrez, the winning pitcher, knocked in the game-winning RBI and pushed her team into the state playoffs.

 

 

 

ESPN RISE Softball | Promote Your Page Too

Season is winding down for the states that play in the fall. Below are some of the top players out of Colo. this 2009 season.

SENIORS

Shelby Babcock - Legacy High School - Committed to Univ. of Arizona

Albernice Drayton - Cherokee High School - Committed to the Univ. of North Carolina State

Chelsea O'Connor - Windsor High School - Committed to the Univ. of Tennessee

Molly Mullervy - Arapahoe High School

Aubrey Mable - Eaglecrest High School

Lindsey Boyd - Stanley Lake High School

Sami Springer - Cherry Creek High School

Stephanie Routzen - Wheat Ridge High School

Jenna Engel - Heritage High School

Rheana Trujillo - Canyon City High School

JUNIORS

Shae Rodriguez - Legacy High School

Shannon Lembeck - Mullen High School

Kam Smallwood - Mountain Vista High School

Melanie White - Rock Canyon High School

Mikayla Duffy - Grand Junction Central High School

Emily Jennings - Liberty High School

Nicole Hudson - Stanley Lake High School

Raya Johnson - Eaglecrest High School

Lindsey Schell - Mullen High School

Kelli Eastman - Mountain View

Mary Towner - Ralston Valley High School

Buggz Torrez - Legacy High School

SOPHOMORES

Elle Madsen - Wheat Ridge High School

Jessica Ball - Legacy High School

Gia Marquez - Mullen High School 

ESPN RISE Softball | Promote Your Page Too

 

ON THE RISE

Peyton Watson – Shortstop – Little Axe High School

Oklahoma had a tough week because of the weather, but it didn't stop Peyton Watson from dominating at the plate.

The junior shortstop played in two games and was on fire. She was four for six with a homerun and three runs scored. She also knocked in four runs. She is batting .522 on the season.
 

ON A ROLL

Holy Family High School, out of Broomfield, Colo., might be a young team but you would never guess that after watching them play.

After being in the state championship game four years in a row, Holy Family has only two girls playing the same position and three freshmen starting.

Despite their youth, the Tigers are ranked fifth and have an 8-3 record. Two of their three losses came in one run games to teams in the 4A division, and their third loss was to second-ranked Valley High School.

Just this past week they defeated Eaton High School 3-0. They continue to  improve and gain valuable experience with each game.

Pitcher Rachel Boothe leads the force for the Tigers and, as a senior, provides leadership for the young team.

 

CROSS-TOWN SHOWDOWN

In a cross-town rivalry, Calhoun High School defeated Sonoraville High School (Calhoun, Ga.) 5-0.

Syanne Dobson led the force for the Lady Jackets, allowing only two hits in the game. Offensively, Morgan Hill dominated at the plate. She was involved in every run that scored in the game. She knocked in three of the runs and scored two herself.

 

 

By Garland Cooper

 1)    Gordon Lee High School (Chickamauga, Ga.)

This past weekend Gordon Lee High School won its second consecutive Cherokee Invitational tournament. The Trojans finished the tournament an undefeated 6-0 and plowed through three state-ranked teams on Saturday. The Trojans have depth on the mound in the form of Jonia Taylor and Brenna Nation. Taylor gave up only two earned runs and had 27 strikeouts in her three games, and Nation gave up no earned runs and recorded 20 Ks. They combined to allow ten hits. Sam Taylor batted .611 on the weekend, Lesslie Bohannon batted .500 and Holli Brooks batted .389. Their strong offensive leads them to score an average of 7.4 runs a game. With the combination of hitting, pitching, and depth on the mound this team will be hard to beat in the post season. They improved to 15-2 and have won 14 consecutive games! They are HOT HOT HOT! 

 

2)    Kayla Wyatt – P – Purcell High School (Purcell, Okla.)

Kayla Wyatt pitches for the No.1 team in 3A Oklahoma softball, Purcell High School. She is 15-1 on the season and has a 0.31 ERA. She has struck out 134 batters in 81 innings. Needless to say, she is the driving force behind the tough Dragons squad. In her last outing she led her team to a 3-0, ten-inning win over Newcastle. She struck out 14 in the game. Purcell is now 18-1 on the season and will vie for a state championship. 

 

3)    Legacy High School (Broomfield, Colo.)

This team is 6-0-1 on the season so far behind all-star pitcher Shelby Babcock. Babcock, an Arizona recruit, has a 0.00 ERA on the season and is batting .444. She has struck out 51 batters in five games and 35 innings pitched. Between Babcock's strength on the mound, and the team's offensive strength (they have outscored opponents 35-2) watch for the Lightning to take their third straight 5A state title.

 

4) Kelsey Kessler – P – Blue Springs High School (Blue Springs, Mo.)

Kessler went her whole freshman season undefeated on the mound (30-0). While she has lost one game so far this season, she is still 7-1 and dominant from the circle. It won't be another undefeated season, but Kessler will give the Wildcats a chance to repeat as state champs.

 

5)    Webster Groves High School (Webster Groves, Mo.)

Before losing to 3^rd seed Summit last week (a team they had previously beaten) the Webster Groves high school team, who came in as the 11^th seed, had proven it could play with the best. They went on an eight game winning streak playing a tough schedule. They beat the 3^rd seed Summit, 6^th seed Lafayette, and the 2 seed Oakville (1-0 in nine innings). Their record is 11-2 and their only losses come from two teams that they also have beaten. Their success comes mostly from their big bats. They have scored 74 runs on 13 games. The top half of their lineup include Medina West, Cassie Rizzo, Katie Heidinger, and Emma Buckles have a combined average of .428 with 47 RBI. If they can stay hot and keep scoring runs and blowing out opponents, things are looking good for them in the post season.

 

 

 

 

By Garland Cooper

TEXAS

Four athletes have signed the NLIs to become a Longhorn. They are: Kimberly Bruins out of Redlands, Calif., Taylor Hoagland from Flower Mound, Texas, Blaire Luna out of Austin, Texas, and Torie Schmidt from Yorba Linda, Calif.

Bruins, a pitcher, plays for Redlands High School and the Calif. Cruisers. Last season she batted .412 and also dominated on the mound with 227 Ks.

Hoagland is a third baseman for Flower Mound High School and the Schutt Avengers Gold. She was an All-State player this past season.

Luna pitches for Bowie High School and the Round Rock Blaze. She boasts only three earned runs in 137 innings pitched, which helped her team to the class 5A state championship game.

Schmidt is s second baseman and outfielder for the Calif. Raiders and Valencia High School. Schmidt has helped to lead her high school team to two CIF championships.


KANSAS

Kansas has signed six athletes to round out their 2009-2010 roster. The players include: Kalum Haack out of Katy, Texas, Maggie and Rosie Hull from Lawrence, Kan., Mariah Montgomery from Ralston, Neb., Alex Jones out of Edin, Okla., and Kendall Patterson out of McLouth, Kan.

Haack is a shortstop for Katy High School. In 2007 Haack was the leader in hits, RBIs, total bases, doubles and runs scored in the whole Houston area. She has been All-District the past three seasons.

The Hull sisters play the outfield for Free State High School. Maggie was First Team All-State, All-Kansas City, and All-League in 2007. In 2006 Rosie was a Second Team All-League selection.

Jones pitches for Enid High School where she has been the MVP of her league the past two years and was the Offensive Player of the Year this past season. She recorded a 0.11 ERA with a .643 batting average. She was awarded All-State honors for her efforts.
 
Montgomery has been First Team All-State the past three seasons. In 2008 she hit ten triples, a state Class B record. She also broke the school record for homeruns with seven and for RBIs with 41. She ended the season with a .414 batting average.
 
Patterson catches for McLouth High School where she has been an All-State selection for three seasons. She hit 23 doubles in 23 games and had 17 RBIs and a.810 batting average.


OKLAHOMA STATE

The Cowgirls have signed four for their 2009-2010 campaign. The athletes include: Katie Asher out of Tucson, Ariz., Kat Espinosa from Houston, Texas, Amy Graham from Hominy, Okla., and Taylor Smith from Newcastle, Okla.

Asher plays third base for Canyon Del Oro High School. She was First Team All-State as a junior and has led her team to back-to-back state championships.

Espinosa is a righty hurler for Bellaire High School. In 2008 she went 20-8 on the mound with a 0.80 ERA and 291 Ks. For her efforts she was named the District MVP, First Team All-Greater Houston, and First Team All-District (third year running).

Graham plays infield and outfield for Hominy High School. She was an All-State selection this fall season and has been the MVP of the Varsity squad the past three season. Her impressive .667 batting average her sophomore year was a state leader as well as her 76 stolen bases.

Smith is a utility player for Newcastle High School. She was an All-State selection as a senior and was also the conference MVP.

MISSOURI

 Missouri has signed five to join them in 2009. They are: Rachel Hay out of Kansas City, Mo., Nicole Hudson from Webb City, Mo., Jenna Marston from St. Louis, Mo., Lindsey Muller from Stilwell, Kan., and Ashlie Oretga out of Brighton, Colo.

Hay plays for Oak Park High School and the Olathe Rockets. She was an All-District selection the past three years, and was All-Region for two years. In her high school career she has recorded an impressive .425 batting average. In 2008 alone she batted .470 with seven homeruns.

Hudson is a third baseman and outfielder for Webb City High School. She has been a First Team All-State selection since 2005 and holds several state records. She can be found in the record book under Career RBIs (185), Career Walks (77), and Career Homeruns (40).  Her career batting average is a whopping .593 and on the mound she has accumulated 73 wins and only eight losses throughout her time on the varsity squad. Her efforts helped her team to a State Championship in 2007.
 
Marston is a shortstop and utility player for Principia High School and the Mo. diamond Cats. She has been First Team All-League since 2005 and was First Team All-State in 2007 and Second Team All-State in 2008. She has over a .600 batting average the past three years of high school and recorded a .486 batting average in club play.

Muller is a utility player for Blue Valley High School and the Olathe Rockets. She was First Team All-League in 2007 and 2008 and batted .493 her senior year. In club play she was .413 at the plate this past season with nine homers.

Ortega is a shortstop and utility player for Erie High School and the Colo. Stampede. She was a member of the All-Colorado Team in 2008 and has a .431 career batting average. Her senior year she recorded a .576 slugging percentage, a .773 on-base percentage, and hit nine triples. Her efforts led her team to a 2008 Colo. State Championship.

GEORGIA

The Bulldogs bring five new players to their 2009-2010 squad. They are: Alison Owen out of Sharpsburg, Ga., Katie Rietkovich from South Guyton, Ga., Amberlie Saxton out of Jefferson, Ga., Sara Sikes from Douglasville, Ga., and Laura Trout from Summerville, S.C.

Owen is a pitcher and utility player for East Coweta High School and the Georgia Impact. Her senior year she dominated on the mound with a 12-6-1 record and a 0.65 ERA. For her efforts her team named her Pitcher of the Year. She also did well at the plate, leading her team in homeruns her senior year. She has been an All-County selection the past three seasons.

Rietkovich is an infielder for South Effingham High School and the Angles Gold. She holds several school records including single season batting average (.467), hits (46), doubles (16), homeruns (3), RBI (28), and stolen bases (20). She holds career records as well including batting average (.386), hits (151), doubles (37), homeruns (5), RBI (66) and stolen bases (56). She was First Team All-Region and First Team All-State for her efforts.

Saxton is an infielder for Mill Creek High School and the East Cobb Bullets Gold. She led her team to a State Championship this past fall season. Her team named her the Offensive Player of the Year for all four of her years on the varsity team. Three seasons she was an All-County selection and twice she was a First Team All-State selection and County Offensive Player of the Year.

Sikes is an outfielder for Chapel Hill High School and the Georgia Elite Gold. At the plate, Sikes recorded a .457 average with 30 doubles, five triples, two homers, 30 RBI, and 16 stolen bases. She was her team's Offensive Player of the Year as a senior and was the team MVP as a junior.

Trout is an infielder for Spartanburg Methodist College. She led her community college in batting average (.492), triples (9), homeruns (10), and RBI (33). She was an All-Region, and a NJCAA Second Team All-American.

NEBRASKA

The Huskers will bring five athletes to round out their 2009-2010 roster. They are: Gabby Banda out of Texas, Kylee Muir from Ore., Keela Scott from Mo., Megan Southworth from Neb., and Brooke Thomason out of Kan.
 
Banda is an infielder for Angleton High School and the Texas Sudden Impact Gold. She was First Team All-County and All-District this past season.

Muir is an infielder for Lincoln High School and the Northwest Bullets Gold. She has been All-State for three seasons and was Fist Team All-League for three seasons as well. She was league MVP in 2007.

Scott is an infielder for Liberty High School and the KC Zephyrs Gold. She was First Team All-District and Second Team All-Conference for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.

Southworth is a catcher for Papillion LaVista High School and the Omaha Select. She led her high school team to a second place finish in the state championships this fall season after taking the title in 2006 and 2007. She was a two-time First Team All-State selection in 2007 and 2008. She put up impressive numbers her senior year batting .422 with 29 RBIs and 11 doubles.

Thomason is an outfielder for Blue Valley Northwest High School and the KC Peppers. She batted .470 in 2008 earning First Team All-Metro and All-League honors. She also recorded a .742 slugging percentage, .527 on-base percentage, nine doubles, three triples, 22 RBI, and 12 stolen bases.

**For more information, refer to each college's athletic website.

By Garland Cooper

**Below is a list of the top high school players out of Colo. They are grouped according to their division and alphabetically.

5A
Shelby Babcock (Jr.) - P - Legacy - 22-1 W/L, 0.15 ERA, 274 K
Lindsey Boyd (Jr.) - UT - Standley Lake - .520 BA, 34 SB, 6 3B, 28 R
Bri Donahue (Sr.) - OF - Ralston Valley - .354 BA, 23 R
Alby Drayton (Jr.) - OF - Cherokee Trail - .414 BA, 27 R, 19 SB
Raquel Howes (Sr.) - IF - Liberty - 11 HR, 40 RBI, .561 BA
Mickey Kenney (Sr.) - OF - Arvada West - 26 RBI, .463 BA
Tahnea Leeling (Sr.) - DH - Highlands Ranch - 9 HR, 37 RBI, .433 BA
Aubrey Mable (Jr.) - 2B - Eaglecrest - .528 BA, 24 RBI
Aubree Maul  (Sr.) - P - Rocky Mountain - 17-1 W/L, 1.53 ERA, 143 K
Mackenzie Miller (So.) - UT -  Conifer - .417 BA, 29 SB, 37 R
Kelsey O'Brian (Sr.) - P - Columbine - 12-5 W/L, 0.85 ERA, 200 K
Mallorie Sulaski (Sr.) - P - Bear Creek - 17-4, 0.97 ERA, 135 K, .451 BA
Buggs Torrez (So.) - C - Legacy- 39 RBI, .629 BA
Brianna Vansickle (Fr.) - 3B - Rocky Mountain - .547 BA

4A
Jenna D'Ottavio (Jr.) - IF - Mullen - 38 RBI, .548 BA
Brandi Hawkins (So.) - DH - Mullen - 35 RBI, .487 BA
Kendall Kautz (Sr.) - P - Northridge - 15-3 W/L, 0.82 ERA, 192 K
Shannon Lembeck (So.) - IF - Mullen - .514 BA, 15 SB, 22 RBI, 23 R
Elle Madsen (Fr.) - OF - Wheat Ridge - 45 RBI, .519 BA
Chelsea O'Connor (Jr.) - OF - Windsor - 25 RBI, .438 BA
Stephanie Routzon (Jr.) - P - Wheat Ridge - 23-0 W/L, 0.88 ERA, 179 K
Kelsey Tillery (Jr.) - C - Windsor - .500 BA, 26 R

3A
Sasha Fong (So.) - 3B - Erie - 25 RBI, .453 BA
Ashlie Ortega (Sr.) - SS - Erie - 25 RBI, .571 BA
Rheana Trujillo (Jr.) - OF - Canon City

By Garland Cooper

"I deal with pressure really well," states junior Shelby Babcock out of Colo. "I actually think I play better."

Well, she would have to perform well under pressure to attend a school like the Univ. of Ariz., which boasts eight National Championships. Babcock committed early this week to be a Wildcat for the 2010-11 season.

After a busy high school season and the hectic recruiting process, Babcock admits that she is happy to finally relax. "It feels amazing," she states, "It is a big relief."

To say Babcock had a busy high school season is an understatement. The junior pitcher led her Legacy High School team to their second consecutive state title. In the process, Babcock struck out 60 batters in four games, allowed only five hits, and threw a no-hitter in the semis. It's no wonder she felt like she would fit right in at Ariz.

	COURTESY OF THE BABCOCK FAMILY
	Two-time Colo. State Champion, Shelby Babcock.

"I loved everything about Arizona. It is such an amazing school and campus, and I'm so excited to have the opportunity to play for the former Olympic coach, Mike Candrea," Babcock explains. "It just felt like a good fit.

The junior started playing softball when she was seven and she was recognized for her outstanding ability at a young age.

Babcock was invited to try out for the Junior National Team when she was only 12 years old. "It was an amazing experience and I'm really proud that I was invited to the tryouts," Babcock remembers. At the tryout she was the second youngest athlete and the one of the fastest throwing pitchers.

Now, several years later, Babcock is still dominating on the mound. It was no surprise that she was heavily recruited by several top programs including Texas A&M, Baylor, Missouri, and Cal.

Babcock, however, is quick to give credit to the coaches that have helped her in her career. "My coach Joe Lembeck was instrumental in getting me exposed to a lot of great schools." She continues, "I have played for him for three seasons, going on my fourth. He is amazing!"

Lembeck wasn't the only coach to help mold Babcock into a championship pitcher; she also credits her pitching coach Jenny Lindstrom who she has worked with for six years. "I would not trade her for anything.  I have been very lucky to have had so many great people in my life!"

Babcock obviously values good coaching which makes it no surprise that it was a big factor in her decision-making process when choosing a college. "I was so impressed in Ariz. when I talked to Mike Candrea," she continues, "He was really confident. I was surprised and amazed at his confidence and it really opened my eyes."

After that, Babcock didn't waste much time committing to Candrea and the Wildcats. Right when she left the campus, she felt the urge to go back and announce her decision.

Really, it was no surprise to Babcock that she felt so strongly about attending Arizona. "It has been my dream school since I was a little girl. I have reached one of my dreams and that is an amazing feeling."

Now that her dreams have come true, Babcock will enjoy the rest of her high school career. However, that doesn't mean she will be slacking off. Babcock is set on winning a third state championship. "I think we have a good shot," she stated. "We are only losing one senior so we will have an experienced team."

In the meantime, she will look forward to playing at Ariz., the school that was a perfect fit for her in more ways than one. "You can play outside all year round, and it is always warm!" Babcock, a Colo. native, included. The coaching and campus was number one of course, but the weather was icing on the cake.

Speaking of icing on the cake, Babcock joins an always-impressive Ariz. squad and with two state titles already under her belt, Babcock will definitely be the icing on the cake for an already stellar collegiate program.

By Garland Cooper

 This weekend was the end of the high school season in Colo. and Neb. Below are details from the week's games.

COLORADO
 
5A
Shelby Babcock led Legacy to their second Class 5A Title. She allowed only one run in 28 innings and four games. She also recorded 60 Ks in the four games and allowed five hits. One of these games was a no-hitter against Bear Creek in the semifinals.

Buggs Torrez, a sophomore, contributed offensively with a three-run homer in the championship game.

4A
In the Class 4A finals Heather Eggleston and Melanie Castillo both nailed two-run homers in a Wheat Ridge win over Frederick, 14-1.

Stephanie Routzon took the win on the mound with nine Ks and only three hits allowed. In the four playoff games she struck out 40 batters.

3A
Erie took the 3A crown this past weekend. They defeated Holy Family 6-0 in the finals.

Sasha Fong led the team offensively with a three-run homerun and Jordan Ruiz was a perfect three for three at the plate. In the semifinal game Fong was three for four with a homerun, two doubles and four RBIs against Platte Canyon.

Ashlie Ortega had a great tournament. For Erie as well She was 8 for 11 at the plate and had seven RBIs and five extra-base hits.

Mariah Bledsoe allowed only three hits in the final game, another successful performance on the mound.

RockyMountainOnline.com has the whole story.

NEBRASKA

A
Lincoln Southwest took the Class A State Title with a 4-3 win over Papillion-La Vista. Becca Changstrom took the win on the mound.

B
Blair defeated Omaha Skutt in the final game of the state tournament. They won 4-1 led by Taylor Fernau who hit a three-run homerun to give Blair the lead. Carly Nielsen took the win on the mound.

Brittany Talecky hit a two-run homerun and Tatum Peery hit a three-run homerun for Seward as they beat Lakeview 6-0 earlier in the tournament. Peery had hit a two-run dinker in a 2-0 win over Omaha Gross earlier in the tournament.

C
Yutan Mead took the title in Class C play. They beat Bennington 4-0 in the final game. Kelli Fisher was the winning pitcher and she had a great tournament with 32 strikeouts in four games, seven of which came in the final game.

Consult the Omaha World Herald Online and Steve Beideck for more details.

By Garland Cooper

GEORGIA

Defending champions Calhoun won the 7-AA region tournament title again this year, but Rockmart did not make it easy. They defeated Rockmart 4-3 in the second game of the championship round but only after losing their first game 5-4. Although they couldn't pull off a regional championship, Rockmart played strong offensive led by Kellee Stone who went three for eight with four stolen bases and scored three runs.

For more see Prepgameface.com.

NEBRASKA

Beatrice won a district championship this past weekend by winning two games in extra innings. They beat Seward twice, 1-0 and 6-5, both in eight innings.

Omaha Gross won five games in a row in the tournament including two wins over Ralston, 2-0 and 3-0. Gross was lead by pitcher Rachel Dukich who pitched most of the innings for the Cougars.

Papillion won their district after defeating Fremont 8-0 in five innings in the championship game. Alexis Glessman went three for three at the plate with two doubles and Megan Southworth was two for two on the day.

Becca Changstrom struck out 17 as Millard South defeated Southwest 3-0.

Kaiti Williams, a sophomore from Papio South, had an RBI double and hit a two-run homerun to lead her team to beat Lincoln Northwest 8-0 in six innings.

Yutan Mead won their region with the help of several athletes that have had great seasons thus far. Kelli Fisher is the pitcher in charge for the team, she has 356 Ks and is 18-1 on the season.  Kaylea Kule (.457) and Robin Nagle (.498) lead the offensive charge for Yutan Mead.

For the whole story see the Omaha World Herald Online.

COLORADO

Shelby Babcock for Legacy threw a no-hitter against Loveland in which she struck out 14 in the 10-0 six inning win. She also pitched against Palmer to give her nine innings pitched, 23 Ks, no hits allowed and two wins on the day. Melissa Marcovecchio and Buggs Torrez went three for four and Marcovecchio had three RBIs and Torrez had two RBIs. Babcock also contributed at the plate with two runs knocked in and she also went two for three. Shae Rodriguez led the offensive push in the Palmer game, she hit a grand slam and went to for two with five RBIs.

Rocky Mountain News Online has the whole story.

MISSOURI

Kelsey Kessler strikes again with her seventh no-hitter of the season which clenched a district title for Blue Springs. Blue Springs beat Blue Springs South 2-0

Jenny Bowen, just a freshman for Truman, shined on the mound and at the plate as they beat Suburban Big Six champions Winnetonka. She singled and doubled for Truman as well in their 4-1 win.

Linley Tate pitched in a 2-1 William Chrisman win over Fort Osage. She allowed only two hits in the district championship game.
 

More at the Examiner.net.

OKLAHOMA STATE FINALS

Class 4A Final

Tuttle won their second straight state championship after defeating Fort Gibson in the final game. Nicole Workman was the hero, hitting a bomb over the fence in the bottom of the seventh to clench the 8-7 win.  She also pitched the game for the Tigers, after not pitching much of the season due to a shoulder injury.

Class 3A Final

Washington beat Adair to take the 3A state championship. They won 5-2 with help from catcher Caitlyn Marcum who led on offense. She hit a homerun in the fourth and had three RBIs and scored one run on the day.

Class 2A Final

Hope McLemore was the force that Ringling needed to overcome Latta in the championship game of the state tournament. They won a 1-0 nail biter and a lot of it had to do with McLemore's efforts on the mound and at the plate. She was on base three times and she scored the only run of the game on offense. She also pitched a shut out and had 16Ks on the day.

Class A Final

Michelle Hanna pitched a shut out as Depew beat Velma-Alma 3-0 for its first state championship. Kyla Sutton pitched a great game for Velma-Alma retiring 11 batters in a row at one point in the game. It was one big inning for Depew that gave them the three runs they needed to take the title.

Class B Final

Freshman Marissa Shaffer led Sasakwa to a state title after beating two-time defending champion Red Oak. She only faced two batters over the minimum in the 2-0 shutout. This was Sasakwa's first state appearance not only for softball, but also for any women's sport in the school. Shaffer struck out 14 in the game.

For more information on the state finals see CoachesAid.com.
 

By Garland Cooper

MISSOURI

NOTEWORTHY:

Blue Springs South, with the help of pitcher Mariah Glasscock, defeated Raytown South this week to give them some added confidence going into the district tournament. Glasscock, despite walking eight batters, pitched a no-hitter. She struck out 11 to give the Jaguars a 5-0 win.

The District Tournament games begin October 8.

MATCHUPS
Class 4 District 13 Tournament at Legacy Park, Lee's Summit
First Round
Lee's Summit North vs. Sedalia Smith-Cotton
Lee's Summit West vs. Raymore-Peculiar
Lee's Summit vs. Warrensburg

Class 4 District 14 Tournament at Blue Springs South High School
First Round
Raytown South vs. Notre Dame de Sion
Raytown vs. Grandview
Blue Springs South vs. Hickman Mills

Class 4 District 15 Tournament at Liberty High School
First Round
Truman vs. Winnetonka
Fort Osage vs. William Chrisman

Class 3 District 14 Tournament at Webb Park, Oak Grove
First Round
Harrisonville vs. Ruskin
Oak Grove vs. O'Hara
Semifinals
Pleasant Hill vs. Harrisonville-Ruskin winner
Grain Valley vs. Oak Grove-O'Hara winner

Class 2 District 16 Tournament at Mid-Buchanan High School, Faucett
First Round
St. Mary's vs. North Platte

For more tournament news see Examiner.net.


GEORGIA

NOTEWORTHY:

Rockmart secured its state sectional berth by rallying in the seventh inning of a game against Coosa, which they won 5-2.  They started off regionals with three straight wins.

Calhoun, the region tournament's defending champion, defeated Adiarsville with the help of ace, Maddie Monroe. She threw a three-hit shutout with 11Ks.

Haley Love and Melanie Trevathan provide depth for an already solid Northside squad. The team's batting average is about .300, but it is the depth in the circle that wins most of their games. Northside finished the regular season 6-0. This past week Trevathan pitched in a 4-2 win over Harris County and Love recorded 10Ks on the mound in a shutout against Hardaway. Trevathan also dominated on the mound in a 1-0 win over LaGrange that put them in the championship game at their regional tournament.

Holly Burnes, a sophomore for Coosa, pitched a shutout and allowed only two hits in a 8-0 win over Pepperell. This was an elimination game and the semifinal game of the Region 7-AA regional tournament. This win secured their spot in the state championships which will be the school's first tournament appearance since the program was started nine years ago.

State tournament begins October 17.

For more tournament news see the Ledger-Enquierer.com and PrepGameFace.com.


COLORADO

NOTEWORTHY:

In 5A, Rocky Mountain will be a tough team to beat in Colorado. They are on a 17- game winning streak, and don't seem to be coming out of it anytime soon. They will, however, face some tough teams along the way including Lincoln, Rampart and Grandview who are in the regional tournament hosted by Rocky Mountain. If they can survive those teams they will get a chance to vie for a state title.

For more, refer to Rocky Mountain News Online.

By Garland Cooper

MISSOURI

Sept. 30
Kenzie Myers went six for six at the plate for William Chrisman in a doubleheader against Park Hill. They only won the first game, 5-2, and lost the second, 7-6.

Zanny Baker had a good day at the plate for Raytown South in their 9-8 defeat over Fort Osage. She was two for three with two runs scored and three RBIs.

Sept. 27
Fort Osage beat Staley in a conference game, 5-4. Kim Jordan lead the team on defense and offense. She threw out a runner to end the game, preventing the tying run to score and hit a double to bring in an important run for the team.

Sept. 25
Taylor Lipps suffered a frustrating loss for Harrisonville after losing 1-0 to Grain Valley. She gave up no earned ones and struck out 11 in the loss.

For more Missouri high school softball news, see the Examiner.net.

COLORADO

Amy Christopher for Holy Family High School has led the Tigers to a 12-0 record this season. She herself has a 11-0 record with one no-hitter and four one-hitters. She has a .59 ERA and only has allowed five earned runs cross the plate. She also has led the team offensively with 14 RBIs and a .606 batting average.

Rocky Mountain High School has some players that are having a great season. Aubree Maul is leading the team with a .560 batting average and 26 RBI. She also has gone 11-0 in the circle with 87 Ks and a 1.00 ERA.

Rocky Mountain News Online has the whole story.

GEORGIA

Sept. 30
Adairsville beat Rockmart in a close 1-0 game. Danielle Abernathy pitched a one-hitter in the shutout.

For more check with PrepGameFace.com.
 

	COURTESY OF COACH JEFF FILALI
	Tara Underhill

OKLAHOMA

Bailee Cartwright, a junior out of Moss High School, led her team to Regionals by putting up an amazing .822 batting average at Districts. She went five for six with three doubles, two triples, five RBIs and five stolen bases.

Amy Graham, a senior out of Hominy High School, helped lead her team to the Regional Tournament after batting 12 for 19 (.632) at the plate, and stole eight bases in nine attempts. For the season she is 50 for 88 (.568) with  54 stolen bases.

Tara Underhill is a junior out of Henryetta High School, she  went seven for 12 this week with a triple, two doubles and six RBIs to help the Lady Knights.


Next week will begin Regional Tournaments good luck to all the teams.

Anne DeWire is a player to keep an eye out this fall high school season.

A 2009 graduate, she plays for ThunderRidge High School and for the 18A Colorado Mountain Thunder.

Last year she was her school's Varsity third baseman and shortstop and in 2005 and 2006 she also lettered at third base. She was named Second Team All-Conference for her high school and she was a member of the USSSA All-Star Team at the 12A, 14A, and 16A levels.

A well-rounded student-athlete, DeWire takes AP classes and also works as a Student Athletic Trainer.

Look for her this fall helping lead her team on the field and at the plate.

Chelsea Jones is a right-handed pitcher and outfielder for El Reno High School and the Oklahoma Dynamites BadSide Gold.

A 2011 graduate, she is a starter on the Varsity squad at her high school. In 2007 she helped her team to a Regional Title. With El Reno, she also placed second at the 5A State High School Tournament. Individually, Jones led her team in batting average (.427), and slugging percentage. She also was named to the Suburban All Conference Team. The same year her club team won the AFA "A 16U National Championship.

She is also a great student off the field and is a member of the Superintendents Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA every semester. She also is a Superior Plus Rated Pianist and has achieved this honor for the last four years.

Watch for Jones leading the El Reno squad to another Regional Championship this year!

By Garland Cooper

MISSOURI

Sept. 17

In the Missouri River Valley Conference West, Grain Valley defeated Oak Grove on Tuesday. Ashley Danner brought in the game-winning RBI to put Grain Valley up 4-3. MaKenzie Green was four for four at the plate with two doubles and she knocked in the tying run.

Sept. 18

Makayla Oliphant had a good day behind the plate and up to bat, contributing two hits in her four at-bats and driving in one run in a Fort Osage win over Truman.

Lee's Summit North defeated Blue Springs South in a close 1-0 game. Mariah Glasscock took the loss but only allowed one hit in the game. A wild pitch and passed ball scored the only run in the game.

Sept. 19

William Chrisman beat Oak Park for the first time since the year 2000. Both are members of the Suburban Big Seven and the Bears won 2-1 on Thursday.  Linley Tate pitched a great game, striking out seven and giving up only three hits.

Taylor Keal led Blue Springs South to a 3-0 win over Lee's Summit. She allowed only one hit from the mound.

In the Missouri River Valley Conference, Grain Valley beat Pleasant Hill 3-0 in a ten-inning nail-biter. The Eagles finally broke it open in the tenth with three runs to back up their pitcher, Sydney Fairfield, who had only allowed two hits and retired 11 batters throughout the game.

Sept. 20

Blue Springs South made it to the finals of the Blue Springs South Invitational by winning some close games with strengths on offense and defense. They beat Kearney 1-0 and Park Hill South 2-1. Taylor Keal pitched the first game against Kearney and had ten Ks allowing only two hits from the mound. Mariah Glasscock also pitched a two-hitter in the second game, retiring 11 batters.

For the whole story, go to Examiner.com, Missouri news online.

COLORADO

Sept. 16

Holy Family was on fire this week, beating Erie 8-1. On offense, All-Colorado second baseman, Lara Mathewson led off a rally with a double, followed by RBI singles from Mary Petersen, Amy Christopher, and Caitlin Connelly. Christopher took the win on the mound with seven Ks and improved her record to 8-0. Connelly led the offensive attack ending two for four on the day with three RBIs.

Paul Willis of the Rocky Mountain News Online has the whole story.

GEORGIA

Sept. 16

Maddie Monroe continues to dominate on the mound with another impressive showing against Sonoraville. She led Calhoun to a 3-1 victory on Tuesday in an astounding effort from the mound. She recorded 19 Ks in seven innings of work, including an amazing 18Ks in a row. She allowed only two hits in the game, both coming in the seventh inning.

Lacey Herring went two for four and had three RBIs in a Rockmart win over Pepperell this Tuesday.

Sept. 17

Freshman Jacey Boyd of Pepperell drove in the winning run with a nice piece of clutch hitting against Rome. It was an extremely tight game taken into extra-innings, and in the bottom of the ninth, with runners in scoring position, Boyd lasered one over the centerfielder's head, putting Pepperell ahead 8-7 and ending the game. She was two for five with three RBIs in the game.

Sept. 18

On Thursday, Pepperell beat Model 5-0 with ten hits from the offense. Cassadee Ainsworth allowed only two hits in the shutout and only one runner made it to third base in the game. The Pepperell offense was on fire with all nine batters contributing a hit or a run.

Sept. 20

Rome defeated Armuchee behind their pitcher, sophomore Summer Bush, who allowed only three hits and one unearned run in the contest.

Sept. 21

Gordon Lee took the SCORE International Softball Tournament Title at Chattanooga's Warner Park. They went 5-0 for the tournament and 20-5 overall.

Molly Rogers had a great outing for Gordon Lee at the Score International Tournament. She helped lead her team to a 5-0 record in the tournament, taking the Championship. The first game she drove in the only run of the game with a sacrifice fly in a 1-0 win over Alatoona. In the second game, she had two hits in a 7-1 win over Carrollton.  In the third game she added two more hits including a triple as Gordon Lee defeated Kell 10-0. Rodgers drove in one run and was two for three in their fourth win over Blessed Trinity 5-0.

Anna Quinn had a great tournament for Gordon Lee as well. She scored the winning run in the first game after hitting a double, had two hits and drove in two runs in the second game, and she had two more hits and a triple in the third game.

For more Georgia softball news, check PrepGameFace.com.

By Garland Cooper

 
Christine Thomsen is a freshman at Colorado State University, but before she got there the first baseman/outfielder rewrote the record books at Bullard High School in  Fresno, Calif.

She was named the league's Player of the Year, was a First Team Fresno Bee All Valley Team selection. She also was First Team All-State, Bullard High MVP, and won the Bullard High Career Achievement Award. Thomsen was also named the Femal Athlete of the Year at the AAA Baseball Fresno Grizzlies Hot Stove Dinner.

She accumulated the following records over her years at Bullard:
    Most Career Hits
    Most Single Season Hits, 2008
    Most Career Home Runs
    Most Career Doubles
    Most Career RBI's
    Most Single Season RBI's, 2008
    Most RBI's in Single Game, 2007
    Highest Career Batting Average, .455
    Highest Single Season Batting Average, .545, 2008
    20 Game Hitting Streak, Mar 17-May 20, 2008

An impressive resume for the current Colorado State Ram.

We had the opportunity to talk to her about her experience playing last season and her decision to play at Colorado State.

	COURTESY OF CHRISTINE THOMSEN
	Christine Thomsen

Q: What did you have to do and how did you train to stay in shape when you were younger? What do you do now that you are in college? 
A: When I was younger I was playing soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball and doing ballet. So that made it easy to stay in shape. Now I'm in the weight room two times a week and conditioning almost every day, on top of practicing.

Q: What are some accomplishments you have had on the field so far, and what are your goals for the future?
A: In high school I was an offensive threat and I hope to improve, and keep hitting the ball well.

Q: What are some personal successes you have had on the field throughout your career, specifically this year?
A: By the end of my senior year in high school, I had set or beaten ten school records.

Q: What is your favorite accomplishment or accomplishment you are most proud of? 
A: My favorite accomplishment was being Female Athlete Of the Year at the Grizzlies Hot Stove Dinner.

Q: What is your favorite softball moment?
A: My favorite softball moment was getting seven RBI's in a single game.

Q: What are some extracurricular activities that keep you busy off the field?
A: In the summer I love to wakeboard and in the winter I snowboard. I enjoy walking our dogs and just hanging out with my friends.

Q: What factors did you consider when looking at a college?
A: I was looking for a great coaching staff to help me improve. As well as a great place to live.

Q: How was the recruiting process for you?
A: Recruiting was a lot of fun. I had the opportunity to talk to so many coaches and meet really great people.

Q: Was there any moment in the recruiting process that really impressed you?
A: Hearing about prior athletes going through the schools that are now off in the Olympics was pretty cool.

Q: As far as softball goes, what was most important in your decision making process?
A: The most important part of deciding was knowing that I was going to be happy, and that there would be a great support system to keep me driven.

Q: What has been the biggest obstacle you have overcome? 
A: The biggest obstacle was leaving my friends in California.

Q: What do you like to do when not playing?
A: When I'm not playing, I love to just take it easy and watch movies for hours!

Now I will start the sentence and you fill in the blank:

If I could have only one material possession on a deserted island it would be&
My cell phone, I can't go anywhere without it.

Something most people don't know about me is&
I love dorm food!

Something unusual about myself is&
I'm scared of cows.

A food you couldn't pay me to eat is&
Cottage cheese.

The best and worst movies ever are&
Dark Knight and Atl.

The hardest I ever laughed was when&
My friends and I collected worms and put them in the neighbors' room.

The topical issue that most interests me in the world is&
The election process.

The best thing about softball is...
Getting better and improving.

If I could have one superhuman power it would be&
I want to be AquaMan.

 

By Garland Cooper

NEBRASKA TOP PERFORMANCES

Thursday, Sept. 4
Becca Goodwin hit two triples and put three RBIs in the book while teammate, Alexis Menard, singled twice and knocked in one in an Arlington win over Cass County (10-7).

Sarah Rome backed up pitcher Carly Nielsen with a two-RBI double to lead Blair to a 4-2 victory over Norris.

Kate Erickson lead Central City to a 9-2 win over St. Paul dominating on the mound and at the plate. She was the winning pitcher with eight Ks and recorded two doubles and three RBIs.

Jenna Alswager produced at the plate for Columbus Lakeview in their 9-0 five inning win over David City. She went three for four with two doubles, knocking in five runs.

Briana Weichel was a force in the circle and threw a perfect game for Fairbury in their 10-0, four-inning win over Schuyler.

Kim Wees reached on all four of her at bats with three singles and a double, hitting in the winning run for Omaha Gross in a close game with Beatrice (4-3).

Amanda Neumann produced for Papillion-La Vista on the mound allowing only one-hit in a shut out against Omaha Central. She also hit two doubles in the 10-0 Monarch win.

Friday, Sept. 5
Dani Sandel of was a one-woman show for Omaha Westside in their defeat of Ralston in a close ten-inning game. She hit a solo homerun to take the game into extra innings and followed that up with a triple in the tenth, clearing the loaded bases, and giving Westside the runs they needed for the 10-7 win.

Brittany Telecky recorded 13 Ks in only five innings to lead Seward to a 9-0 win over David City.

Kelli Fisher pitched a shut out for Yutan-Mead in a close 3-0 game against Wahoo. She allowed one hit and struck out twelve in the victory.

For more top performances, the Omaha World Herald has the full story.

MISSOURI TOP PERFORMANCES

Haley Pypes of Platte County was named the athlete of the week by KasasCity.com. The junior pitcher led the Pirates to a 4-0 record on the week including an undefeated appearance at the Greater Kansas City Suburban Invitational. She pitched 23 innings and recoded 29 Ks. She pitched the final championship game  against Kearney leading her team to a 4-1 win. She also helped herself at the plate batting an impressive .615 at the tournament.

Jennifer Harrington of Belton had a homerun and a double in their win over Joe Central (6-4). She recorded two RBI in the game.

Kelsey Schifferdecker helped Belton to a 4-1 extra-inning win over Staley in her first career start. She also pitched a shut-out in her second appearance against LS North, once again leading her team to victory in a close game(1-0).

For more, go to KansasCity.com.

COLORADO TOP PERFORMANCES

Kendall Kautz for Northridge has already thrown two perfect games! The first was in a 7-0 win against Longmont that included 12 Ks. The second came later in the week against Roosevelt. Kautz struck out nine in the 12-0 win.

Jenna D'Ottavio is hitting .643 for Mullen with 21 RBIs and two homeruns.

Rocky Mountain Online has the full story.

By: Garland Cooper

Harry Runtzel is a national hero from World War II. On one hot summer day, 16 girls on a softball field were his heroes.

Runtzel served in World War II and met the Firecrackers coach, Tony Rico, last year at the Colorado Fireworks Tournament in Aurora, Colo.

After meeting Rico, 83-year old Runtzel had rooted for the Firecrackers at the tournament in 2007 and had said to the girls, "God willing if the river doesn't rise I'll see you next year."

This year he was at the tournament again and the Firecrackers spent an evening at his house where he told stories of his time in the war and what it meant to fight for his country.

After meeting him in 2007 and then spending time with him this year, the girls on the team made it their goal to take the championship at the Fireworks tourney and dedicate their play and their trophy to Runtzel.

"This team plays to win, but they never talk about it. During the tournament this year the girls said that they wanted to win the Championship for Harry," said Rico.

Win they did. The Firecrackers played a couple of tough games to take it all beating a talented Texas Impact team and then defeating Cal Lite in the final game 8-7.

"When they announced that we were dedicating the trophy to Harry over the loudspeaker I listened to the reaction of the crowd," Rico continues, "I knew they got it."

Rico and the Firecrackers have always tried to incorporate their fans into the success of their team and make them feel part of it and that is just what they did for Runtzel.

Rico wants his team to learn more about life beyond softball and that is what Runtzel provides, but the head coach also knows that his team is lucky to have many similar influences.

"Harry really strikes a cord with me because we have coaches in that generation that are able to share similar experiences with the girls."

John Dakes, a Korean War vet, Don Minard, and Norm Perez are the assistant coaches for the Firecrackers; the ones that Rico calls "living history books just as he refers to Runtzel.

"We are excited to have Runtzel with us, and we are also lucky to have assistant coaches that can also share their life experiences with the girls; experiences that transcend the sport.

With Runtzel and the three assistant coaches, the girls are learning just as much off the field as they are on the field.

With that kind of atmosphere the Firecrackers will likely infect others around them and keep drawing bystanders into their closely-knit family as they did Runtzel in 2007.

Rico remembers the victory in Colo. as emotional and the most rewarding championship he had ever won, more so than the National Championship they won last year in 2007.

"When I saw the look on his face and the emotions he went through and the emotions that were being felt by everyone on our team, it was a great feeling," Rico remembers. "At that moment, it meant so much more than softball."