Welcome to the site of the 2008-2009 Sparks 14U Red.

We would like to congratulate the following girls for making this years squad:

Kristina Apato                          India Steward

Allie Bettenhausen                    Amie Raynor

Alyssa Gunther                        Jordan Battles 

Savannah Kinsella                     Hailey Freres

Candice Koch

Karissa Kouchis

Rebecca Lincoln

Hanna Lythberg

Hannah Theilmann

We are looking forward to a great season!!

The Orland Park Sparks were founded in 1979, and since have developed a tremendous history of providing the best available fundamental instruction, quality competition and exposure for young athletes. The program was founded with honest values and has strived to be not only the best in Illinois, but throughout the Midwest and the nation. The Sparks have also been instrumental in providing a venue for tournaments that host several competitive teams. Additionally, many of the Sparks staff have been called upon to be clinicians for coaches, players, and umpires.

The organization has developed an outstanding tradition nationally, based on success in some of the highest-level tournaments. The Sparks teams have made repeated visits to ASA National tournaments at all age levels. The 18 & Under team has made it to the Nationals 12 consecutive years, highlighted by the 1996 Class A National Championship. Sparks teams have also finished in the Top 10 nationally on four other occasions. Because of the consistent level of success, the Sparks name has become synonymous with high-caliber softball throughout the nation.

The 14 & Under Sparks would like to thank you for visiting their page. The calendar is updated weekly with games, tournaments, and other information so please check back often. Good luck to all and see you this summer.

With the help of three memebers from the Sparks 14U Black squad the Sparks 14U red team took home the 1st place trophy, going undefeated 5-0 Saturday, October 4th.

Game 1 vs. Homer Hawks Black started out rocky, but after the Hawks jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning, starting pitcher Hanna Lythberg settled down and kept them scorless for the rest of the game. Shortstop Hailey Arndt started the rally with a huge 2 run double. After that the Sparks offense was unstoppable, with triples by Alyssa Gunther, and Kristi Gandy!!! A defensive higlight, was when starting catcher Karissa Kouchis threw a bullet to Arndt at short gunning down a runner trying to steal second. The game was a great way to start the day.  Final Score Sparks 10 Hawks 1!

 Game 2 vs. Naperville Diamonds     The Sparks just kept rolling from that point on and did not stop. Scoring every inning and not stopping till the ump called mercy.  Highlights for the game were Amie Raynors huge Homerun, and a triple from Jordan Battles. Both Rebecca Lincoln and Kristina Apato were 3/3 helping lead the offense.                        Final Score Naperville 3 Sparks 13!!

Game 3 vs Oak Lawn Ice    With outstanding pitching and defense the Ice had a hard time scoring. Amie Raynor and Allie Bettenhausen each had triples, and Kristina Apato was 2 for 2, helping the offense score 10 runs.    Final Score Ice 2 Sparks 10!

 Game 4 vs Chitown   Hannah Lythberg started the game on the mound and Allie Bettenhausen helped her out in the end.  Chitown jumped out to an early lead, but the Sparks never gave up. Hannah Lythberg showed great leadership when she bounced back after giving up a homerun on the mound, by hitting one herself getting the team right back in the game. The two miniture hitters at the top of the order did a great job combining together for 3 out of the 5 runs scored. Leadoff hitter Alyssa Gunther and two hitter Rebecca Lincoln were on base 5 out of 6 times during the game. With that kind of speed and smarts on the bases there was little Chitown could do to keep the game in their hands. Final Score Chitown 2 Sparks 5!!!

Game 5 Championship vs Windmills   Kristi Gandy got the win on the mound for the Sparks going all seven innings. It was a good game with the lead chinging hands more then once. The Sparks were in control for most of the game but a few mistakes let the Windmills creep back in. Going into the 6th inning the game was close, but with bases loaded and less then two outs Gandy ripped a screaming triple down the third base line. Sparks went on to win the championship wiht a final score Sparks 10 Windmills 6!!!

Nice fall girls, you are amazing!!!

I can't wait till the summer!!