AZ Cats 94: Press Releases

Wednesday, July 29
Cats Win Pool Play Games at Nationals-NW Explorer

With local players, AZ Cats' 94 gets 2 U.S. wins
By Luke Davis, Special to The Explorer
Published:
July-29-2009
An Arizona all-star softball team with talent from the Northwest has won its first two games in pool play at the American Softball Association 14-and-under national championships in Marietta, Ga.

The AZ Cats '94 softball club defeated the Mize Diamonds from San Jose, Calif., 10-0 in six innings Monday night. Earlier, the Cats beat Diamond Thunder from North Carolina 2-0.

In the San Jose win, Ashley Palmer pitched the complete game shutout and also hit a triple. Canyon del Oro athlete Kayla Bonstrom was 4-4 at the plate with an RBI. Jess Guffey had two hits and four RBIs, three on a double with the bases loaded. Ironwood Ridge's Sarah Rodriguez contributed two RBIs as well.

Bonstrom threw the complete game shut-out against the North Carolina squad. She was 2-4 at the plate with a run scored. Abby Spiel was 3-3 with a double and run, and Rodriguez knocked in three runs with two hits, including a triple.

Tuesday was an off day. The team and head coach Phil Fileccia were scheduled to tour the University of Georgia in Athens before a workout. All 122 teams in the tournament are being re-seeded for a double-elimination bracket that opens Wednesday.

It's been a whirlwind campaign for the Cats, who were second in the National Hall of Fame Tournament in Oklahoma City, and were co-champions of the 58-team, 16-and-under Surf City Classic in Huntington Beach, Calif.

"This season could not have been scripted any better," Fileccia said. "We played each tournament to progress slowly and build on our mistakes. Our motto continues to be: every pitch of every play of every inning of every game."

For the five weeks ahead of the Georgia tournament, the AZ Cats '94 club has been conditioning four days a week, then practicing for three hours four days a week.

"There is no quit in these athletes and they refuse to stop short of anything except winning a

national championship," Fileccia said.

The team's roster draws from across the state, but counts on a heavy local contingent, including Bonstrom, Rodriguez, Ironwood Ridge sophomores Lauren Robinson and Jordan Rocker, Mountain View freshman Ashley Rivera, and the youngest player on the team, Cross Middle School eighth-grader Sammy Nettling.

"Our season has already been a success no matter what happens out here," said Fileccia. "Fourteen young ladies have become better friends and each of them would do anything for one another.

"They have become better conditioned athletes, they have become better softball players," he added.

"Most of all, they have more love in their hearts now than when we started four months ago."




Monday, July 27
Cats Win Pool Play Games-East Valley Tribune
July 27, 2009

AZ Cats win first two games at ASA Nationals

Tribune

The AZ Cats 94 softball team won its first two games at the ASA Nationals in Marietta, Ga., defeating the North Carolina Diamond Thunder 4-0 in the opener and then rolling past Mize Diamonds (San Jose, Calif.) 10-0 in 6 innings.

Against the Diamond Thunder, Kayla Bonstrom pitched the shutout and was 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored. Abby Spiel was 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored, and Sarah Rodriguez was 2-for-3 with a triple and three RBIs for the Cats.

Against the Diamonds, Ashley Palmer pitched the complete game shutout and also hit a triple, Kayla Bonstrom went 4-for-4 at the plate with an RBI and Jess Guffey was 2-for-4 with four RBIs, including a bases-loaded double.

The Cats finish pool play 2-0 and after an off day on Tuesday, will begin the double elimination portion of the tournament on Wednesday.



Monday, July 27
Ctas Win Pool Play-Valley Sports Ledger
Cats start quickly      
Softball - Club Softball
Written by The Ledger   
Tuesday, July 28 2009 09:19

The AZ Cats 94 finished pool play unbeaten and collected two shutouts in two games at the ASA 14u Nationals in Marietta,GA.

The Cats defeated the Mize Diamonds from San Jose 10-0 Monday night. Earlier in the day, they opened play with a 4-0 win over the North Carolina Diamond Thunder.

Kayla Bonstrom pitched a complete-game shutout and was 2-for-4 at the plate against the Thunder. Abby Spiel was 3-for-3 with a double, and Sarah Rodriguez was 2-for-3 with a triple and three RBI.

Ashley Palmer pitched the complete-game shutout in the nightcap and also hit a triple. Bonstrom was 4-for-4 with an RBI. Jess Guffey was 2-for-4 with four RBI, including a bases-loaded double. Rodriguez drove in two.

The Cats have an off day Tuesday. Coach Phil Fileccia will take the team on a tour of the University of Georgia in Athens prior to a team workout.

After completion of pool play Tuesday evening, the 122-team tournament will be seeded for double-elimination bracket play beginning Wednesday.

The Cats roster includes Ashley Rivera, Ashley Palmer, Abby Spiel, Lauren Robinson, Alexis Aguirre, Katie McCallister, Jess Guffey, Sammy Nettling, Kayla Bonstrom, Jordan Rocker, Sarah Rodriguez, Amber Berg, Rhyeca Riley and Adriana Rostenhausler.



Saturday, July 25
Cats Heading to Nationals-AZ Daily Star
The LOCALS
• Alexis Aguirre, INF, Safford, So.
• Kayla Bonstrom, P/OF, Canyon del Oro, So.
 • Lauren Robinson, OF, Ironwood Ridge, So.
• Jordan Rocker, OF, Ironwood Ridge, So.
• Ashley Rivera, INF/OF, Mt. View, Fr.
• Sarah Rodriguez, INF/P, Ironwood Ridge, Fr.
• Adrianna Rosthenhausler, INF, Sunnyside, Fr.
• Sammy Nettling, C, Cross Middle School, 8th grade

Local 14U softball players going national next week

By Casey Crowe
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 07.25.2009
She's a possible heir apparent to Canyon del Oro's two-time Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year Kenzie Fowler.
Bonstrom was the Dorados' junior varsity ace last season as a freshman and was brought up to join Fowler's varsity squad late in the season. She saw playoff playing time — mainly as a hitter — during CDO's third straight 4A-I state championship run. She is in the mix — along with Kenzie's sister Mattie Fowler and Janelle Christman — to take over the lead role in the circle next spring in Oro Valley.
But for the next week, Bonstrom's focus will be national, not local.
Bonstrom is a member of the Amateur Softball Association of America's (ASA) 14-and-under Cats '94 softball team, made up mainly of local talent, and will play next week in the ASA national finals in Marietta, Ga.
Three reasons the Cats could return as national champs:
No stranger to the pressure
Last summer, four of them — Bonstrom, Ironwood Ridge sophomores Lauren Robinson and Jordan Rocker and Safford's Alexis Aguirre — were on the Pusch Ridge Little League crew that claimed the Little League World Series championship, televised on ESPNU and replayed on ESPN2.
"I noticed the cameras before the game but not when (the game) started," said Bonstrom, who pitched the title-winning matchup against Puerto Rico. "Then I didn't really see them at all until our parents and family came on the field after we won."
A loaded lineup
Nearly everyone on the roster was a contributor for Arizona high school programs last spring or is expected to become a contributor this spring. The lone exception is Sammy Nettling, a 12-year-old playing up a level, who will attend Cross Middle School this year before moving on to CDO in 2010.
Despite her youth, Nettling owns a crucial role on the team as the starting catcher.
"I think I'm treated just like everyone else," said Nettling. "You have to be able to be a leader as a catcher. At first it was hard being a couple years younger, but I'm used to it now, and I think they are, too."
Well-traveled
The Cats are in Marietta right now.
On July 20, they were in Huntington Beach, Calif., celebrating a co-championship in the Surf City Summer College Showcase despite moving up a level, playing against 16-and-under teams. The week before that, they claimed the Arizona ASA 14U State Championship at Lincoln Park. That followed a June 12-15 trek to Oklahoma City for the Hall of Fame tourney, where they finished second.
"We have aggressive parents that do fantastic fund-raising," said head coach Phil Fileccia, regarding the estimated $15,000 to $20,000 in travel expenses for the season. "We want the girls to have this type of exposure."


Monday, July 20
CATS Co-Champs @ Surf City Showcase-Valley Sports Ledger
Nationals-bound teams share tourney title PDF Print E-mail
Softball - Club Softball
Written by The Ledger   
Friday, July 24 2009 15:33

Two Arizona teams head to ASA Nationals this weekend fresh off sharing championship honors in the Surf City Summer College Showcase in Huntington Beach, CA.

The AZ Cats 94 and the AZ Hotshots were among the 58 teams entered in the 16u division, including 49 from California as well as teams from Nevada, Washington, Colorado and Utah. After four pool games, the top 34 teams were seeded in a single-elimination bracket. The Cats, playing up an age division, and the Hotshots were the final teams left standing. Cats coach Phil Fileccia and Hotshots coach Keith Householder agreed that the teams, who know each other well and had travel concerns, would be co-champions.

Both teams were crowned state champions a week ago in the Arizona ASA State Championships. The Hotshots won the 16u crown and the Cats the 14u title.

The Hotshots travel to Sioux Falls, S.D. this weekend for the 16u ASA Nationals. The Cats travel to Marietta, Ga. for the 14u ASA Nationals.

 

Saturday, July 18
AZ CATS 94 Win 14U State Title-Valley Sports Ledger
 
Written by The Ledger   
Saturday, July 18 2009 05:42

The AZ Cats 94 went undefeated and won the ASA 14u state championship.

 

The Cats rode a one-hitter by Ashley Palmer and defeated Tucson Elite 6-0 last Sunday in the title game at Lincoln Park in Tucson. Kayla Bonstrom was 2-for-3 with a double to pace the offense, which outscored four opponents 37-11 for the weekend.

 

The Cats beat the Casa Grande Heat 8-2 to open the tournament. Bonstrom was the winning pitcher, throwing a complete-game five-hitter. Sarah Rodriguez was 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, a triple, and two RBI. In their second game, the Cats defeated the Phoenix Lil Saints 11-6. Palmer was the winning pitcher throwing a complete game and yielding six hits. Rodriguez was 3-for-3 at the plate.

In their third game, the Cats defeated the Tucson Elite 12-3. Bonstrom was the winning pitcher, yielding five hits. Rodriguez was 3-for-4 with and scored three times.

For the tournament, Rodriguez was 9-for-13 with two triples, a double, four RBI and 10 runs scored. Adriana Rosthenhausler was 6-for-9.

The Cats travel to Huntington Beach, CA for this weekend’s Surf City College Showcase, where they will compete up a class in the 16u division. They then travel to Marietta, GA for the ASA National Championships July 25-Aug 2.

They placed second in the 14u ASA Hall of Fame tournament June 12-14 in Oklahoma City, OK to qualify for nationals. The prestigious Hall of Fame Tournament is held annually at the National Softball Complex on the same fields as the NCAA Women’s College World Series.

The National Qualifier featured 28 teams from across the country competing for eight berths in the national championshipThe Cats finished as runners-up to the Ohio Slammers. They defeated the East Cobb Bullets (GA), So. Cal Choppers (CA), Orland Park Sparks (IL), and the So. Cal Jets (CA) to reach the semifinals, where they lost 1-0 to the Slammers. They met the Slammers again in the championship but were defeated to place second.

The roster includes Rhyeca Riley, Alexis Aguirre, Adriana Rosthenhausler, Amber Berg, Ashley Rivera, Jordan Rocker, Lauren Robinson, Sarah Rodriguez,  Katie McCallister, Sammy Nettling, Kayla Bonstrom, Ashley Palmer, Abby Spiel and Jess Guffey. Head coach is Phil Fileccia. Assistants are Bruce Bonstrom and Jamie Spiel.



Saturday, July 4
AZ Republic Press Release (Cats Qualify for Nationals)

Valley softball players advance to national finals

What good is the summer without softball tournaments?

As good as the New York Mets. Sorry, I'm bitter.

Or should I say the Arizona Diamondbacks? Same thing, we guess.

Here is a release ITL recieved recently on 15 Arizona players finishing high in a national tournament:

The ‘94 AZ Cats girls softball team placed 2nd in the 14U ASA Hall of Fame Tournament June 12-14 in Oklahoma City, OK. The prestigious Hall of Fame Tournament is held annually at the National Softball Complex on the same fields as the NCAA Women’s College World Series. The National Qualifier featured 28 teams from across the country competing for 8 berths in the ASA National Championship to be held in Marietta, GA July 26-Aug 2.

The team, comprised of 15 girls from throughout AZ, finished as runners-up losing in the Championship to the Ohio Slammers. The AZ Cats defeated the East Cobb Bullets (GA), So. Cal Choppers (CA), Orland Park Sparks (IL), and the So. Cal Jets (CA) to reach the semi-finals where they lost 1-0 to the Ohio Slammers. They met the Slammers again in the Championship but were defeated to place 2nd. The top 8 teams earned a spot in the ASA National Finals to be played in Marietta, GA at the end of July.

The 14U Division requires girls to be born prior to Dec. 31, 1994. Most players will be sophomores at their respective High Schools in the Fall. The team consists of:

Jess Guffey, OF/1B, Scottsdale Desert Mountain, 2011; Alexis Aguirre, SS/2B, Safford, 2012; Amber Berg, UT, Glendale Mountain Ridge, 2012; Kayla Bonstrom, P/OF, Tucson Canyon del Oro, 2012; Celina Martinez, P/1B, Vail Cienega, 2012; Kate McCallister, 3B/1B, Phoenix Pinnacle; Ashley Palmer, P/1B, Mountain Ridge, 2012; Lauren Robinson, OF, Tucson Ironwood Ridge, 2012; Jordan Rocker, OF, Ironwood Ridge, 2012; Abby Spiel, OF/P, Tempe Corona del Sol, 2012; Rhyeca Riley, C, Mountain Ridge; 2013; Sarah Rodriguez, 3B/P, Ironwood Ridge, 2013; Adrianna Rosthenhausler, 2B/SS, Tucson Sunnyside, 2013; and Sammy Nettling, C/UT, Canyon del Oro, 2014.

The team is seeking donations to help offset the costs for travel and lodging for the week long National Tourney. The AZ Cats organization is a 501-3-C Organization and contributions may be tax deductible. Any financial contributions are greatly appreciated.
Please make any Checks payable to
“AZ Cats 94 Softball Organization” and mail to :

Team Mgr. Peggy Bonstrom
9045 N Shannon Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85742 igh
 



Friday, July 17
AZ REPUBLIC RELEASE
AZ Cats 94 softball club Photo courtesy of AZ Cats 94

Ashley Palmer, of Glendale, is a key member of the AZ Cats 94 softball club, which will play in the ASA Nationals to be held in Georgia at the end of July.

West Valley softball players pursue national title

by Odeen Domingo - Jul. 16, 2009 09:13 AM
The Arizona Republic

You know a team is good when its coach does not hesitate to compare it to Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.

That's exactly what Phillip Fileccia did when talking about his AZ Cats 94 softball club. AZ Cats 94 finished second in the Under-14 ASA Hall of Fame tournament in June at the National Softball Complex in Oklahoma. It then went undefeated in the Arizona ASA Under-14 tournament earlier this month in Tucson.

AZ Cats 94, which consists of six players from the Valley, will play in the ASA National Championships at Marietta, Ga. July 25-Aug. 2.

Fileccia spoke with The Republic recently about his national championship-hopeful team:

Question: What is it like for you as a coach to have such a talented team?

Answer: I look at it as almost the Chicago Bulls in the1990s when they had Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. You have all these phenomenal players and Phil Jackson had to do this massive piece of coaching. Because you can have all talent in the world, but if you can't get them to play together, it's useless.

To put the right players at the right sports at the right time, it's always a challenge. But we have 14 amazing athletes and you can only play nine in a game. . . . However, to go to the bench with five reserves knowing at any time those reserves can deliver a hit or a score a run, it's a luxury to have as a coach. We're blessed to have this many great athletes on one team.

Q: Any surprises so far?

A: I think what's surprised me is how every game these girls are able to play to a new level . . . and how they've progressed more and more after each practice and more and more after each game. Any time I asked for a little bit more, they continue to give a little bit more. They keep giving keep going to their reserve tank and give more than they actually got. And that's what champions are about. Champions rise to the occasion.

Q: How realistic is winning a national championship?

A: I think we have the most dominating pitching and the most dominating hitting and devastating defense. I believe every one of our 14 girls, three coaches and all the parents now believe that we have the ability to win the national championship. It's taken this journey over three months now to get to the point where we start to believe it inch by inch, game by game. Our motto is we play ever game, every inning, every pitch to our maximum potential. We've now played together three months and I believe everyone bought into the fact of how good we are.

Valley players

 

Six players on the AZ Cats 94 roster hail from the Valley: outfielder Amber Berg, a sophomore at Glendale Mountain Ridge; outfielder/first baseman Jessica Guffey, a junior at Scottsdale Desert Mountain; infielder Katie McCallister, a sophomore at Phoenix Pinnacle; ace pitcher Ashley Palmer, a sophomore at Mountain Ridge; catcher Rhyeca Riley, who is going to be a freshman this fall at Mountain Ridge; and Abby Spiel, a sophomore at Tempe Corona del Sol.

What's next

 

The AZ Cats 94, travel to Huntington Beach, Calif., for this weekend's Surf City College Showcase. They will compete in the Under-16 division. They then travel to Marietta, Ga., for the ASA National Championships July 25-Aug. 2.

Fundraising

 

The team needs donations to offset the expenses of travel, lodging and meals for the eight-day tournament in Georgia. Despite ongoing fundraising, recent trips to Oklahoma and California have depleted most of the team's funds.

The 94 AZ Cats Softball team is a 501-3-C non-profit organization and any contributions may be tax deductible. For more information on how to help, e-mail coach Fileccia at phillip_fileccia@yahoo.com.



Saturday, July 4
Eastern Az Courier-Press Release (Aguirre helps lead Cats to Nationals)

Aguirre helps lead club softball team to nationals

By Brian Wright
Sports Editor
Published on Thursday, July 2, 2009 4:40 PM MST

Every team Alexis Aguirre plays on seems to win.

Aguirre, a freshman last season, played shortstop for the Safford softball team. The Lady Bulldogs went 25-4 and reached the 3A state semifinals.

Summer is often a dormant time for students Aguirre’s age, but she has been busy.

Alexis Aguirre, who plays shortstop for the Safford Bulldogs softball team, has helped her summer club team, the 94 AZ Cats, reach the ASA Nationals. The 94 AZ Cats placed second at a 28-team qualifying tournament in Oklahoma City on June 12-14. The team needs additional funds to make the trip to Marietta, Ga., on July 25-Aug. 2 to compete for the ASA National Championship. Photo by Brian Wright

 
Her energy and devotion is now with her club softball team — the 94 AZ Cats.

That team competes in the 14U ASA Girls Fastpitch League.

At the National Hall of Fame Tournament in Oklahoma City on June 12-14, the 94 AZ Cats placed second out of 28 teams.

The second-place finish qualified the team for the ASA Nationals in Marietta, Ga., on July 25-Aug. 2. The top eight teams from the Hall of Fame Tournament will compete for the national championship.

The ASA, however, requires all teams to cover their own expenses.

The approximate cost for each player’s entry fees, travel, food and lodging is $1,000.

The 94 AZ Cats, comprised of 15 players from Arizona born before Dec. 31, 1994, spent all spring raising funds.

Recent trips to Oklahoma and California have depleted most of those funds.

Anyone interested in donating to the team can send checks to 94 AZ Cats Softball Organization, Peggy Bonstrom, 9045 N. Shannon Rd., Tucson, AZ 85742.


Saturday, July 4
Northwest Explorer-Press Release (Cats Qualify for Nationals)

State girls 14-and-under softball squad to nationals

Northwest players on AZ Cats' roster

By Luke Davis, Special to The Explorer
Published:
June-24-2009
A local club softball team has qualified for the Amateur Softball Association of America's national tournament.

The AZ Cats 94 14-and-under fastpitch squad won the right to advance to the Marietta, Ga.-based competition by finishing second in the National Hall of Fame Tournament in Oklahoma City on June 10-12.

The Cats, the only team representing Arizona, went 5-2 in the national tournament, losing twice to eventual champions, the Ohio Slammers. They defeated teams from Georgia, Illinois and two from California at the event.

While the Cats draw softball prospects from across the state, Oro Valley and Marana contribute heavily, wrapping up six of the 15 roster spots.

Slated to attend traditional prep powerhouse Canyon Del Oro are the Cats' Kayla Bonstrom and Sammy Nettling.

Ironwood Ridge varsity players, freshmen Jordan Rocker and Lauren Robinson, and future Nighthawk Sarah Rodriguez provided much-needed offense and defense to the Cats.

Future Mountain View Mountain Lion Ashley Rivera rounded out the Northwest side's contribution to the team.

Bonstrom, Rocker and Robinson are scheduled to graduate high school in 2012, Rivera and Rodriguez will finish in 2013, while Nettling's prep career ends in 2014.

Bonstrom, Rodriguez, Robinson, and Rocker were also key components in the Pusch Ridge Little League squad that won a championship at last year's Little League World Series in Washington.

The team is seeking donations to offset the travel costs of competing nationally.

For more information, contact head coach Phil Fileccia at phillip_fileccia@yahoo.com or 304-4692, or Bill Nettling at bnettling@comcast.net and/or 331-3737.



Thursday, July 2
AZ Cats '94 Qualify for 2009 ASA Nationals
Handout: Press Releases

Thursday, July 2
ASA National Release-14U Hall of Fame Results
Handout: Press Releases