STINGERS COMPETE IN NATIONALS AT DISNEY SPORTS COMPLEX

The Stingers Fast Pitch Team participated in the USSSA Nationals at Disney Sports Complex the week of July 25 - August 1, 2009.

In Pool Play the Stingers go 2-1 with a loss in their opener to Montgomery Devils Blaze (NY) 5-0. In second round action the Stingers defeat the Camby Chaos (IND) by a score of 11-1. In the final pool play game the Stngers defeated the Shock (PA) 5-3.

In the first round of eliminations, the Stingers lose (on small ball) to the Dubois Extreme (PA) 4-1. Second round of elimiations the Stingers defeat Bustos' Ultimates (OH) 10-0. The third round of eliminations was a spectacular event as the Stingers come from behind and defeat the Deleware Explosion (DEL) in 9 innings of play by a score of 10-5. In the final game, the Stingers are eliminated by the Herricanes of the Palm Beaches by a score of 8-2.

Coach Thomas on the Nationals: " We've played some outstanding softball this year and I can't think of a better way to end the season than with a National event at Disney. The team was really tight all week long and everyone would agree, we didn't bring our best to Florida - it happens..... But I am so proud of our players for working through the struggles and fighting to the end. The come back in the Deleware Explosion game was phenominal, down 3-0 for the entire game, we tie it up with two outs in our last at bats and then win an extra innings. We were one out away from heading back to Virginia on Thursday, but as a team we just wouldn't give in... We have a lot to be proud of, we finished in the top 1/3 of the tournament, brought back a winning record to Virginia and we were still playing on Saturday when most of the field had returned home - all of this on an off week. We learned a lot from this event, it was a GREAT experience for our players and something that we will never forget. This group of players has so much talent it's not even funny... and the best part is we haven't even come close to reaching our potential... I am so VERY proud of each of our players and super happy to be a coach with the Stingers Fast Pitch Team. I'd also like to THANK OUR PARENTS FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE - this group of parents is the best and you make it fun to do this!!!!!"