http://wwww.slugger.com

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2011 LOUISVILLE SLUGGER

XENO – FP11X/FP11X9/FP11X8

The new 2011 Xeno Fastpitch bat features two technologies that maximize the performance of the full composite barrel. The Inner Socket Technology (iST)maintains handle stiffness while joining the barrel and handle together, providing players with a great solid feel and larger sweet spot. Vibration from a misshit is absorbed before it reaches a player’s hands. Without the worry of sting or vibration from “off sweetspot hits” a player can maintain accelerationthrough impact for increased and more consistent performance.The new Swing 1 inner Disc Technology (S1iD) allows the barrel to flex to its maximum allowable performance level from SWING 1. This bat is “GameReady” from the time you take off the wrapper. The two inner discs are positioned inside the barrel at the sweet spot to stop the barrel from flexing past theperformance limit, giving players maximum allowable performance. Precise positioning of iD within the barrel also allows us to bring up the performancearound the sweet spot – which means you get a larger performing sweet spot, not just a better feeling one.The Xeno is available in a -10 drop (30”/20 oz.; 31”/21 oz.; 32”/22 oz.; 33”/23oz.; 34”/24oz.), -9 drop (33”/24oz.; 34”/25oz.), and -8 drop (33”/25oz.;34”/26oz.).

H2 HYBRID – FP11H2/FP11H28The new 2011 H2 Hybrid Fastpitch bat features an extra stiff 3X composite handle with a revolutionary new Scandium alloy double wall barrel. The new AC21Scandium alloy when combined with composite maximizes performance can durability. The AC21 Scandium combined with composite ensures thin walls,outstanding durability and unmatched performance.

The H2 Hybrid is available in a -10 drop (30”/20 oz.; 31”/21 oz.; 32”/22 oz.; 33”/23 oz.; 34”/24 oz.) and -8 drop (33”/25oz.; 34”/26oz.).

CATALYST – FP11C2/FP11CThe new 2011 Catalyst Fastpitch bat features the Swing 1 inner Disc Technology (S1iD). The S1iD allows the barrel to flex to its maximum allowableperformance level from SWING 1. This bat is “Game Ready” from the time you take off the wrapper. The two inner discs are positioned inside the barrel atthe sweet spot to stop the barrel from flexing past the performance limit, giving players maximum allowable performance. Precise positioning of iD within thebarrel also allows us to bring up the performance around the sweet spot – which means you get a larger performing sweet spot, not just a better feeling one.

The Catalyst is available in a -12 drop (28”/16oz.; 29”/17oz.; 30”/18oz.; 31”/19oz.; 32”/20oz.; 33”/21oz.) and -10 drop (30”/20 oz.; 31”/21 oz.; 32”/22oz.; 33”/23oz.; 34”/24oz.).

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Z-1000 – SB11Z/SB11ZB/SB11ZEThe new 2011 Z-1000 Slowpitch bat features the Inner Socket Technology (iST) that is designed to maintain handle stiffness while joining the barreland handle together, providing players with a great solid feel and larger sweet spot. Vibration from a miss hit is absorbed before it reaches a player’shands. Without the worry of sting or vibration from “off sweetspot hits” a player can maintain acceleration through impact for increased and moreconsistent performance.

The ASA approved SB11Z also features the new Swing 1 inner Disc Technology (S1iD) that allows the barrel to flex to its maximum allowable performancelevel from SWING 1. This bat is “Game Ready” from the time you take off the wrapper. The two inner discs are positioned inside the barrel at the sweet spotto stop the barrel from flexing past the performance limit, giving players maximum allowable performance. Precise positioning of iD within the barrel alsoallows us to bring up the performance around the sweet spot – which means you get a larger performing sweet spot, not just a better feeling one.The Z-1000 is available in both ASA certified (SB11Z; 34”/26 oz., 34”/27 oz., 34”/28 oz., 34”/30 oz.) and two non-ASA versions, balanced (SB11ZB; 34”/26oz., 34”/27 oz., 34”/28 oz., 34”/30 oz.) and end loaded (SB11ZE; 34”/26 oz., 34”/27 oz., 34”/28 oz., 34”/30 oz.).

CATALYST – SB11C• X-1 Composite Design • Balanced swing weight • Synthetic grip, 7/8” standard handle • USSSA, NSA, ISF, and ISA approved (Not approved for play in ASA)

Catalyst Lengths and Weights:The Catalyst is available in 34-inches with the following weights: 26oz., 27oz., 28oz. and 30oz.

OMAHA – SB116• No warranty • X-1 Composite Design • Balanced swing weight • Synthetic grip, 7/8” standard handle • USSSA, NSA, ISF, and ISA approved (Not approvedfor play in ASA)

Omaha Lengths and Weights:The Omaha is available in 34-inches with the following weights: 26oz., 27oz., 28oz. and 30oz.

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DeMariniUnleashesTurbo-charged J2 1.20PORTLAND, OR – 2010 is shaping up to be a very, very busy year for scorekeepers. DeMariniintroduces the newest addition to its slow-pitch bat arsenal, the extra-hot J2 1.20.

A variation of DeMarini’s popular workhorse, the J2, it’s built with a 12" barrel, featuring DeMarini’sexclusive Pitch Black™ Stacked design, which offers 22% more carbon, the tightest weave toleranceand the thinnest walls. Translation: Power. Durability. Feel.

The patented Half+Half™ two-piece hitting system redistributes weight where it’s most effective,while the 3.5 handle flex index contributes to a bigger than ever sweet-spot. The slight end-load weightdistribution makes this bat a great choice for guys who dig the long ball and know how to get it.

The J2 1.20 is approved for USSSA, NSA and ISA play. But it’s so loaded, it is not allowed in ASA-sanctioned events. Other features include: The Hubcap™ end-cap inverted design pushes impactenergy back to the barrel, right where you want it. And a standard .84” diameter composite handle witha variegated comfort grip for maximum feel and tack.

The J2 1.20 is available in a 34-inch length only, in 26, 27, 28 or 30-ounce models. It’s covered by a12-month limited warranty. More information on the full line of DeMarini bats can be found atdemarini.com

Review: DeMarini J2 1.20Our reviewers put DeMarini’s latest bat to the test as our group of B, C and D players hit the J2 1.20several hundred times.

The bat performed flawlessly throughout our first round of hitting and by the second round of hitting,the bat was firing on all cylinders. “This is the best U-trip bat on the market,” said Bobby Montoya. “Forline drives or distance, this bat outperforms any U-trip stick on the market.”

By the end of the second round, the hitters were consistently drilling the ball 15-25 feet beyond theirnormal distances. The line drives were crisp and frequent. “This is an outstanding bat, it’s the kind ofbat you would give your Friday check up for,” said Rich Lopez. “The feel, the performance and thegenerous sweet spot make this bat tops in its USSSA bat class.”

“The performance is outstanding across the board,” said Ed Rhoads. “When the game is on the line,this is the bat you want in your hands.”

Line Drives 94

Distance 95

Feel/Sting 93

Sweet Spot 94

Sound 92

Durability 100

Graphics 94

Approved by USSSA, NSA and ISA.

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By Robert Campbell

The Conference USSSA has begun another seasonthat should prove to be its most competitive ever. Thereare 35 conference teams in 2010. This is the top seriesthat promotes all levels of men’s slow-pitch softball. Thisyear looks to see a more competitive balance acrossConference USSSA.

The tournaments also include non-conference teams.The anticipation around on the field competition hasgarnered much attention. The criticism continues abouthaving Major teams dominate the tournament serieslandscape but 2010 should prove to those critics that arevolution of new talent is on the scene.

This season Conference USSSA has a very balancedwith a talent-rich “A” program and with wholesaleconsolidations in the “B” program, teams should prove tobe very competitive. We talked to many coaches andplayers in the conference and the consensus was thatthere has been no better time to knock off the Majors.

In 2010, only 2 Major teams will take the field.Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Phonemaster/Worth and DanSmith/Menosse/Chaney’s are talent-rich and will beformidable each and every weekend. Both organizationshave successful histories and each have added newsponsors and coaches.

The changes on the field have placed some emphasison adding younger, more up-and-coming talent to meshwith their already proven veterans of the game. These twoteams will be very strong and will certainly have anintense east-versus-west rivalry throughout the season.

What jumped out at Softball Today is that many of theA and B division programs were welcoming the opportunityto compete with the Major teams. The strength and talenthas now been distributed far greater across the landscapeof lower programs with the decline of Major teams.

This, combined with the ever increasing youngertalent beginning to make its mark on today’s ConferenceUSSSA programs, will produce more upsets of the majorteams by A and B division teams. It might be signaling therebirth where there is a belief they can knock off the titansof today’s game each weekend.

2010’s talent level of younger players is very evidentand eye-popping. The teams to watch for are very athleticand proven. You have traditional powers Jean Shoppe-Easton-Down2EarthSports, GTL CARTEL/WORTH,Aubrey's/TaylorMade/Mizuno, Sinister/Worth/Mojo, WoodLaw/Miken, Northwest Combat/ CJ Financial,Albicocco's/The Scene/Worth, Elite Sports U.S.A./Combat,Suncoast / Reebok.

All of these teams have benefitted from thedistribution of talent and new sponsorship dollars. Most ofthese teams have no problem playing the Majors whenasked. They still revel in beating each other becauseultimately they are eligible for multiple USSSA WorldSeries events.

The stronger of the B division programs and fearlesscan be found in the following teams: FenceBrokers/Gametime Supply/Worth,AJS/Easton/Supreme/Mike Foulks/Mojo, LOGO EXPRESS,

EWS/SHIRTS and LOGOS, FamousSports.com/Easton,Blitz/Watanabe/Weller/Minges/Easton, Hub's Pub. Theseprograms will knock off the teams above them becausethe times have changed and USSSA has helped in 2010 inseveral ways.

Conference USSSA in 2010 has gone to a ball thatshould really benefit the A and B division programs playingin the non-stadium Conference events. It’s a DudleyClassic M ZN 44 Core 325 compression. The ball is veryhard and should ensure that most teams will get theirmaximum homeruns and will hit the infield holes quicker.

Thus far, most have been pleased with the decision

around using the Dudley ball. It should help level theplaying field. We all know solutions to bat modification isa difficult problem to solve. The trash canning bat rule forlater games during an event has had some positiveimpacts on mitigating some use of illegal bats.

When they test, it does help the overall legitimacy ofsome games outcomes. To date there has not been anytrue sweeping resolution to stemming the tide of batdoctoring. In our opinion, the harder your bat, the betterwith the current ball in normal conditions. We would liketo wish all the team’s success and good health in theupcoming Conference USSSA Tournament Schedule.

2010 Conference USSSA Rankings (6 Events)1. Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney2. ResmondoSpecialtyTank/PhoneMasters/Worth3. Northwest Combat/ CJ Financial4. Wood Law/Miken5. Sinister/Worth/Mojo6. Jean Shoppe/Easton/Down2EarthSports7. Albicocco's/The Scene/Worth8. Aubrey's/TaylorMade/Mizuno9. AJS/Easton/Supreme/Mike Foulks/Mojo10. Fence Brokers/Gametime Supply/Worth11. GTL Cartel Worth12. Elite Sports U.S.A./Combat13. Suncoast / Reebok14. EWS/Shirts and Logos15. FamousSports.com/Easton16. TEAM COMBAT/Laservision17. Blitz/Watanabe/Weller/Minges/Easton18. LOGO EXPRESS19. Detroit's Own/Bombers/Mizuno20. SaveSecond.com/Elite/Combat

Conference USSSA TournamentChampions to Date

USSSA Hall of Fame Classic Dual,Kissimmee – Florida1. Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney

USSSA Hall of Fame Classic Dual,Kissimmee - Florida1. ResmondoSpecialtyTank/PhoneMasters

Shuckers/Sports55/Mens Major Nit,Glen Burnie - Maryland1. Jean Shoppe/Easton/Down2EarthSportsCactus Classic,Phoenix – Arizona1. Northwest Combat/ CJ FinancialMike Turney Memorial Classic,Kansas City – Kansas1. ResmondoSpecialtyTank/PhoneMasters

10th Annual Texas Legends Coors Light Major NIT,Euless – Texas1. Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney

Conference USSSA launches its fifth year as the most successful programs in the sport. Photo by Wayne Davis Photography

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Dan Smith’s infielder Jeremy Isenhowerearned All Tournament team honors at theMike Turney Memorial Classic.Photos by Wayne Davis Photography

Resmondo’s, infielder Dennis Rullihelped to solidify one of the bestinfields in the upper divisions.

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By Robert Campbell

EULESS, TEXAS—The Texas Legends Coors LightMajor Nit kicked off with the toughest field of the first 6events in the 2010 Conference USSSA schedule. Itfeatured 28 teams headlined byResmondo/SpecialtyTank/Phonemaster/Worth, 2009’sdefending Major World Champions, and 2010’s top-ranked Major team—Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney’s.

The tournament also featured the best collection ofcurrent A and B division teams in what proved to be themost competitive event in 2010.

The early games went very much as expected and soto the quarter final rounds. The competition washighlighted by high scoring offenses and defenses thathave made their 2010 adjustments.

“Fear no one” was the calling card of the day. Featuredwins were by Worth teams Albicoccos, GTL, Resmondo,and FenceBrokers. Easton Teams Famous, AJS/Suprememoved on along with Woodlaw/Mikan and DanSmith/Menosse/Chaney. A formidable Woodlaw/Mikanmoved on to face Powerhouse Resmondo andFenceBorokers were set to corral DanSmith/Menosse/Chaney’s.

A familiar style of victory for the Resmondo and DanSmith teams as they completed 5 inning run rules overWoodlaw and FenceBrokers respectively. The games werecompetitive, but this was the calm before the storm.

The winner’s bracket final would feature the mostanticipated battle of Conference USSSA leaders with thebest in major softball squaring off. This game drew thelargest and most rowdy crowd of the weekend and wouldfeature a new rivalry developing this season between toppitcher’s Resmondo’s Andy Purcell and Dan Smith’s GenoBuck. These two teams have intense pride and a strong“on the field dislike” for one another.

A cool Saturday evening with the park buzzing and apacked house of anxious fans set the stage. No matteryour view on Conference softball players, the fans want to

watch the best in the game play. The bout began with anearly lead by Resmondo as they held on for the first 3innings as Dan Smith was stymied early.

As the game progressed, the defenses began totighten and so did the score. At the close of the 4th inning,the score was tight at 20-18 with Dan Smith leading. Themood of the game was intense as Resmondo went to 20in their half of the 5th and Dan Smith took it to 25 in theirs.

The sixth was the decisive frame as Resmondosurrendered a double play turned by SS Brett McCollum toMF Dal Beggs to Ryan Theide at first base. It was theirsecond of the game. The Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney’steam then began to serve notice to “The Sod Boys.” A 10-run outburst silenced Resmondo and was capped off by a3 run homer from Brett McCollum that sailed well over 480feet—easily the longest blast of the day. Then, Dan Smithpitcher Geno Buck followed with a solo walk-off homersealing the winner’s bracket victory. The final score wasDan Smith 35 and Resmondo 20.

Awaiting Resmondo in the loser’s bracket final wasFencebrokers/Gametime/Worth who dispatched fourthplace Woodlaw/Miken in a tight battle 20-14. Resmondofound itself challenged by an increasingly confidentFenceBrokers. The A division programs have really pushedeach other and the Majors this season. In their talent richconfidence, they are playing the Majors very well.Resmondo outlasted the third place

FenceBrokers/Gametime/Worth 46-36 in a game thatwas very competitive. The championship game was nowset with Conference USSSA’s top two programs.

Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney’s and Resmondo wereready to do battle for the second time this season for theTexas title. They were both motivated by the conclusion ofthe winner’s bracket game final game comments.

The game began much like their previous game.Resmondo was off to an early lead of 14-5 and the leadswelled to 21-14 after the third inning. Resmondo and DanSmith would take the challenge presented by keeping thescore within striking distance. The sixth and seventh

innings proved to be the best softball this season.Both innings had excellent defense and pitching thatheld the offensive juggernauts down. The teamswere laser focused on winning this event.

Dan Smith plated 2 runs and Resmondo scored2 runs in the sixth inning. The score was now DanSmith 38 and Resmondo 31 going to the top of theseventh. Resmondo rallied on key hits by Connell,Purcell, BJ Fulk, and Dedonatis Jr., finishing theseventh inning with 7 runs and tying the game at 38each. Critical to this inning was Resmondo left thebases loaded with one homerun remaining, as BrettHelmer was brought in to relieve pitcher Geno Buck.

Helmer was able to get the last out on one pitch.The bottom of the seventh was very tight and bothclubs were feeling the pressure. Dan Smith’s DalBeggs, All tourney selection lead-off with a rocket atpitcher Andy Purcell that was caught with his cat likereflexes. Jeremy Isenhower, who only made 4 outsthe entire tournament was next and he promptlydelivered a single to right center.

Brett McCollum SS stepped to the plate andwent to a full count against Purcell and stroked a linedrive missle to right center. The speedy JeremyIsenhower was waived home by third basecoach/sponsor, Chris Chaney, and the throw waslate to catcher Jeff Wallace. DanSmith/Menosse/Chaney’s would become TexasLegends Champions in 2010 with a 39-38 victory. Agame full of grit and determination.

The win put Dan Smith at the top of the currentConference USSSA standings. This should prove tobe a tremendous rivalry in 2010 since it already hasbeen at four events. Dan Smith Manager, PatDalsanders stated, “We have assembled a greatteam. It’s a good win for our entire organization andwe take great pride in our success”.

Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney won the USSSA Hall of Fame and the 10th Annual Texas Legends. Photo by Wayne Davis Photography.

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By Robert Campbell

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS–USSSA Conference teamsvisited Kansas City for the Mike Turney Memorial Classic.The tournament featured 27 teams and the atmospherewas busy with many teams prepared to prove themselveson the USSSA stage.

The featured Major teams were the 2009 WorldChampions Resmondo/Specialty Tank/Phonemaster/Worthand Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney’s. This event was a highscoring affair across the board. Many of the gamesfeatured scores in upwards of 30 to 40 points. It appearedteams are really stepping up in 2010 offensively.

The tournament began on Friday evening with noupsets to be had. On Saturday, the strength of the bracketshowed its muscle as Dan Smith, Resmondo,Sinister/Worth/Mojo, and Savesecond.com/Elite/Combatmoved on to the semi-final rounds. Resmondo faced offagainst Sinister with a 28-7 run rule.

The second semi-final featured DanSmith/Menosse/Chaney’s clashing withSavesecond.com/Elite/Combat. Savesecond battled butfaced a bittersweet loss as Dan Smith closed them out in afamiliar run rule 32-17.

The winner’s bracket final was now set between thetwo Major programs in 2010. The game began with DanSmith jumping out to an early lead of 6-2. Dan Smith waslead by great performances from Rick Baker, Brett Helmerand Jeremy Isenhower.

The second inning was the turning point of thiscontest. Resmondo scored several runs and with two menon a hit into what appeared to be an inning-ending doubleplay. Brett McCollum failed to convert the play andResmondo had a new life.

Resmondo plated 17 runs in the second and neverlooked back. Dan Smith continued the game with somestrong offense but consistently made errors, whichcontinued to leave the door open for Resmondo. “The SodBoys” were lead by Don Dedonatis Jr., Andy Purcell, BrysonBaker, Dennis Rulli and Jeff Wallace. The game allowedResmondo to free-swing throughout and the game endedwith Resmondo tallying 51 to Dan Smith’s 32.

Dan Smith/Menosse/Chaney’s would now play ared hot Sinister/Worth/Mojo for a chance to faceResmondo in the championship game. Thisgame was difficult for Sinister who lookedstrong in all areas all day.

Dan Smith pitcher Geno Buckappeared to baffle the entireSinister line-up throughout thegame. Dan Smith’s defensereturned and their offenseoverwhelmed Sinister. DanSmith ran off 29 runs quickly,lead by Brett Helmer, RyanTheide, John Gallegos,Brian Wegman, Rick Baker

and Dal Beggs. The gameended early with Dan Smith garneringa lopsided 29-2 win. The championshipgame was set for the two major juggernauts.

Resmondo got out early with a 10-run lead. DanSmith fought back and by the fourth inning the gameremained close. An interesting battle was emerging aspitchers Andy Purcell and Geno Buck were guidingtheir teams with a fervent intensity.

The fourth inning was where Resmondotook control. A huge rally lead by GregConnell, BJ Fulk, Greg Hartwick and BrysonBaker put Resmondo up by 15 runs. DanSmith could not recover and Resmondowent on to win 44 to 34.

It was Resmondo’s secondtournament win of the season.

“We really hit our stridewith great production onboth sides of the ball thisweekend. It was anoutstanding win forour organization,”stated ResmondoManager, FrankWebb.

Resmondo’s, infielder Don DeDonatis III earned DefensiveTournament MVP honors at the Mike Turney Memorial Classic,the Hall of Fame Classic and the 10th Annual Texas Legends.Photo by Wayne Davis Photography

MizunoCraze340224Mizuno has launched a new slow pitch bat series, the Craze. This revolutionary new bat from Mizunoprovides the slow pitch athlete with one of the most powerful, durable, and affordable bats on themarket. Craze bats have a 13 inch barrel. Craze bats are uniquely made with Black Array Carbon, astate of the art carbon fiber. Black Array Carbon provides the perfect balance of durability and feel,while offering explosive distance and ultimate control. All Craze bats are hand rolled in their initialdevelopment stage, before they are machine rolled in order for a smooth finish. A new angled seamingprocess eliminates any edge inconsistencies in the bat, which will considerably reduce any soft spotsor cracks, denying ultimate performance.

• Made from explosive Black Array Carbon• New and improved glass fiber for added performance and feel• 5% more resin than previous Mizuno models for added durability• Cylinder seaming technique eliminates inconsistencies• Coiled end cap for lower swing weight• Digi-Grip wrap for improved feel• 13'' balanced barrel for increased swing speed• No Manufacturer Warranty

Review: MizunoCraze340224Our reviewers found the Mizuno Craze bat to be one of the most intriguing bats we have ever swung.“When I heard about the low end price tag, I think we all expected a low end, low performance bat,but this Craze bat was awesome,” said Bobby Montoya. “Who cares if they give a warrantee or not?We beat this stick up and we had no durability issues. The feel, the generous sweet spot and thedistance make this stick the real deal.’

“This bat delivers outstanding performance,” said Ronnie Cadena. “Mizuno has truly outdonethemselves this time. The bat’s performance and durability make this the bat you want to pull out ofyour bag come game time.”

“This bat was producing right from the start and the great news is it just got better and better as webeat it up,” said Sergio Sanchez Jr. “The durability is definitely not an issue. This bat is a winner.”

Line Drives 94

Distance 94

Feel/Sting 93

Sweet Spot 95

Sound 91

Durability 100

Graphics 94

Approved by all Governing Bodies Including USSSA, NSA, ISF and ISA (Not ASA Approved).

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http://www.mizunousa.com

Psycho™-DennyCrineX-tremeDistanceEditionModel: SPDCULength/Weight:34/26, 34/27, 34/28, 34/3014 ½" Barrel Length2 ¼" Barrel Diameter

Features:InnerFlex Technology™ is triggered on impact, optimizing energy transfer from handle to barrel formaximum distance and ball speed.

100 Comp - 100% Composite is engineered utilizing 100% premium aerospace grade carbon fiber todeliver Miken's legendary performance and durability.

R900™ carbon fiber provides 38.8% higher tensile strength and 40% higher elongation than industrystandard carbon fiber. R900™ is proven to endure grueling play, deliver unrivaled durability and maximizeperformance.

The Ballistic Crosslinked™ System provides 300% higher elongation for increased resilience at impact,superior durability and unmatched barrel rebound.

SuperMax™ endloaded.New X-Tack™ Plus provides extreme knob grip for even more control.Made in the U.S.A.

Review: Psycho™-DennyCrineX-tremeDistanceEditionA 78-degree Los Angeles day greeted our reviewers for the testing of the Miken Psycho-Denny Crine bat.Our group of C and D hitters enjoyed testing another consistent Miken bat.

“The bat was slightly stiff, however the stiffness is what helps this bat deliver the long ball.” Said SergioSanchez Jr. “The graphics were nothing to write home about but who cares this bat flat out performsgreat. I was hitting bombs 20 feet farther then I have ever hit before.”

“With a great feel, crisp line drives and outstanding distance this sticks a winner.” Ronnie Cadena.

Line Drives 93

Distance 96

Feel/Sting 93

Sweet Spot 94

Sound 92

Durability 100

Graphics 92

Approved by USSSA 1.20 certified, NSA and ISA

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By Anthony Bronson

BLAINE, MINNESOTA—Team chemistry is the name ofthe game for the victors of the USSSA Bebops 10,000Lakes Classic “E.” Sammy’s Pizza, based out of BrooklynCenter, Minnesota, hoisted the tournament trophy at theBebops Sports Complex in Blaine, MN, with a little helpfrom their friendship, of course.

“Sammy's Pizza softball has played together for twoyears now, with a core of six or so guys that have playedtogether for four years,” said Sammy’s Pizza head coachRoss Anderson. “We’re a young team with the majority ofthe guys under the age of 25.”

However, on tournament day, these friends tone downthe laughing and the joking and focus on the only thing thatmatters for the weekend—putting their dusty fingerprintsall over that tournament trophy.

Sammy’s earned a bye through the first round of thetournament, which allowed them to size up their

competition—and it worked.“We walked through the first two games of the weekendpretty easily,” said Anderson. “Going into thechampionship unbeaten, we were hitting the ball well andplaying solid defensively.”

Walking through the first two games was a bit of anunderstatement as they dusted Judge Homes (St. Paul,MN) 17-10 and the hometown Team GRK (Blaine, MN) 22-15, and punched their ticket to the championship matchwhere they would meet a familiar opponent.

Team GRK regrouped after a significant loss to theBrooklyn Center boys. However, an unexpected turn ofevents sent the 10,000 Lakes championship into overtime.

“We fell apart in the first game of the championship,”said Anderson. “Nothing was going right offensively ordefensively.We kicked the ball around and couldn't get thebats going.”

A devastating 18-2 blow sent Sammy’s Pizza back tothe kitchen to regroup, and what Team GRK was about to

experience was something they didn’t even see coming.“In game two of the championship, we got back to

playing good ball,” said Anderson. “We absolutelycrushed the ball around the park, and made theoutstanding defensive plays to win our USSSA E WorldSeries ‘West’ berth in Aurora, CO.”Sammy’s Pizza notched another win to their belt,prevailing 19-4 and claiming the tournament victorywhile also earning seven all-tournament accolades,including the Tournament MVP Award and two DefensiveMVP Awards.

“Throughout the weekend, we were led offensivelyby right-fielder and extra hitter—Tournament MVP BrettMiller,” said Anderson. “Defensively, we were led byTournament Defensive MVP first basemen BrianAnderson. Our pitcher, Jim Carlson, kept walks to aminimum and forced hitters to keep the ball in the air forour outfielders Glen Linder, Joe Larson and Brock Smileyto make plays.”

Sammy’s Pizza, based out of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, hoisted the tournament trophy at the Bebops Sports Complex in Blaine, MN.

SynergySPEEDBH12"SRV3Easton 2010 Synergy Speed Brett Helmer Slowpitch Softball BatSlightly end loaded for increased power.12" barrel length.Single System technology for increased bat control and balance.98 mph performance.400-day warranty.Approved for all softball associations.

Length: 34 34 34 34Weight: 26 27 28 30Alloy: Composite.

Features:• Easton Synergy Speed BH 12" Slow-Pitch Softball Bat• Slightly end loaded for increased power• 12" barrel length• 2 1/4" diameter barrel• Patented IMX technology - the best in materials, design and manufacturing process of any softball bat• Meets all current Bat Performance Standards – ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and SSUSA• 98MPH performance.

Review: EastonSynergySPEEDBH12"SRV3Before the bat review session got under way, the early comments on this bat were about the look andgraphics. “This is one sweet looking bat,” said Gabe Hernandez. “If it performs as well as it looks, we’rein business.” Once the hitting started, all comments were specifically about the bat’s performance. “Thisbat is the real deal,” said Pete Suarez. “Easton has been the most consistent bat manufacturer over thelast several years and this new Synergy Speed bat is no exception. The grip is comfortable and there’sno sting even if you miss-hit the ball. The line drives spin off this bat with ease and the deep balls I hitwere well past my usual warning track shots.” By the next round of hitting, the comments were flying.“This stick is unreal, the feel is great and this is a comfortable bat to swing,” said Gabe Hernandez.“Easton has really set the mark with this bat.” “This Synergy Speed bat is awesome, great performance,great durability and great looks.” said Bobby Montoya.

Line Drives 93

Distance 95

Feel/Sting 92

Sweet Spot 94

Sound 92

Durability 100

Graphics 95

Approved by ASA, USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF and SSUSA.

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http://www.eastonsoftball.com

MV-3™SuperMaxMODEL:MV3MU• Length/Weight: 34/26, 34/27, 34/28, 34/30.• 14 1/2” Barrel Length.• 2 1/4” Barrel Diameter.• Approved for USSSA 1.20 Certified, NSA and ISA.• Made in the U.S.A.

Features for MV-3™ Balanced and MV-3™ SuperMax• Advanced InnerFlex™ Technology maximizes velocity by delivering precisely calibrated handleflex and energy transfer to optimize barrel rebound.

• Advanced InnerFlex™ Technology is customized to barrel specifications for maximum distance and ball speed.• Multi-Layer Biaxial™ and MPa7™ Resin System maximize sweetspot and push performance to the limits.• 100 Comp™ - 100% Composite is engineered utilizing 100% premium aerospace grade carbonfiber to deliver Miken’s legendary performance and durability.

• R900™ carbon fiber provides 38.8% higher tensile strength and 40% higher elongation than industry standardcarbon fiber. R900™ is proven to endure grueling play, deliver unrivaled durability and maximize performance.

• New X-Tack™ Plus provides extreme knob grip for even more control.

Review: MV-3™SuperMaxIn Softball Today’s latest round of testing, the Miken MV-3 Supermax did not fail to impress our reviewers.Normally anxious to pick up bats as soon as they can and start contact, our reviewers were taken in by thesleek, clean look of the bat. But when they finally started swinging, the MV-3’s performance took our reviewersby storm.

“The Miken MV-3 was a great overall bat,” said Ed Rhoods. “I got some great distance bombs off this bat andit had a comfortable feel. I would definitely keep this bat in my tournament arsenal.”

“For the first few rounds, I always work on hitting line drives which this bat fully delivered. However once Istarted going deep this MV-3 added another 20 feet to my distances.” Said Marc Dalton.

“The sweet spot on this bat is on the money,” said Gabe Hernandez. “The distance was great and I consistentlyhit bombs.”

“Overall, this bat is definitely worth buying,” said Sergio Sanchez Jr. “It’s the clutch bat I would want to grabon game day.”

Line Drives 93

Distance 95

Feel/Sting 93

Sweet Spot 95

Sound 92

Durability 100

Graphics 94

Approved by USSSA 1.20 Certified, NSA and ISA.

TheScore:

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http://www.mikensports.com

LouisvilleOmahaSB116New! For the first time ever Louisville Slugger launches a NO WARRANTY TPX Omaha X-1 LimitedEdition Composite Slowpitch Softball Bat.

Featuring top grade composite materials and resins specifically designed for players looking for anincredible performance at a great price. This bat is hot out of the wrapper and in high demand whilesupplies last.

TPX Omaha, a hot name in baseball now available in slowpitch. Approved for play in USSSA, NSA, ISA,ISF. Not approved for ASA.

Length: 34 34 34 34Weight: 26 27 28 30Alloy: Composite

Review: LouisvilleOmahaSB116Our group of C and D tournament reviewers absolutely loved this bat. “This bat has an excellent overfeel to it,” said Ed Rhoads. “It performs flawlessly for both crisp tight line drives and it has great popto it. This is an outstanding tournament game day bat.”

After the first round was complete, this bat’s performance stepped it up a notch. “Out of several batstested this ‘Omaha’ really stood out.” Said Mark Gault “The ball really takes off with this bat and I’mseeing the ball travel farther then any other bat I have used before, this bat is a keeper. Way to goLouisville.”

“This bat is a winner for line drives or distance and their price is outstanding for us guys with budgetsto worry about,” said Bobby Montoya.

Line Drives 94

Distance 93

Feel/Sting 91

Sweet Spot 94

Sound 92

Durability 100

Graphics 92

Approved by USSSA, NSA, ISA, ISF.

TheScore:

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By Dalton Ruer

The classic romantic comedy Pretty Womanbegins and ends with the same line, “Welcome toHollywood. What's your dream? Everybody has adream.What's your dream?” Although the bright lightsand glamour of Hollywood are far different from asoftball field, I truly believe that our response to thatquestion and what we are willing to do about it formsthe basis for everything else that we do. There are 3ways that people generally respond:1. I'm afraid to tell you what my dream is because you willlaugh at me.2. I'm afraid to admit my dreams because I don't believeI'm good enough to achieve them.3. I want to tell you because I'm excited about my dreamsand I believe they will come true.

If you are living your life in fear of what others willdo in response to hearing your dreams, theanswer is simple—don't tell anyone. Yourdreams are yours and yours alone youhave no obligation to share them withanyone. If you are living your life infear that you aren't good enoughto accomplish your dreams,that is pretty realisticbecause you aren't. Butyou don't have to begood enough toaccomplish yourdreams right now.You just have toadmit that youhave them, andthen committo doing the

work to make them come true in the future.I have two very simple recommendations that are

intended to help you, whichever category you may fall into:1. Write your dreams down on a piece of paper. Not so youcan share them with anyone else, but as a way to

acknowledge themfor yourself.2. If you’re a playeryou can put thatpaper inside aplastic lunch bag,and duct tape itdown inside yourbat bag somewhere

that you will see itevery time you open it.

If you are a coach/parentyou need to do somethingsimilar, but put the paperin some spot that isvisible to you often butnot by others.

Once youdo that you will havetwo options everytime you see

them: You canchoose to

ignore the fact that you have dreams andpractice/play/workout like everyone else does, or youcan choose to work harder than everyone else aroundyou because you are pursuing your dreams and notjust playing softball. As a coach, your dreams may beto really build something special in your communityand not just win ballgames. As a parent, you may betrying to leave a legacy through your family and notjust survive the chaos of the teenage years.

Instead of living in fear of your dreams, puttingthem on paper will motivate you when you see themto put forth the kind of effort that others are notwilling to put forth. Let them circum to the normaleveryday things that stop most people fromaccomplishing anything, while you push throughthem and achieve something tremendous. Use theadversity that you may be facing to your advantage,rather than allowing it to stop you. If you are a playerwith a rotten coach, or a coach with rotten parentsuse them to fuel you to work even harder, ratherthan allowing them to stop you.

Be honest with yourself. If you dream of beingthe starting pitcher for your high school, thenwrite that down, don't write down that you justwant to make the team. If you dream of making itto the College World Series, then don't just writedown that you want to play ball in collegesomewhere. If you dream of being a top collegecoach, then don't just write down that you want tohave fun and help girls learn.

My next several articles are going to provideyou with the material you will need to help makeyour dreams come true. But you first have to admitthat you have them, and then commit to them.

“Welcome to softball. What's your dream?Everybody has a dream. What's YOUR dream?”

Dalton Ruer has been using softball instructionto encourage and motivate for the past 15 years.Throughout the year, he provides private battinglessons, team based clinics and high energy softballcamps. He can be reached for questions orcomments through email atCoachDalton@CrossTrainingSoftball.com. Checkouthis blog and other valuable resources atwww.CrossTrainingSoftball.com.

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Alabama Softball Complex.The top-seeded Crimson Tide is hosting in regional

play for the sixth straight year and is making their 12thstraight appearance in NCAA postseason action.

With much of the team on hot streaks, the Tide doesn’tlook like they’ll disappoint in regional play. SECTournament MVP Kelsi Dunne is in top shape and iscomplemented by a potent offense as well. Jennifer Fentonbatted .625 in the tournament, freshman Kayla Braud a.556 and Whitney Larsen batted .400 with two home runs.

After coming so close to making it to the Women’sCollege World Series championship game, the CrimsonTide is ready to be a terror in postseason action.

ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE48-9 Overall, 23-4 SEC (As of May 16, 2010)

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON—The Washington Huskieshave not faltered in remaining atop the national softballrankings and pursuing their dream of a second NCAAnational title.

With the rest of the top 25 hot on their heels andjockeying for position, the girls out of the northeast havenot fallen out of the number one spot for the last 14 weeksand rarely did they not receive all 30 first place votes.

Even the PAC-10, which is known as some of thetoughest collegiate competition, has presented littlechallenge for the seasoned girls.

Defeating the likes of UCLA, California, Oregon,Arizona, Stanford and, most recently, Arizona State, theHuskies can look ahead to regional competition knowingthey downed some of the best national collegiate softballhas to offer.

They did not make it out of conference competitionuntouched, however. The Huskies barely escaped theirlast regular season series against the Arizona State SunDevils with two victories in three games—6-5, 5-4 anda 9-0 shutout.

WASHINGTON HUSKIES45-6 Overall, 17-4 Pac-10 (As of May 16, 2010)

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA—The Alabama CrimsonTide is one of the most feared teams heading into 2010postseason action—a clear demonstration of what lateseason hot streaks can do.

The Tuscaloosa, Alabama team captured its fourthSoutheastern Conference title in its last regular seasonseries against the LSU Tigers in mid-May.

"We played three really great teams that weekend," saidfreshman Kayla Braud. "We faced a lot of adversity but neverlet up, never backed down and came back to win."

The victory didn’t stop there, however. The Alabamasoftball team was dubbed the number one national seedand the top seed in their NCAA regional, which theCrimson Tide will host on their turf in Tuscaloosa at the

Although they narrowly escapedderailment, Huskies senior pitcherDanielle Lawrie is still makinghistory. Lawrie broke the all-timePac-10 career strikeout record in theHuskies' final game of their seriesagainst ASU with 1,772 strikeoutsduring her career.

Lawrie recorded her 20thshutout of the season, which isjust 1 shy of her own record lastyear. She sits 35-2 on the year andhas recorded 407 strikeouts justthis year.

Her record caps one of the bestregular season performances inschool history and the Huskies lookpromising as they head into regionalcompetition to try to duplicate theirfeats of just one year ago.

By Anthony Bronson

As the top collegiate softball teams in the nation head into postseason play, Softball Todayhas done a check-up on some of the top hopefuls to win the 2010 national title. We’ll tell you

who’s strong and healthy and who needs a few band aids before postseason action begins.

Crimson Tide senior pitcher Kelsi Dunne earned SEC Tournament MVP honors, posting a flawless 3-0 record with a 1.84 ERA.She struck out 30 in 19 innings and held her opponents to just a .152 average. Courtesy of Crimson Tide Athletics.

The Washington Huskies are coming off of one of their bestregular season efforts in school history. At 46-5, the top-rankedHuskies head into postseason play as the number 3 seed behindAlabama and Michigan. Courtesy of Washington Huskies Athletics.

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN—Lead by experience anddetermination, the Michigan Wolverines have been nippingat the heels of the Washington Huskies all season long.

Senior left-handed pitcher Nikki Nemitz hascarried the torch all year, often earning higher

praise than Huskies senior pitcher DanielleLawrie, according to some online polls

and commentary.Even with the NFCA

split at times, the first and secondplace teams in the national standings seemed to be oneand the same.

The Wolverines ended their regular seasonefforts with a 6-0 shutout victory against the

Iowa Hawkeyes and captured the Big TenConference Championship.

On her 22nd birthday, NikkiNemitz posted one of her best

performances of the year and became the firstplayer in the school's history to tally four 20-win seasons.

She struck out seven and one-hitted the fellowBig Ten competitor. Also going 2-for-2 at the plate,Nemitz proved she is an offensive weapon as wellas a nationally renowned pitcher.

The big decision will come towards the end ofthe month in regional, super regional andchampionship play whether the MichiganWolverines can distinguish themselves from therest of the competition and build their own identityas national champions.

Nemitz isn't worried though."There's no pressure about it, Nemitz said. “I'm

just excited. I can't believe the NCAA Tournament ishere already."

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES46-6 Overall, 18-1 Big Ten (As of May 16, 2010)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA—The UCLA Bruins havebeen on an upswing this year. Failing to make a Women'sCollege World Series appearance last year is out of theordinary for a team that has won three NCAA nationalchampionships in the last ten years (1999, 2003, 2004).

Debuting in the number eight spot nationally, theBruins have climbed as high as number five in the NFCAnational standings and sank as low as number seven.Bouncing between the two positions all season long, theBruins are gaining momentum as they sit in the numberfive spot, once again.

In their final regular season series against the ArizonaWildcats, the Bruins emerged victorious capturing two ofthe three games.

While tallying their final wins of the regular season,the Bruins surpassed the Cats for the second position inthe PAC-10 standings and perhaps better NCAAtournament seeding as they head into postseason action.

With senior Megan Langenfeld and junior Donna Kerrin good health, the circle looks as strong as ever heading

into the postseason, which is more thansome of their conference rivals can say.

The question for UCLA will be whetheror not they can perform in the regionals andsuper regionals. After looking to be ofequivalent strength heading into last year'spostseason, upsets in pool play preventedthe Bruins from making that coveted WCWSappearance to compete for the national title.

UCLA BRUINS40-11 Overall, 14-7 PAC-10 (As of May 16, 2010)

Wolverines senior third-baseman Maggie Viefhaus collected her first career BigTen Player of the Week honors in late April. The award came after going 6-for-7with an .857 average and three RBI. Courtesy of Michigan Wolverines Athletics.

Bruins senior pitcher Megan Langenfeldis a top-10 finalist for the USASoftball National Collegiate Player ofthe Year Award. She is 8-1, with a0.86 ERA and 45 strikeouts in73 1/3 innings. Courtesy ofUCLA Bruins Athletics.

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Sinking only as low as number four, Arizona hastheir eyes locked on the national prize. But the questionis if the girls from Tuscon will run out of gas just as theydid last year.

In their final regular season series of the year againstthe UCLA Bruins, the Wildcats fell two games to one. Thenumber five Bruins routed Arizona 6-4 in the last game towin the series 2-1 on Arizona's senior day.

Arizona finished third in the PAC-10 standings justbehind UCLA. In a series crucial to postseason seeding,the Cats dropped the ball to a team they were jockeyingfor position with.

With pitching ace Kenzie Fowler on the sidelines froma shoulder injury and back-up Sarah Akamine joining herwith a knee injury, the Arizona circle rides on senior AshleyRalston-Alvarez heading into the post season.

With the majority of the Cats' battery sidelined frominjury, the offense will need to turn up the wick in thepostseason to prevent becoming easy prey.

ATHENS, GEORGIA—The Georgia Bulldogsmade it very easy to root for the underdog aftertheir run for the NCAA national title last year. Evenafter their narrow loss in the semifinals, fans andmyself alike expected a strong return from theBulldogs, but what we got was another seasonsimilar to last year.

The young Georgia team of last year surprisedmany because no one expected them to advanceas far as they did.

They debuted this year in the number sevenspot nationally and their experience from last yearwas expected to take them to the top, but whathappened was just the opposite.

Falling like a rock through the nationalrankings, the Bulldogs bottomed out in the number15 spot before building some momentum andreturning to the number 9 spot where they sit now.This is attributed to a 15-win run down the homestretch of the season, taking only 2 losses to LSU.

Even though they have overall momentumgoing into the post season, the Bulldogs dropped agame to Tennessee in the Southeastern Conference

Tournament.Now, heading into regionals, the

Bulldogs sit in a similar position they didlast year. Yes, they are on the upswing butthey are sitting in a mediocre spot relativeto their competition. Fans don't knowwhat to expect from Georgia. They have amystery about them.

They do still have strong playerssuch as juniors Alisa Goler and MeganWiggins, but a lack of leadership in thecircle is my only concern for this team.Mid-inning pitcher swaps of Alison Owenand Erin Arevalo due to performanceissues during the SEC Tournament was aperfect demonstration of this.

Whether or not the GeorgiaBulldogs open Pandora's Box andbecome the threat they were for lastyear's national title or whether theirseason fades into black depends ontheir leadership stepping up and andcarrying the torch.

GEORGIA BULLDOGS43-11 Overall, 18-8 SEC (As of May 16, 2010)

TUCSON, ARIZONA—With three NCAAnational championships for the Arizona

Wildcats in this decade (2001,2006, 2007), this is a team

familiar with the clean air atthe top of the national polls.

Always a favorite to win thenational title, fans did not get to see muchof the Wildcats in the Women's CollegeWorld Series last year because they werederailed early in the tournament.

This year, however, things are going tochange if these girls have anything to dowith it.

Climbing as high as number two in thenational polls, including taking firstplace votes from the WashingtonHuskies, this is where they havemade themselves comfortable formost of the season.

ARIZONA WILDCATS43-11 Overall, 13-8 PAC-10 (As of May 16, 2010)

Wildcats junior catcher Stacie Chambers’ walk-off two-run home run sealedthe deal for a six-inning mercy rule victory over the number 8 StanfordCardinals at Hillenbrand Stadium in late April. Courtesy of J&L Photo.

Bulldogs junior outfielder TaylorSchlopy was recently named to theESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Second Team. She leads theBulldogs with a season .438 average,61 runs scored, 28 stolen bases andnine home runs. Courtesy of JulianneUpchurch.

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After misfiring last year and failing to make it toWomen’s College World Series play, the Soonerswere determined to restore their reputation as anational powerhouse.

It hasn’t been easy, however.Starting the season as the number 11 team

in the nation, the Sooners have done what theytraditionally do—hang out in the shadows.Hovering around the middle of the top 25 hasbeen the norm. The time to strike is now andeyes are on Oklahoma to perform, but thenumber 14 national seed is worried.

"We're playing the best softball we've playedall season at the right time," said Oklahoma headcoach Patty Gasso. "We're ready to get on the fieldand continue our mission. We trust that we'll bringour game against our opponents."

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA—A 10-game winningstreak late in the season leaves something to be saidfor the Oklahoma Sooners. With the fiercestconference action taking place late in the season, theSooners showed the nation they were back in

traditional form as they captured the Big 12 conferencetitle heading into the postseason.

Thanks to SEC Tournament Most Outstanding Player,freshman Keilani Ricketts and All-SEC Tournamentplayers, seniors Lindsey Vandever and Amber Flores, alongwith freshman Jessica Schultz, Oklahoma is set toimpress in postseason competition.

Traditionally, Oklahoma is seen as one of those teamsthat sit back in the shadows and strike when the timeis right. They are one of those teams that creep up onthe competition, leaving many asking where theycame from.

OKLAHOMA SOONERS43-10 Overall, 13-3 Big Ten (As of May 16, 2010)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA—The Yellow Jackets of GeorgiaTech have been a team that has had little to do with thenational scene, but has stomped through the ACC for thepast two years.

Always hanging out in the ranks of the top 25collegiate softball programs in the country, their boomsthrough the ACC have been seldom felt on a nationalscale, but the Yellow Jackets hope that can change inthis year’s postseason.

Starting the 2010 season as the number 13 team inthe nation, the ladies from Georgia Tech hit the groundrunning. After climbing three spots in their first week, theYellow Jackets took a few tough losses to regional rivalssuch as the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Similar to the spring of last year, the Crimson Tidecompletely dominated the Yellow Jackets. Twoconsecutive shutouts (8-0 and 9-0) left them scratchingtheir heads and wondering what the next step would be.

This spring when they met with the Crimson Tide, it

happened all over again. A brutal 13-1 beatingfrom the regular NCAA national championshipcontender was the result. However, GeorgiaTech was not going to let this one get themdown. Six consecutive wins after their meetingwith Alabama secured the ACC championshipfor the team.

"I think it brought us back to reality, madeus work harder and remember that winningthe ACC is just one of our goals, said freshmanpitcher Hope Rush.

Led by the strong performances of nationalplayer of the year hopeful Jen Yee, ACC freshman ofthe year Hope Rush and All ACC Tournamentplayers Kristine Priebe and Kelsi Weseman, theYellow Jackets look strong heading into regionalcompetition. They will likely meet with the CrimsonTide in pool play, which will be just their firstchallenge on the road to winning the national title.

GEORGIA TECHYELLOW JACKETS

49-9 Overall, 19-2 ACC (As of May 16, 2010)

Sooners senior catcher Lindsey Vandever was recently honored as the 2010 Big 12Defensive Player of the Year. In 157 chances, she didn’t commit a single error andlead a young pitching staff to a 1.41 ERA. Courtesy of Oklahoma Sooners Athletics.

Yellow Jackets senior second baseman JenYee has been named as one of 10 finalistsfor the USA Softball Player of the Yearaward. Yee leads the nation with a .583batting average, .742 on-base percentage,86 runs scored, 26 home runs and 58 RBI.Courtesy of Georgia Tech Sports Information.

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By Dave Utnik

ORLANDO, FLORIDA—One former Olympian wasfollowed by another. USSSA Pride owner and generalmanager Don DeDonatis kept searching until he’dfound one of the best players in the world to fill everyposition on the softball diamond.

He signed Natasha Watley to play shortstop,Andrea Duran to play third and Lauren Lappin to catch.Jessica Mendoza was added to an outfield that alreadyincluded Kelly Kretschman and Caitlin Lowe.

It took DeDonatis five months to assemble a team hebelieves will be unrivaled at the professional level,essentially performing an extreme makeover on afranchise that has reached the Cowles Cup championshipseries in every season since the organization made itdebut as the Washington Glory in 2007.

On draft day, DeDonatis struck a deal with theChicago Bandits to acquire former all-star andNational Pro Fastpitch MVP Nicole Trimboli, but hewasn’t finished yet.

His biggest, and boldest, off season move cameon May 4, when he traded ace pitcher Monica Abbottand catcher Shannon Doepking to the expansionTennessee Diamonds for reigning league MVP CatOsterman and catcher Megan Willis.

Osterman, a two-time Olympic medal winner, andWillis have been battery mates since college, whenthey starred for the University of Texas.

The former Longhorns reunited in 2009 and ledthe Rockford Thunder to the NPF championship.

When the Orlando-based Pride opens the seasonwith a game in Lubbock, Texas against the Bandits onJune 9, the lineup will feature seven former Olympiansand will be directed by one of the most successfulcollegiate coaches of all time: University of Florida legendTim Walton, who has a 262-42 record with the Gators.

“The USSSA Pride has assembled a world class teamover the last several months and there is no question thatwe need a world class coach to lead them this summer,”DeDonatis said. “Coach Walton exemplifies the way aprofessional team should be run.”

Walton has won nearly 400 career games, includingthree seasons at Wichita State, and has led Florida to fiveconsecutive NCAA Tournaments.

The Gators reached the Women’s College World Series in2008 and 2009 and broke 218 school records along the way.

After playing professional baseball in the PhiladelphiaPhillies minor league system, Walton began his coachingcareer as an assistant at Oklahoma in 1999 before guidingWichita State to 123 wins in three seasons, including a

2005 NCAA regional berth.Florida won 43 games

in his first seasonand has taken

off fromt h e r e ,winning aschool-record 70 games andadvancing to the Women’s CollegeWorld Series semifinals in 2008, thenreaching the championship series in 2009.

Last spring, the Gators earned theprogram’s first preseason No. 1 national ranking and wenton to set a Southeastern Conference record with 86 homeruns. Their .926 (63-5) winning percentage was the best inthe country.

“I am grateful to Mr. Don DeDonatis for this opportunity,”Walton said. “I also want to thank UF Athletics DirectorJeremy Foley for allowing me to be involved with the Pridethis summer while also attending to my duties at Florida.”

The Gators will be represented on the field in Orlando aswell with All-American outfielder Francesca Enea expected tojoin the team at the conclusion of the college season.

Enea, who owns seven school records, includingsingle-season home runs (20), career home runs (61) andcareer RBI (220), was chosen in the third round of the draft.

The Pride selected Alabama’s Charlotte Morgan, thereigning SEC player of the year, with the first overall draftpick and Big East player of the year Melissa Roth, ofLouisville, with their second-round pick.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,”Walton said. “Not only will I provideleadership, but I will get the chanceto learn from some of the bestsoftball players in the world.”

The Pride will play fiveexhibition games againstthe Venezuela NationalTeam beginningMay 31 and will

begin their regular season home schedule against Abbottand the Tennessee Diamonds on June 25th.

“This is a tremendous honor to be on the same field asso many great players,”Walton said. “I am looking forwardto it.”

The USSSA Pride recently acquired defendingleague MVP and two-time Olympic medalwinner, Cat Osterman, who led the RockfordThunder to the 2009 NPF Championship.

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By Dave Utnik

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS—On the day that he signedOlympic gold medalist Jennie Finch, Chicago Banditsowner Bill Sokolis knew that the he had the foundation fora championship franchise.

The Bandits were barely two months old on Dec. 23,2004, when Finch agreed to become the franchise’s firstace pitcher.

And she instantly made them a winner with a 12-strikeout performance on Opening Day — a 6-2 victoryover the Australian National Team that featured a historicfirst hit (by Anne Steffan) and first run (Laura Harms).

They went 41-7 that season and reached the NationalPro Fastpitch championship game before losing to theAkron Racers, 5-4.

Even in defeat, a tradition was born.Now in their sixth season, the Bandits are the league’s

second-oldest franchise and still one of it’s mostsuccessful with a regular season title in 2009 and aCowles Cup championship in 2008.

“This team has the ability to perform at an extremelyhigh level,” said Bandits General Manager Aaron Moore.“The expectations of the Bandits every season is to competefor the Cowles Cup and this year will be no different.”

Finch remains the centerpiece of those expectations.She is the reigning USA Softball Athlete of the Year and

one of the game’s most popular players. Even Philadelphialoves her.

After throwing a perfect game, Force fans gave her astanding ovation.

Finch, who won aWomen’s College World

Series championship atArizona and has pitched in two Olympic Games, gives theBandits credibility as well as fame.

Every time she steps into the circle, Chicago has achance to win. And when she’s not, the Bandits are stillgoing to be tough to beat.

Even after dealing 2008 Championship Series MVPNicole Trimboli to the Pride on draft day, Chicago has aroster filled with players who are accustomed to winning.

Eileen Canney, who won 10 games last summer, is theleague’s reigning pitcher of the year, while first basemanSamantha Findley and outfielder Amber Patton werehonored as all-stars. Catcher Rachel Folden is also areturning all-star who won the league’s rookie of the yearaward in 2008, while third baseman and leadoff batter StacyMay won NPF player of the year honors that same season.

“We will be relying on veteran players to lead the wayfor us,” Moore said.

Rookies will make an impact, too.The Bandits landed six potential ROY candidates in the

2010 draft, including first-round pick Nikki Nemitz, the aceof No. 2-ranked Michigan’s pitching staff, teammateAngela Findlay, Oregon’s Neena Bryant, UNC’s Christine

Knauer, La. Tech’s AmberlyWaits and LSU outfielderRachel Mitchell, who was chosenwith a fourth-round pick thatChicago received from the Pride.

“The draft-day trade with thePride worked out well for both teams,”Moore said. “We honored the request of a veteranballplayer in Nicole Trimboli and in exchange will bebringing in one of the country’s best in Mitchell.”

The Bandits also re-signed veteran pitcherJessica Sallinger, who was part of the championshipteam two years ago, to a staff that also featuresveteran Kristina Thorson, giving head coach MickeyDean one of the deepest rotations in the league.

Dean, who led Radford University to the Big SouthConference championship last spring, will begin hisquest for a second National Pro Fastpitch title on June20, when the Bandits face the Akron Racers.

“We feel confident with the group of young ladieswe’re bringing in,” Moore said. “Because of thenumber of players we have that will be competing withnational team this summer, our rookies will have theopportunity to come in and be a major contributor fromthe beginning.”

The Chicago Bandits willwelcome Michigan Wolverinessenior pitcher Nikki Nemitz totheir roster after selecting herin the first round of the2010 draft.

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By Dave Utnik

AKRON, OHIO—Opening day was still several weeksaway. The Akron Racers hadn’t even assembled for theirfirst practice, yet Crystl Bustos already had a pretty goodidea of what her team was capable of this season.

It was all right there on video.This is her first summer as a National Pro Fastpitch

head coach and Bustos is approaching it the same wayshe did during a playing career that spanned threeOlympic Games and culminated with 2008 USA Softball

with the best players in the world and she has played thegame at the highest level in the world. Those arecredentials that cannot be overlooked. She enjoys therespect of players, coaches and fans worldwide.

“Crystl and I have spent a lot of time togetherdiscussing the Racers, the NPF and the future of ourgame,” Arrietta said. “She is taking on an entirely new rolefor her but I believe it will be met with the same successshe enjoyed as a player.”

Bustos helped introduce professional softball to Akronin 1999 and she has always been a fan favorite there.

Now it’s her hometown.“I believe we can do great things with the Racers,”

said Bustos, who was named the NPF’s player of the yearin her final season.

“This is a great opportunity to give back to the gamewhat the game has given me,” she said. “I was a probefore I became an Olympian and I want to do whatever Ican to help develop the pro game.”

The Racers are the league’s most storied franchiseand Bustos plans to keep it that way.

Her plan is to utilize every player on her rosterto create match-up advantages and, mostimportantly, chemistry.

“I’m just going to keep it real. That’s all I want to dowith the players. I will be completely honest with them,”Bustos said. “We aren’t going to play just nine players theentire season.

“All of my players are going to play. I’m going to utilizeevery player on the bench. The nine that play againstTennessee may not be the nine that play against Orlando.”

The Racers’ roster boasts players with U.S. NationalTeam experience — second baseman Courtney Buresand pitcher Jamie Southern — as well as several NPFveterans, including third baseman Jackie Pasquerella,who played on the New England Riptide’s 2006championship team, former Philadelphia Force outfieldersTrena Peel and Sharonda McDonald and catcherMackenzie Vandergeest, who has played for Chicago,Rockford and the USSSA Pride.

Akron will also add four rookies when the collegeseason ends: Ohio State catcher Sam Marder, Purdueshortstop Liane Horiuchi and UCLA battery mates MeganLangenfeld and Kaila Shull.

The team’s major offseason acquisition, however,was the free agent signing of pitcher Taryne Mowatt, whomade her professional debut with the Washington Gloryin 2008 after leading Arizona to the Women’s CollegeWorld Series title.

“The depth of our team is deeper than most,” Bustossaid. “I think we have players with a lot of heart whowant to be here because they love softball. I’ll take thatany day.”

player of the year honors.“I’m going to keep my team as informed as I can,” she

said. “My job is to lead them.”And Bustos is taking that seriously, which is why she

spent the offseason studying video of every hitter andpitcher in the league.

“This isn’t high school. This isn’t college. This is thebig leagues,” Bustos said. “They all know how to play thegame. I’m not going to have to teach them how to hit orfield. What I’m good at is fixing the loopholes that we haveand finding the loopholes of everyone else.”

If Bustos had any loopholes in her swing, opposingpitchers rarely found them.

She helped the U.S. win a pair of Olympic gold medals— in 2000 and 2004 — and won professionalchampionships with the Orlando Wahoos in 1999 and theRacers in 2005.

“In my opinion, no one does it better, than CrystlBustos,” Akron General Manager Joey Arrietta said. “Shehas been coached by the best in the world, she has played

Akron Racers shortstop Courtney Bures was originallydrafted by the Washington Glory as the 16th overallselection from Mississippi State, where she was anAll-SEC selection.

http://www.3n2sports.com

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All-American in University of Kentucky history.The Diamonds will play 24 home games during their

initial season at Alcoa High School before moving into anew baseball and softball complex that’s being designedby Orioles Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken Jr.

“East Tennessee is known throughout the country forits support of women’s athletics,” Kempf said. “The LadyVols introduced successful softball to the area and, in turn,the fan base has grown for the sport. This will be a greathome for the Diamonds.”

University of Tennessee co-coaches Karen and RalphWeekly are happy to share the territory.

“It's important that our outstanding college softballplayers have the opportunity to continue their careers atthe professional level,” Karen Weekly said. “Our Lady Volsprogram has enjoyed tremendous fan support, and I'msure those fans will be thrilled to get behind professionalsoftball as well.”

The fans will certainly get behind Abbott.She is the most celebrated player in Lady Vols’

history, having pitched in the Olympics and won an NPFchampionship with the former Washington Glory threeyears ago.

She was the first Tennessee player to earn All-American honors and wound up setting NCAA

records with 189 victories, 2,440 strikeouts,and 1,448 innings pitched.

Doepking, who caught Abbott incollege, is regarded as

one of the nation’spremier catchers.In 2007, shethrew out 40percent of therunners who tried

to steal on her.Fekete was there to

witness it all fromcenter field.

And now she’s readyfor an encore.

“We are obviouslyvery excited about the roster we’ve

established and feel there is a strongchance to bring a championship back toTennessee in August,” she said.

she was instrumental in securing an expansion teamin Tennessee.

“The staff and I have worked tirelessly to make thisfranchise a reality for the 2010 season,” she said.

When NPF Commissioner Cheri Kempf officiallyintroduced the Diamonds on Jan. 5, Fekete had just overfive months to work out all the details prior to the team’sfirst game against the Akron Racers on June 9.

She acquired the temporary use of a nearby highschool complex for home games and began searching forthe best players available — signing former PhiladelphiaForce pitcher Megan Gibson and then using her first draftpick to choose Johnson, a .395 career hitter and the first

By Dave Utnik

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE—Tennessee Diamondsgeneral manager Sarah Fekete wanted to build asoftball team that was worthy of playing in Knoxville.

She grew up in nearby Maryville and earned All-American honors while patrolling center field for theLady Vols, so Fekete understands as well as anyonehow revered the sport is in eastern Tennessee. Andshe figured that if National Pro Fastpitch was going toventure into such revered territory that the first seasonought to be special.

“Bringing professional softball to my hometown isamazing,” said Fekete, who set a SoutheasternConference record with 110 hits and led thenation with a .500 batting average in 2006.

“I wish there would have beensomething like this when I was younger. Itreally will be great for the young girls in thearea to have heroes and realize they can besuccessful in professional sports,” she said. “Havingthe Diamonds based here will do wonders for the sportand for local players and fans."

Even though she had only a few months to workwith after acquiring the franchise rights to thedefending champion Rockford Thunder on Dec. 29,Fekete knew exactly how to accomplish her goal.

After securing contracts with many of the playerswho starred on last summer’s Cowles Cup-winningsquad and selecting Kentucky All-American MollyJohnson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 draft,she struck a deal with the USSSA Pride to acquireperhaps the most popular and successful playerin Tennessee softball history — pitcherMonica Abbott.

Fekete traded league MVP Cat Ostermanand catcher Megan Willis to the Pride andbrought two former Lady Vols — Abbott and catcherShannon Doepking — back to Knoxville for theDiamonds’ inaugural season.

“Our organization is thrilled to have theopportunity to bring Monica and Shannon back toEast Tennessee,” said Fekete, who was teammateswith both players at the University ofTennessee. “They were both outstandingplayers at UT and are going to make asignificant impact for the Diamonds.”

Fekete, who remains the Lady Vols’ careerrecord holder for batting average, on-basepercentage and stolen bases, is making an impact,too. Only this time it’s not on the field.

After playing briefly for the Philadelphia Force,

Knoxville, welcomes the NPFTennessee Diamonds for the 2010season. General Manager SarahFekete believes her passionateselections will be worthy tocompete for the 2010 Cowles Cup.

http://www.disneyfastpitch.com

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Brianna Corwin, was a three-time conference, district, region and state first team selection.

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By Jeff Berlinicke

They roll around in the dirt 12 months a year,often under a blinding sun, wearing a mask and achest protector.

Catching is not the most glamorous position insoftball. But it might be the most important. It’s thecatcher who calls the game, has to know herpitchers, and never gets credit for the riser or thechangeup that comes on a 3-2 count even thoughshe is probably the one that made the call.

It’s a thankless job that doesn’t bring a lot ofcredit and is hard on the knees, but it might be themost important position on the team. The catcher isthe quarterback, the person who runs the show,calms down a nervous pitcher, and doesn’t getenough credit

Every high school team in the country has acatcher that goes along with that routine. As Hall ofFame baseball manager Casey Stengel once said,"You have to have a catcher or you’ll have nothingbut passed balls.

Here are four catchers who have earned therespect of their pitching staff, not to mention therespect of college coaches at some of the majorprograms in the country. Here’s a list of four of thetop high school catchers in the country who you willbe hearing about in the near future.

Brianna Corwin(Platte County High, MO)

Here’s a girl who doesn’t mind getting dirty.She loves rolling around in the dirt, running thepitching staff, and being the most important personin the game.

“I love diving, being dirty, sweating, whatever ittakes,’’ said Corwin, a senior who will be attendingthe University of Missouri next year. “I love the dirtand I wouldn’t trade anything for it.’’

Corwin, was a three-time conference, district,region and state first team selection. She helped herhigh school team to a fourth-place finish at theMissouri state championships with a .521 battingaverage. Last season, her team was statechampions. In four years at Platte County, she stole108 bases and scored 118 runs.

She also has a cannon for an arm. She picked offthree runners in her opening game this season andhas started for each of her four years. East Platte,which plays fall softball, won its first-ever statechampionship in any female sport last season.

Corwin said she knows playing time won’t beeasy at Missouri. The Tigers are bringing back twoother catchers next season, but Corwin said sheexpects playing time even as a freshman.

“I will do whatever they want, but I expect toat least compete for a starting job,’’ Corwin said.“I’ll substitute anywhere they want, but I want tobe the catcher.’’

was 4 and played on the 18-under teamwhen she was in 6th-grade. She was one ofthe few who never had to be convinced to bea catcher.

“I was always drawn to catching,’’ Oglesaid. “My brother, my dad, my grandfather,they were all catchers. It looked like fun to meand I like doing it.’’

Ogle will attend the University of Texasnext season. She’s always wanted to play Big12 softball and she said there was little doubtonce the Longhorns showed interest.

Canyon won the state title last year and,on May 13, Ogle hit two doubles and scoredtwo turns to lead Canyon closer to its secondstraight state title.

Tara Ettinger(Oswego East High, IL)

Forgive Tara Ettinger if she or herteammates at Oklahoma State next year getinto a bit of trash talking.

Ettinger and the Cowboys are both loadedwith talent. Ettinger was one of the most highlyrecruited catchers in the country at OswegoEast in Illinois, and most of her futureOklahoma State teammates are on any list ofthe top softball players in the nation. Ettinger isfrom Canada and plays for Team Canada.Softball is no longer an Olympic sport, but thecountries vie against each other in nationalcompetition throughout the year and Ettingeris Canada’s catcher.

“I know I’ll be playing against them insome really big games,’’ Ettinger said of hernew teammates at Oklahoma State. “We won’ttake it personally.’’

Ettinger has been catching for only four years.“I didn’t know I would like it but I figured it

would be worth taking a try,’’ Ettinger said. “Irealized right away that I liked it more than anyother position.’’

Oklahoma State caught a break when oneof their alumni ended up as Ettinger’s hittingcoach at East Oswego.

“I liked the whole thing already,’’ Ettingersaid. “He told me I could be as good as Iwanted depending on how hard I work. Assoon as I started working hard I knew I couldplay so Oklahoma State looked like theperfect place.’’

She’s getting a nice sendoff at EastOswego. Her sister Morgan, is the startingpitcher at East Oswego. There’s no doubt as towho calls the shots.

“She never shakes me off,’’ Ettinger said.“She better not.

Like most softball players, Corwin plays yearround which might make for an extra expensivelaundry bill for the Corwin family, but she said sheloves the game too much to take a break.

East Platte coach Rob Davenport said Corwin isthe perfect fit for Missouri, about two hours awayfrom her hometown close to Kansas City.

“She’s aggressive and she’s quick,’’ Davenportsaid. “She has to hold some kind of record forpickoffs. She’s a great kid and she loves the game.’’

Alysha Rudnik(Buford County High, Buford, GA)

Alysha Rudnik became a catcher out ofnecessity. She was a shortstop and lovedplaying it, but at the age of 12, the catcher onher travel team got hurt and no one else wantedto play the position.

Rudnik volunteered and hasn’t looked back.”I like being the quarterback and in charge

when I am on the field,’’ Rudnik said. “If I can be inevery play, that’s what I love about catching.’’

Rudnik and her Buford County high school teamhave won three straight state titles, and she alsoplays club ball for the East Cobb Bullets, one of thetop travel teams in the Southeast. With the Bullets,she catches for pitcher Lori Spingola, one of the toppitchers in the nation, who signed to play for theUniversity of North Carolina next year. Rudnik willalso stay in the Atlantic Coast Conference, stayingclose to home to attend Georgia Tech.

She batted .474 with 10 homers as a seniorand her solo home run in the top of the first of thisyear’s state title game against Rockmart did morethan just give the Wolves an early 1-0 lead enroute to the title.It came just minutes after Buford had lost its firstgame at the double-elimination state tournament inthree straight trips to Columbus, home of theGeorgia state championship.

Rudnik didn’t keep her skills on the softballfield. She also played basketball at Buford and wontwo state championships, giving her a total of fivefor her Buford career.

“I play basketball for fun,’’ Rudnik said. “I playsoftball for real. It’s been pretty cool and I’ve knownsince I was a kid I wanted to stay close to home.This is really cool.’’

Mandy Ogle(Canyon High, TX)

It took awhile for Mandy Ogle to believe inherself on the softball field, but she had a little bit ofhelp from her mom.

“I never believed I was that good, but my momalways said I could play,’’ Ogle said. “I didn’t believeit but little by little it kind of caught up with me.’’

Ogle was one of the few who seemed to havehad doubts. She started playing softball when she

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By Dave Utnik

MANASSAS, VIRGINIA—She is one of themost talented high school softball players inthe country, a power-hitting shortstop whorefuses to be an easy out and is endlesslyfascinated by the complexities of thefastpitch game.

At Stonewall Jackson High School,where she batted .462 last spring as afreshman, Hailey Smith is already beinghailed as a 16-year-old prodigy with U.S.National Team potential.

She is a former North American SoftballThrow champion and a record-settingsprinter who has already accepted a collegescholarship to Louisiana State University.

But, most importantly, Hailey is KrystalSmith’s little sister. And that means as muchto her as anything else this spring.

“This is Krystal’s last year so I want it tobe special,” Hailey said.

They have played side-by-side for 12years dating back to their initial season asteammates in the Lower Loudoun GirlsSoftball League.

Together Hailey and Krystal won a 12UASA Eastern Nationals championship in 2005and helped the 16U Shamrocks to a ninth-place finish in 2008.

They have confided in each other theway sisters often do and also waged the typeof sibling rivalries that made them tougher,stronger and more confident in theirindividual abilities.

“We have little experiences where we go

against each other and it’s alwayscompetitive,” said Krystal, whowill play softball at the Universityof Kentucky next year. “We alwayspush each other.”

Like during a recent practicesession when Krystal hit a homerun only to have Hailey match itwith a line drive over the centerfield fence.

“I don’t like to admit it to her,but I will be a little heartbrokenwhen she leaves for college,”Hailey said. “Krystal and I havealways been together. If wedidn’t have softball I don’t knowwhere we’d be. It’s brought uscloser together.”

It’s hard to imagine takingthe field without her sister, butHailey has already begun to establish her ownidentity in the sport – earning national recognitionat the Adidas Futures Camp and a scholarship toplay softball in the Southeastern Conference.

“LSU has been my dream school since middleschool,” Hailey said. “As soon as they laid an offer onthe table I was like, ‘of course.’”

“It’s a big school, the campus is really cool andI’ll be in the same conference as Krystal so we’ll getto see each other all the time.”

By then, she could also be auditioning for theU.S. Junior National Team.“I just want to make my mark and be rememberedas someone who raised the bar,” Hailey said.

That is true in the classroom as well.

She has a 3.5 GPA as a member of Stonewall’sInternational Baccalaureate Program and has servedas the Student Council class secretary.

But athletics is where Hailey has establishedherself on a national scale – as a fierce competitorand Stonewall’s best player since current AkronRacers infielder Courtney Bures.

As an eighth-grader, she was named mostoutstanding scholar athlete of the Hershey Track andField Games and, last summer, she was the onlyfreshman to play for the Shamrocks’ 18U Gold Team.

“Hailey has a special gift,” Krystal said. “I’mactually curious to see how far she’ll progress thesenext two years.”

Sixteen-year-old Hailey Smith is already becoming the talk of the nation.She batted .462 as a freshman at Stonewall Jackson High School andhas 3 more years to make her mark in high school softball.

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By Dave Utnik

MANASSAS, VIRGINIA—An information packet fromthe University of Kentucky softball team should be arrivingany day now. Krystal Smith already knows what’s inside.

Yet she can’t wait to open it and discover the details ofher first collegiate conditioning program.

Smith doesn’t really need another reason to break outall the Wildcats apparel she purchased during her officialvisit a few months ago, but she figures that summerworkouts are best accomplished in royal blue.

“I bought a lot of outfits,” she said.And Smith will gradually work them into the mix, when

she isn’t decked out in a Shamrocks jersey or herStonewall Jackson High School uniform.

Playing for the Wildcats, and in the Southeastern

Conference, is a significant careerachievement for the Raiders’senior third baseman —surpassing the ASA EasternNational Championship she wonwith the 12U Shamrocks and herselection as a Top 100 performerat the Adidas Futures Camp.“In that conference,” Krystal said,

“it’s about effort, skill and havingthe character to be successful.”At 17, and in her fourth varsity

season, Smith has all three of thosebases covered.She led the Raiders with a .492

batting average in 2009 andreached base 52 percent of thetime, numbers that were nearlyidentical to her sophomore sister,Hailey, who has already accepted ascholarship offer from LouisianaState University.“Hailey has always been on my

right side. We’ve been there to helpeach other since we were fouryears old,” Krystal said. “I’m goingto definitely miss her next year.She’s like a second me. Her opinionis almost the same as my opinion.”Together, their opinions — and

collective experience — carry a lotof weight in Manassas. Because they are separated in ageby only one year, Krystal and Hailey have played on thesame travel teams for more than a decade, graduatingfrom the Lower Loudoun Girls Softball League to theBaseliners and, currently, the 18U Shamrocks.

And while Hailey is regarded as one of the nation’spremier shortstops, Krystal has created her own uniqueplace on the diamond.

“Krystal probably has the best footwork I’ve everseen,” Hailey said. “I’ve always envied that. Don’t tell her.”

After starting at shortstop in 2007 and at second basethe past two seasons, Krystal has moved to third base thisspring — placing Hailey on her left side for the first, andonly, time. “It was funny because my mom thought wewere going to be colliding with each other,” Krystal said. “Itwas a whole big debate and we finally got her to

understand that we aren’t going to collide.”The only debate now is how good the left

side of the Raiders’ infield will be in 2010 afterthe Smith girls combined for 52 hits and 49 runslast spring.

“This season is our last chance to put ourschool out there together. I just want to make themost of the experience,” Krystal said.

After this season, they will technically becomerivals, though that almost didn’t happen.

Krystal hadn’t initially planned to venture so faraway from home for college, but after making averbal commitment to Maryland last summer, shechanged her mind after the coach that recruitedher, Alissa Smith, left the Terps’ program to returnto school.

“It was all kind of sudden,” Krystal said.And it opened the door for Kentucky, which

began recruiting Krystal four years ago when shewas a member of the 14U Shamrocks.

“She spent the whole summer worrying aboutwhere she was going to go and then Kentucky gaveher a home,” Hailey said.

Krystal was so grateful for the opportunity thatshe accepted a scholarship offer without evermaking a recruiting trip. Shamrocks teammateEllen Weaver, a pitcher from Roanoke who has alsosigned with the Wildcats, played a significant rolethat decision.

“She was giving me all this information aboutthe school and I was trying to do virtual tours onlinebecause it’s a big decision to make when youhaven’t been on the campus,” said Krystal, whoearned a partial athletic scholarship as well as theWilliam C. Parker academic scholarship. “But when Ihung up the phone after I told [Kentucky coachRachel Lawson] I was going there, I felt a moment ofjoy because I felt I’d made the right decision.”

Krystal eventually made it to Lexington for acampus tour and a men’s basketball game. Haileytagged along, too.

“I’m excited about Kentucky. I’ll alreadyknow one of my teammates and I’ll be playingin the same conference as Hailey,” Krystalsaid. “It’s good that we’re in the sameconference. That’s going to start a little rivalryin our house.”

Eighteen-year-old Krystal Smith is in her fourth varsity season atStonewall Jackson High School. Last year, she led the team with a.492 batting average and got on base 52 percent of the time.

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By Dave Utnik

Cassidy Creekmore was flattered.The 12U Colorado Psyclones pitcher had just

accepted the Most Valuable Player trophy at the MayMadness Tournament after helping her team toanother undefeated weekend.

It was a lovely honor and one Creekmore trulyappreciated. But on the way to a nearby drive-inwhere the Psyclones planned to celebrate theirchampionship, she decided she just couldn’t keep it.

In Creekmore’s opinion, her catcher was a moredeserving MVP. So, after climbing out of the car andrejoining her teammates, she presented the trophy toGabriela Garcia.

“I was in awe. After nearly 14 years of coachinggirls of all ages and skills, I have never witnessedsuch an act of selflessness and kindness,” Psyclonescoach Robert Snodgress said. “I thought she wasshowing Gabriela the trophy, but she literally handedit to her.”

Creekmore has statistics worthy of severaltrophies — a 13-1 record in the circle and a .358batting average. Only she knows that the Psyclones’success is a group effort, which is why she happily

honored Garcia, her friend and the team’s leadoff hitter,who sparked a 7-0 weekend by hitting .875.

“Team chemistry is a difficult thing to build, and ourteam has it in spades,” Snodgress said, proudly. “Clearly,Cassidy lives our ideal of ‘team first,’ and gave us a greatexample of what that means.

“We tell our athletes that there is no such thing as anunimportant player on our team. The team wins, loses, hassuccess, or fails, as a team. Our athletes very stronglyembrace that ideal, and do a great job of ensuringeverybody on our team realizes the importance they allplay in the success of our team.”

Garcia, for example, is the rally starter. She’s a .400hitter and one of the team’s fastest players. Notsurprisingly, she leads the Psyclones in stolen bases.Shortstop Gabby Smith, the team’s best hitter, has aslugging percentage of 1.056.

But the Psyclones excel because they are a group ofseventh graders with a perfect mixture of speed (JayceeSpies, Hannah Hensley, Madison Garduno, Madeline Helfer,Chelsea Sasaoka and Garcia), power (Katie Leiker,Creekmore, Smith,) and scrappiness (Madison Reuter,Shelby Copley and Lauren Drajem).

Together, they began the season 27-2 with fourconsecutive championships — winning the Blaze

Invitational, Spring Stampede, Flowers for Mother’s DayTournament and May Maddness.

“We have been careful this spring to try to findtournaments for our team that represented the bestpossible challenge within their age group. Our team is intheir second year at 12U, and we want to see them growas players and as a team for the long term, not just collecttrophies at 12U,” Snodgress said.

“We specifically targeted tournaments thatoffered the largest fields of teams, and the highestlevel of competition.”

The Psyclones batted .437 and scored 68 runs inseven games at the May Madness Tournament — adominating performance that culminated in 12-4championship game victory over the Colorado Warriors.

“We were definitely on our game, and sort of ran awaywith the tournament. It was probably our most completeeffort of the year, said Snodgress, who is assisted by DarrylCreekmore, Mark Drajem, Mark Reuter and BenSnodgress. “However, many of the same teams we prettywell smacked around in that tournament, especially theWarriors, the Commotion and the Magic, have pushed ushard in other tournaments.

“Our kids have bought into our program, and workedextremely hard all off-season to be their best.”

The 12U Colorado Psyclones batted .437 as a team at the USSSA May Madness Tournament and scored 68 runs to secure the tournament victory.

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By Anthony Bronson

BELLEVUE, NEBRASKA—A cloudy Nebraska daycould not get these girls down. A clean sweep of the14U USSSA Spring Blast at the Hall of Fame Fields is justwhat this Lincoln, NE fastpitch team needed.

The NE Aftershock hoisted their individual tournamenttrophies, ending a three-tournament streak of coming upjust short of victory. With a 2010 season record of 21-8,success is no stranger to the Aftershock.

“This is a very classy team that is very successful,”said USSSA Nebraska Fastpitch Director Greg McNeese.

Although the team boasts an outstanding record forthe season, they have faltered when it has come to sealingthe deal on the tournament victory.

Since their five-game sweep for the tournamentwin in the St. Patty’s Indoor Open in March, theAftershock has fallen in their last three championshipgame appearances.

But snapping that streak and continuing a positivementality going forward is where the team’s mindset

now lies.“They are quite the team,” said McNeese. “They

have positive attitudes, great athletes and their headcoach is an inspiration for the entire organization.” Aninspiration that carried the torch through their latestweekend sweep.

Although the Aftershock doesn’t have a reputation forputting a massive amount of points on the board, theirdefense is outstanding. None of their opponents havescored more than four runs against them all season.

On the other side of the coin, they have scored andaverage of 3.94 runs per game before the Spring Blast.So, needless to say, many of their games have beenclose. However, the girls changed that in a big way forthe Spring Blast.

During this tournament, the girls in black and greenscored an average of 6.8 runs per game and scored inupwards of 10 and 11 runs throughout the tournament.

This allowed them to breeze into the championshipgame with little resistance. Ousting the likes of TeamNebraska 14A (Omaha, NE) in a narrow 3-1 win,

Nebraska Nemesis 95 (Lincoln, NE) in a 2-0shutout, KC Impact (Kansas City, MO) in a huge 10-0 shutout and Nebraska Nemesis 95 for a secondtime in an 8-0 shutout.Heading into the championship game, the Aftershockhad hit that stride they were familiar with all season,but confident they could seal the deal on thistournament championship game.

They faced a team they had seen before. A teamthey already had notes on and memories of theirtendencies. The final tournament showdown clashedthe NE Aftershock with Nebraska Nemesis 95.

The game to decide it all unfolded much like therest of their games had throughout the Spring Blast—in complete domination. The resulting 11-0 shutoutvictory landed the Lincoln, NE girls their secondtournament championship of the 2010 season.

More than that, it bolstered their confidence infinishing the job and that’s confidence they will carryforward for the rest of the season.

Early Tournament Action at USSSA Spring Blast.

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Review: MikenMV-3™DST-10Before the hitting began our group of 14 though 16 year old girls were already commenting on the batgraphics. “The chrome and green look make this bat look high tech.” said Anna Hernandez. “I like thelook will see how it performs.”

Once the hitting got underway the comments were gushing “I’m not sure whether it’s the grip or thetechnology behind this bat but when I miss hit the ball this bat has very little sting to it and theperformance is outstanding. Way to go Miken.” Sara Bertice.

“This bat a keeper, its got great balance and the line drives come off clean and hard.” Said Jen Bennet.

Line Drives 92

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Durability 100

Graphics 95

Approved by ASA 2004, USSSA 1.20 Certified, NSA, ISA, NCAA® and NFHS®

TheScore:

38

So

ftb

all

To

day

•M

ay

20

10

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