Christina Flames 01 Remain Undefeated As They Triumph At Sarasota Santa Slam
Dec 16, 2011
(Youth1) – After finishing first in their previous two tournaments, Heart of a Champion Challenge, and the Flames Turkey Trot, the 10U Christina Flames 01 team was looking to carry that momentum into the USSSA sanctioned Sarasota Santa Slam this past weekend. Once again, the team put on an impressive tournament run, by remaining undefeated and taking home the hardware.
Over the course of six games, the team put up big numbers, by scoring an impressive 44 runs, and allowing only 16 against them.
In order to make it to bracket play, the team would first have to make it through pool play. Solid defense, and pitching from Kacey Wood, Ashleigh Robinson and Mallory Carlson proved to be key in beating out Tropic Wave Naples 10U 6-3, Cape Fear 6-3, and Venice Venom 02 16-7. Key plays throughout pool play included Hannah Shemonsky backing up an overthrow at second and throwing out the lead runner at third, Kelsey Peck making a huge play at first, ending the opposing team’s rally, and solid catching from Caroline Watson.
Once successfully through pool play, the team continued their momentum straight into bracket play. The team successfully beat out Sarasota Heat 2-0, and the Lil Indians 7-2 to make it to the championship game. Once in the championship game, Christina Flames 01 faced Cape Fear. The excitement really came down to the wire as the game’s time limit was running out. Key plays throughout bracket play included Taylor Roland throwing a no hitter in game one of bracket play, a double play by Gabi Schaal, and a hit up the middle by Ashleigh Robinson to secure to the win for the championship at time ran out. Also vital to the team's overall tournament success and championship win, was the solid hitting performance of Gabby Henry throughout the entire tournament, whose quickness on the bases was key as she was able to score on numerous occations. Gabby Henry's solid defense throughout the tournament in right field also proved to be key.
The team worked hard all weekend, and never let up on their momentum and quest to succeed. Additional support came from the heart of the team, the Flames’ un-official mascot, Raelyn Roland.
This tournament win gave the Christina Flames 01 an overall USSSA record of 19-0, extending their undefeated record in USSSA play.
Christina Flames 01 is coached by Billy Watson, Phillip Henry and Jay Robinson. Players include, Brandy Barquin, Amy Burton, Mallory Carlson, Gabby Henry, Kelsey Peck, Ashleigh Robinson, Taylor Roland, Elisa Rosado, Gabi School, Hannah Shemonsky, Caroline Watson, and Kasey Wood.
Please check out our 'Tournament' page for our upcoming
2011 softball tournaments at Christina Park!!
Att: All Christina Flames coaches will need to be certified by NAYS.
Christina Flames Fastpitch Softball is an organization
that is dedicated to playing softball at the
highest levels of competition.
We focus on team camaraderie and good sportsmanship,
while maintaining a desire to win!
"We go out and work hard. We play this game with emotion and love. Coach always says ‘Emotionally, physically, mentally -- come to the field prepared.’ Because if you don’t bring that to the field, you’re going to get beat."
--Laura Berg, outfield, Team USA
for website information, please email webmaster@christinaflames.com
