Monday, July 7
Diamonds place 9th in the Colorado Sparkler
Runs make a difference in where you place in this tourney not so much losses, we ended up placing 9th in our bracket ladies. Congrats.
Megan and Taylor congratulations on being picked as an ALL AMERICAN PLAYER. You girls performed very well for your ALL STAR TEAM, It showed cause only 5 were picked out of the Two teams playing and you girls were one of the five.
Congratulations Lily for being scouted for college. Get that video to that coach to get the ball rolling for you.
We want to thank our bat girl Leah for being such a great help on the field, also keeping the girls cheering. You were awsome Leah.
Anna (AJ) what a way to take on the fence for your team. You were so so aggressive with your speed out there tracking the ball. By the way, the ball was in your glove. We all love Ya.
These last ten days has been nothing but accomplishments for the whole team. The coaches, parents, family and friends, couldn't be more proud. Let's keep it going ladies.
Have a nice couple weeks off do your vacations (Florida, San Diego, Mexico, California (Red Sox & Angels Game and Yankees & Angels Game) enjoy it you all deserve it.
As always........
LIVE IT...LOVE IT...PLAY IT...SOFTBALL...IT'S A DIAMONDS THING!!!!!
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Monday, June 30
Colorado Classic Champions
Two CHAMPIONSHIPS in a row. How great is that. What a way to play girls. Batting, Pitching, Fielding, can't complain about that. 5-0 Way to go undefeated in the Classic Ladies. 12 wins 2 losses and a tie, between 3 tourneys, that is just phenominal. Now lets get ready for the Sparkler. We can do this.
Monday, June 23
NEVADA STATE CHAMPIONS
Only one tourney (JO) or only 4 games into the season how ever you want to look at it......... OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have caused a RUCKUS.
**********ASA 16U STATE CHAMPIONS.**********
I had this good feeling on Friday talking with some friends of mine and told them I have a feeling we are going to take this tourney this weekend. I liked the way we played last weekend and knew we were going to grow as a team and fast. Parents, coaches, and fans and believe me we had a crowd watching, you girls kicked @&& this weekend.
Bats,,,, OH my the bats, they were so heated. Those 3-4 hour weekday practices and 4-5 hour Saturday practices, tell me... IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!!!
Yeah it was hot, but when you girls were warming up for 45 min to an hour out in that desert heat, batting before each game this weekend, while the other teams hit a few balls and then went into the shade because it was to hot or maybe they thought that was enough practice for them well it showed. Every single one of you girls contributed to the team winning the championship. Every single bat came alive and either bunted, singled, doubled, tripled. You don't always need home runs to win games, a consistant base hit or double did the trick.
Oh and let me tell you the fielding, that's a whole nother story. The plays that you girls made this weekend, unbelievable.
Emily, our first baseman or should I say Elastigirl from the movie The Incredibles. She had stretched like no other. How she picked out some of those plays and kept it alive I I I I I I I I really am speechless. I think everyone is.
Megan our Shortstop, you know that is probably one of the most aggressive positions to play, she was backhanding, throwing on her knees getting the ball to first base to get the out. Amazing plays.
Amanda third base, when those left handed slappers came up you knew exactly where to be and sure enough it was hit right to you and you had the out before they were half way down the base line, some times you would even take your time to set and fix the ball in your glove with only seconds to spare, when that ball left your hand I really don't ever remember seeing Emily receiving it.
There is so much to say about every girl on this team and what they brought this weekend. You all know what you did. There is so much to talk about.
The pitching unstoppable, (Nicole, Amanda, and Lily) how you girls as pitchers can get a line drive hit right back at you in the foot, leg, arm, stomach wherever and still get back in there and throw strikes it AMAZES me. Oh and what about the pressure form the coaches, the heat and exhaustion, Oh did I mention pressure from the coaches (Johnny & Fernando).
Second Base way to recieve those throw downs to first, from a bunt, fast and quick on your feet (Shannon and Sarah).
BATTING (Shannon) WOW! leading these last two tourny's with an .800 average thats what I'm talking about.
That speed and those diving catches in the outfield (Taylor, AJ, JJ, Jenise). Thank god that grass was plush.
Catching and the gear you have to wear in this heat (Paxton and Jenise) no wonder why you girls stay in such good shape it's your own little personal sauna in that get up. And what about your pick offs (Paxton) what a way to bring it you and Emily.
You can't forget about The TEAM SPIRIT (little help from former 14U Diamonds Missy and Mickayla) all of you girls way to keep it alive this weekend in the dug out. You all never gave up, you all kept it alive all the way through.
All in all, this weekend was worth the heat, sun burn, dehydration, the nail biting, all of it, it was all worth it. I think the parents would agree. We are all so very proud of you. Keep it going for Colorado. We are going to have FUN FUN FUN.
DIAMOND STYLE
LIVE IT....LOVE IT....PLAY IT... SOFTBALL...IT"S A DIAMONDS THING
Monday, June 16
Junior Olympics FIRST TOURNEY BACK
For our first tourney back from high school ball and with 4 new players, Johnny and I were very well pleased with the results this weekend. We were impressed with the bats and pitching, turning double plays, aggressive base running, liking it. With a few wins under our belts I'm excited to see whats in store for us. Candice
Thursday, May 22
LAST ONES STANDING
Congradulations to being one of the last three teams in the regional play offs. What an awsome experience. AJ and Elisa (Clark) you played your hearts out batting and pitched suprememly through this season to help bring your team to first place in the season league.
Nicole (Durango) with out you they would have never made it to be one of the final two teams standing. You are pitching so unbeleivably well, WOW we are all so very proud of you. To keep Shadow Ridge (#1 team in 4 A) at bay for 5 straight innings pitching. You had them. The lack of unexperience in High school ball lost it for you, But hey its high school ball thats to be expected. Keep your head up no one can complain about your performance this season. Batting a .417 and 12-2 loss ratio, ERA 1.04, You played superbly.
All of you girls that made Varsity and the paper this season it shows your A Ball talent and skills. You all are going to go far and Johnny and I and the parents couldn't be more prouder of all of you. Man I'm just glad it is over. Lets get back into playing some real ball..........
Candy
"I Miss All Of You"
Saturday, May 10
High School Heroes In The News (LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL, SOuthwest View, & Boulder City View)
ANNA JAEHN
March 18th 2008 • AJ is starting us off this season in the Paper (Las Vegas Review Journal). At the Fred Davidson Tourney, (West Flamingo) Anna Jaehn homered for Clark against West Hills California and Tripled against Ursuline California.
March 27th 2008 • Clark 17, Chaparral 0 - Clark's Anna Jaehn was 2-for-3.
March 28th 2008 • Clark 14, Desert Pines 1 - At Desert Pines Anna Jaehn was 2-for-3 with a triple.
April 8th 2008 • Clark 5 Durango 2 - Anna Jaehn went 2-for-2 for Clark.
April 14th 2008 • Clark 5, Sierra Vista 1 -- Anna Jaehn was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs
April 28th 2008 • Clark 2, Durango 0 -- At Clark, Anna Jaehn added a double and an RBI for Clark.
NICOLE HERRERA
March 25th 2008 • Durango 11, Eldorado 0 -- At Durango, Nicole Herrera pitched a five-inning shutout as the Trailblazers blanked Eldorado. Herrera went 3 for 3
March 29th 2008 • Durango 7, Pahrump Valley 0 -- At Kingman, Ariz., Nicole Herrera hit a three-run homer and pitched a two-hitter as the Trailblazers blanked the Trojans
March 29th 2008 • Durango 5, Needles 3- Winning Pitcher Nicole Herrera
March 29th 2008 • Kingman 6, Durango 5 - Nicole Herrera went 3 for 3 hitting 2 triples and a double
April 4th 2008 • Durango 6 Spring Valley 2 - Winning Pitcher Nicole Herrera
April 10th 2008 • Durango 4, Bonanza 0 -- At Bonanza, Nicole Herrera pitched a five-hitter with eight strikeouts to lead the Trailblazers over the Bengals.
April 16th 2008 • Durango 16, Sierra Vista 0 -- At Durango, Winning pitcher Nicole Herrera fired a three-hitter, striking out nine. She also went 3-for-3 with two doubles.
April 24th 2008 • Durango 7, Spring Valley 2 -- At Durango, Nicole Herrera carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and stroked a two-run double to lead the Trailblazers. Herrera hit a batter to start the seventh and then allowed the Grizzlies' only hit, a two-run homer.
May 6th 2008 • Durango 3, Centennial 2 -- Durango pitcher Nicole Herrera pitched the distance and got a force-out to end the game.
May 8th 2008 • Durango 2, Cimarron-Memorial 0 --Durango's Nicole Herrera pitched a one-hitter and struck out five.
May 9th 2008 • Durango 10, Clark 4 -- In the losers bracket final, Durango stormed to an 8-0 lead in the third inning and held off the Chargers (23-11). Winning Pitcher Nicole Herrera
May 9th 2008 • Shadow Ridge 7, Durango 2, Durango pitcher Nicole Herrera, who threw nearly five innings in relief in the Trailblazers' first game Friday against Clark, to a sure win, scattered five hits with no runs in the first five innings of this game.
PAXTON FLEMING
March 10th 2008 • Boulder City 10, Needles 8 -- Boulder City downed Needles in an away game. Paxton Fleming was 3 for 5 with a triple and four RBI's.
March 15th 2008 • Boulder City 4, Delta High 3 -- In St. George, Utah, Paxton Fleming had an RBI and another solid game behind the plate.
April 2nd 2008 • Boulder City 18, Calvary Chapel 0 --The Lady Eagles crushed visiting Calvary Chapel. Calvery Chapel was Scoreless for four innings with pitching and Paxton Fleming tough behiond the plate.
April 22nd 2008 • Pahrump Valley 4-11, Boulder City 3-4 -- At Boulder City, Paxton Flemming was 3-for-3 with an RBI for Boulder City.
April 2008 • Class 3A schools Paxton Fleming is one of the toughest catchers in the league. Fleming also one the best hitters thus far.
MEGAN ROBBINS
March 25th 2008 • Desert Pines 13, Western 3 - At Western, Megan Robbins tossed a one-hitter and belted a solo home run in the second inning to lead the Jaguars to a five-inning victory.
April 2nd 2008 • Desert Pines 10, Chaparral 2 - At Desert Pines, Megan Robbins homered to help lead the Jaguars to victory.
April 28th 2008 • Eldorado 11, Desert Pines 1 -- At Desert Pines, Megan Robbins tripled twice for Desert Pines.
ELISA DAWSON
March 27th 2008 • Clark 17, Chaparral 0 -- At Clark, Elisa Dawson tossed a two-hitter and struck out 13 in five innings as the Chargers routed the Cowboys.
April 2nd 2008 • Clark 2, Bonanza 0 -- Elisa Dawson had an RBI single in the Chargers' two-run fifth inning.
April 4th 2008 • Clark 21, Western 0 -- At Clark, Elisa Dawson pitched a no-hitter with 12 strikeouts as the Chargers pounded the Warriors in five innings.
April 8th 2008 • Clark 5 Durango 2 - At Durango Elisa Dawson went 2-for-2 for Clark, also hit a double.
April 10th 2008 • Clark 8, Bishop Gorman 0 -- At Clark, Elisa Dawson was 3-for-3 with a home run, a double and two RBIs.
April 24th 2008 • Clark 12, Western 0 Elisa Dawson -- lifts Clark to win over Western. Elisa Dawson pitched a five-inning perfect game Thursday, leading Clark's softball team to a 12-0 win at Western. Dawson struck out 10 of the 15 hitters she faced and went 3-for-3.
May 6th 2008 • Clark 3, Palo Verde 2 -- Elisa Dawson had an RBI single in the fifth inning
LILY WILLIAMS
March 28th 2008 • Durango 8, Parker (Ariz.) 0 -- At Kingman, Ariz., Durango scored five runs in the first inning on the way to a win in the Kingman Tournament. Lily Williams had a triple for the Trailblazers, who picked up a second win in the tournament when Beaver Dam (Ariz.) forfeited.
April 18th 2008 • Durango 22, Western 0 -- At Western, Lily Williams was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and pitched a four-inning no-hitter.
TAYLOR VEGA
April 1st 2008 • Silverado 12, Tech 1 - Taylor Vega went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI for Silverado.
April 15th 2008 • Silverado 14, Basic 6 -- At Silverado, Taylor Vega hit a home run in the Skyhawks' win over the Wolves.
Monday, February 25
DIAMOND HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY 2008 DIAMOND GIRLS FOR MAKING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM!!!!!!
Freshman Jenise Guiterrez Gorman Catcher Varsity
Freshman Anna Jaehn Clark Varsity
Sophmore Nicole Herrera Durango Pitcher Varsity
Sophmore Paxton Fleming Boulder City Catcher Varsity
Sophmore Megan Robbins Desert Pines 2nd Base Varsity
Sophmore Sarah Cuddahy Shadow Ridge J Varsity
Sophmore Lexy Moss Coranado Varsity
Junior Taylor Vega Silverado Center Varsity
Junior Elisa Dawson Clark Pitcher Varsity
Junior Lily Williams Durango Pitcher Varsity
DECEMBER 2nd 2007 GOING OUT WITH A BANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 1ST PLACE CHAMPIONS
What a way to end the Season. 1ST PLACE CHAMPIONS
5 Tournaments for the fall season. One 3RD PLACE, two 2ND PLACES, and a 1ST PLACE CHAMPIONSHIP, What an accomplishment.
All the coaches and parents could not be more prouder for you girls.
Games were cut short this weekend because of rain and fields. We were supposed to start out playing the New Mexico Sting but things got changed around, so we started with the SOUTH EL MONTE CALIFORNIA RAGE 18A team.
Bats were a little weak in the first two innings and they scored a run on us right away. The third inning bats started to come alive and we scored a run on a few good hits by Jenise, Shyla , and Anna(AJ). Coming into the fourth inning, MISSY MISS started the rally with a VERY DEEP over the fence HOME RUN. Everyones bats just took off. Shyla, Nicole, Jenise, and Missy (coming up for the second time that inning) hitting doubles, While Anna (AJ), Megan, and Sarah hitting singles. We scored 7 runs that inning. Pitching was supurb, Nicole held them at bay until the last inning and they started to hit but defense was TOP NOTCH, we held them for the win. We won 8-6.
Off to the second game. We were playing FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA REBELS. Our girls are pumped and ready to go. Elisa (DOODLE) pitched an outstanding game. A NO HIT SHUT OUT with 6 strike outs 3 1/2 inning game. Bats came alive in the first inning, Nicole and Jenise hitting doubles and Elisa and Megan hitting singles added with some great base running, we scored 3 right away. Third inning we scored another run with singles hit from Nicole, Elisa , and Anna (AJ). We won 4-0
Next day is single elimination because of rain and field times lossed. If we lose we were done. How can you work so hard the day before and lose one game and go home. NOT US!!!!!!
We ended up playing the NEW MEXICO STING. They had tied the BAKERSFIELD NO FEAR and only lost to the EL MONTE RAGE by three runs the day before. They had to beat the FLAGSTAFF REBELS before coming over to play us. And they did. They wanted to take this tourney.
Nicole pitched a 2 hit shut out with 5 strike outs. Defense was Steller and our bats were on fire. Doubles and singles added up to a win. We won 9-0.
Going into the championship we had to play EL MONTE RAGE 18A team. They were not going home empty handed, they wanted this. They were not going to be beat twice by a 16U team.
This was one of the most bizarre games. It lasted 1 hour and 55 minutes 8 innings and some crazy calls. Missy pitched an outstanding game, with 9 strike outs.
Our winning run would have came in the 2nd inning but we had coaches interfearance. We won't name names, he tripped one of our girls on third base and they both fell. HAHAHAHA. Then in the fourth inning, Taylor was on first and Sarah hit a hard grounder to second base and the girl had it in her hands and Taylor ran into her, the fielder dropped it and they called runner interfearance. Taylor is out. Mind you Elisa was already scoring and they sent her back to third base. Next batter struck out ended that inning.
Now we are in the eighth inning, over time and the international tie breaker. We were home team so they got to start out at two. Of course they were going to bunt to move the runner over to three, and that is just what they did. We got the bunter but now there is a runner at third. Next batter of course she is going to bunt, knowing this Nicole (Playing first base) creeps up to the pitchers circle and the girl bunts, Nicole gets the ball makes the most awsome fake throw to first. YES I SAID FAKE THROW TO FIRST, turns and gets the girl stealing home in a pickle, we get her out. Mean while the girl that bunted the ball is now on second base. This is where it gets bizarre. Missy is now back on the rubber and the girl on second decides to steal third. Missy turns and sees this throws to third which she shouldn't of had to because you are not supposed to steal when the pitcher has the ball in the circle. Our left fielder comes up and misses the ball the girl runs home and the run counts. After a few minutes of arguing we of course don't win. Now they have a run. Next batter Missy strikes her out.
Now its our turn to bat (We are home team). Elisa was the last out so she starts at second. Megan is our lead off batter, she gets hit with the ball first pitch. Now we have runners on 1st and 2nd no outs. Taylor comes up bunts 2 balls foul and Johnny calls for another bunt. She now has to bunt fair or she is out. She bunts a beautiful ball and makes it safe to first. Bases loaded no outs. How perfect is that. Next batter is Sarah, she rips a hit to short stop, with Elisa's speed, the throw home, it was not in time and we tie the game up. Still no outs and bases loaded. Next 2 batters want it so bad they don't lay the bunts down and strike out. Leaves Anna (AJ) coming up to bat. She gets 2 strikes on her right away. Then the pitcher throws 3 balls in a row. What a situation to be in 2 outs bases loaded and a full count, winning run on third base. Anna (AJ) fouls off the next two pitches. Our hearts are pounding her mom is pacing like crazy behind the dug out. LOW AND BEHOLD she rips one so hard over center fielders head, she had an IN THE FIELD GRAND SLAM. Talk about Pressure.
You wouldn't believe the crowd we had watching this game. There were coaches up at the fields from Vegas that their team was'nt even playing watching us. Parents from other fields watching this game it was so intense, Probably one of the most intense that I had ever witnessed before in my whole softball managing/ coaching career.
Like I said we ended with a bang and we are all so very proud of each and every one of our girls/players. Everyone have a safe and joyous holiday. Have fun with your high school ball.
We will be doing Batting Clinics for those of you who need to keep the skills fresh during the High School Season. I will call everyone to let them know dates and times.
LIVE IT.. LOVE IT.. PLAY IT.. SOFTBALL..
ITS A DIAMONDS THING
NOVEMBER 16TH AND 17th 2007 Diamonds Take 2ND in AFA World Series and the National Scouting Report
WOW!!!!!!!!!
All of you girls that were involved this weekend with the Show Case on Friday and the Tournament what an experience.
You would not believe the comments that I had recieved from so many coaches, parents, and the National Scouting Crew on how well you girls played out there. They were so impressed with how young some of my players were and that they had that much skill and knowledge about the game of softball. they were watching our first game of the tourney and couldn't beleive some of those hits. And during the championship game they were video taping you guys and talk about a good game.
Our first game into the tourney Elisa pitched a three hit shut out. For just coming back from a long three months off due to shoulder surgery, you pitched an outstanding game. We won 16-0. Bats were so alive with singles, doubles, and triples. And laying down those bunts.... Incredible.
Going into the second game, I think we under estimated this team Xtreme. We had mercied them last year in the first inning. Well it is not the same team, we had good defensive plays and our bats were on but right to someone. Everyone hit just wasn't enough to get the job done. We lost 1-4.
The way the pool fell we ended up playing the same team from the night before, (Xtreme). The girls were not going to let this same team beat us again. Jenise hit a Double, first at bat and then Megan came up and hit a HOME RUN!!!!! Bats were alive and so was the Pitching and Defense. We won 4-3
Now we needed to win the next game to give us a spot in the championship. We had to play Pegasus a team that had beat us the weekend before in St. George. Some of our girls over heard some of Pegasus's parents saying, this next game was going to be a piece of cake. Well they stepped it up a notch and put the defense on and the pitching by Lily was supurb. She was throwing the heat and boy let me tell ya it was working. We won 3-2. What a game. As they shook hands with our girls and coaches Pegasus told them they would see us in the Championship.
By the time Pegasus, Rage, Charge, and Xtreme played each other out, The championship game started at about 10:45 Pm. And yes we were going to have to play Pegasus. They were out for the win. If we did then we were done playing for the night. If we didn't then we had to play them again because we were undefeated in Bracket play.
This game was so intense. Bats were on and Defense was pretty solid. They had a slight advantage over us with 5 pitchers and they used everyone. Let me tell ya it was a good close game. We lost 7-8. And yes we had to play them a second time.
Now it is a little after midnight and the girls are pumped but cold and tired. Mind you we have been at the field for almost 15 hours. This game was just as intense as the last one and we did have them until a 3 run homer put them over the top and they won. 4-2
All in all the weekend went pretty smooth. Some of these new girls and new postions are working out nice. Not having all of our players at these events does hurt but these girls are stepping it up and Johnny and I could not be more proud.
Remember some of these tourneys there is always someone watching lets make an impact like we did this weekend.
****DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER ****
LIVE IT, LOVE IT, PLAY IT,
SOFTBALL....
IT'S A DIAMOND THING.....
Our Girls and College
Hey girls
This last tourney wasn't what we had expected for just going undefeated to the last game in the Bullhead tourney. It does hurt when you don't have all your players when going into some of these tournament and everyone of our pitchers coming back from some sort of injury or surgery. (Even though our pitching was pretty outstanding this weekend)
Just wanted to let you know that each and everyone of you contribute to our team. You all have a job to do. Just because we are missing a few key players you all should play to the best of your ability, no matter what position you play. There will always be someone watching. (colleges)
At the 16 and 18U level it isn't all about winning its about the individual. Yeah it is nice to win all the time and everyone wants to.
Johnny and my goal now is to get you off to a college of your choice. Between the softball talent and academics (all those 3.7, 4.0, and 4.2 GPA's we already have Notre Dame, Utah State , Missouri Baptist, Oregon State, hopefully Stanford (just waiting) showing some interest. That is a major compliment for Johnny and I. You are only Juniors and Sophmores. When you go off to college that is our goal and accomplishment as coaches.
Each and everyone of you are going to succeed in life and we are very glad to be a part of that. All of you keep doing these college exposure camps, keep those grades up and keep playing hard, and you will go far.
Johnny and I have known a few of you now for 7 years and have watched you grow up to be great talented young women. We have high hopes for all of you, i'ts like you are one of our own. We are very proud of all of you.
There are 4 more tourneys one being a college showcase. Keep the heads up high and the talent strong. You will succeed
Candy and Johnny
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October 13th And 14th 2007 Diamonds Take 2ND and Qualify for Triple Crown
4-1-1
Johnny and I want to thank the parents for supporting their girls and our Team
Back in December we finished our season in the ASA Winter Classic taking 2nd place. We had a great year with Two 1st place, a few 2nd places and a couple 3rd places.
I had a couple girls that had been with Johnny and I for 4-5 years or so, that had to go up to 16U. Our daughter has always played up. The rest of our team could actually stay 14U for 1 to 2 more years including our own. Nobody really wanted to move up.
Well Intermurals started for most schools in January. I let a couple of my younger girls who were not in High school go play with our younger Diamonds team and the rest being freshman and a couple sophmores go do their high school ball. All but one made Varsity. Johnny and I went to watch most all our players at their high school. These girls that they were playing against and with were 16-18 years old. Playing on 18U A ball teams. Some Gold teams. I thought well we could stay 14 and play all these younger teams moving up from 12U and trophy hunt (like some teams do) or we could move up and have to work a little harder and push to that next level. So we did. Knowing it was going to be a struggle.
We had a couple weeks practice before our first tourney in Mesquite. Glad we went 16U because most of the teams that played 14U that tourney were 12U teams playing up or teams just going from B to A status. We went undefeated the first day 4 -0. Pitching was good and bats were solid. The next day we had to play for the championship. The team we played had some slow pitching and we of course struggled with that. Couldn't get nothing out of the infield. Hits were there though, just to someone. All in all took 2nd place for our first 16U tourney.
We knew going into JO that we were a young team and we would struggle. We wanted our girls to see the type of competition that we are going to be up against this season. Competition it was. We had descent games no blow outs, just knew we had to step it up a little more. If we would of stayed 14U we would of hung with the best of the best, I beleive.
Only 2 tourneys in and we were off to Triple Crown. We only got to play 5 of our six games because of rain. There were a couple teams that we had played in JO that we got to face again up here. They took us lightly and we tied one of them and the other was a battle of the pitchers. They had won on a great hit. I felt we most definatly have a chance at 16U after this tourney. Just need to Practice. Practice. Practice.
Now we had a couple weeks off for family Vacations. Made a few minor adjustments with parents and players on my team and brought on 5 new players and families, two weeks away from the ST George Tourney.
We went into this tourney knowing it was not a quailifier for anything and good practice games for the new girls with their new positions. Struggled our first game, but boy let me tell you the second game it was on. It was battle of the pitchers for sure and defense. It was just a matter of time which team was going to hit or make the first error. Yes we lost but this kind of loss, no need to hang the head down, thats for sure. We won our 4th game and had to play the same team we started with this tourney and gave them really good game also. We know this team has major potential. With practice we could be back on top.
This next tourney this past weekend was the Bullhead City Border Champion. Well right before this tourney we had a couple of injuries to a couple of key players (PITCHERS). Pitchers are the heart of a team most definatly. With out pitching you really have nothing. We wanted to cancel this tourney but thought hey you know we have girls that can catch, hit, dive for balls, run, get dirty, they deserve to play because they had worked so hard at practice they need to go. I could get a couple of pitchers to help me out so I did. I borrowed 2 from the the (Stingers). Carrie and Missy Miss. Actually I only borrowed one (Carrie). Missy is just new to the Stingers Team and she still has alot of Diamond in her, **Once A Diamond Always A Diamond**
The tourney was on.
Desi **OUR** Pitcher pitched an awsome game against the AZ Cheetahs. Bats were alive, But so were theirs. Defense had to kick in. We ended in a tie. 4-4 Tie
Second game we played the ever so famous Minors Gold, from California. We knew the games could only get harder. Well again our defense stepped it up and the pitching was outstanding. We won 5-4
Third game we had to play the AZ Scorpios. To my understanding they had some girls on their team that should have been playing up to 18 but stayed behind to help the little ones get a birth to Triple Crown. Don't know if that was true but as always we needed to play our best no matter what. Bats were there just not real hard. Defense kicked some major butt. We Won 2-1
Fourth game and also the next day. This was a single elimination tournament. No way were we going to go home, we were first in our pool. We had to play the notorious EV Pride from AZ. They always give good game, But what ever was in the girls breakfast this mornig WOW!!! Our bats were so on fire. We had a hit on our team that I swear was 300 feet deep in the air. 2 run homer. Defense was solid and the pitching was amazing. We won 9-6
Winning that last game, we quailified for Triple Crown. It was on to bigger and brighter games. We had to win this next game to go into the Championship.
We had to play one of our own teams from Las Vegas. 808 Konnexion. They have a few great players who can really play some ball. We have beat them before though, so I know we could do this if we played our cards right. The bats and defense had been solid all weekend long so I had a good feeling about this game.
First inning a strike out and a couple fly balls for them, then it was our turn. Their pitcher hit our first 2 batters, way to take one for the team, now we have runners on. Third batter hit a rocket to the out field and brought in a couple runs. Four batter hit another rocket and scored another run in.. After that we had to tighten up on defense and pitching to keep them at bay.... Well we did it... Again... WE WON 3-0 to go into the championship game.
Any team you play from Vegas you need to be on your toes. Everyone knows each other and knows how every one bats, pitches, runs ETC. Its a matter of whos on and who's not.
Now we are into the championship and we are up against the Minors Gold from the previous day. We had beat them the day before. Bats were descent and pitching was also... just not enough to pull it off. 4-7 loss
Johnny and I enjoyed this weekend tremendously. We now know our defense is pretty solid and our bats, with all that hard work we know what some of you can do. Lets keep doing it. Hard work and dedication is where it is at. Always a 110%
DIAMONDS TAKE SECOND IN SILVER STATE CLASSIC TOURNEY May 2007
4-2
Diamonds went undefeated on Saturday, winning four games, and out scoring their opponents 24 to 7.
Taylor pitched an awesome game against So-Cal Relentless. Taylor Vega started off the first tournament with a homerun.
In the second game, Lily Williams pitched a one hit shutout with five strikeouts to lead the Diamonds to a 9-0 victory.
Nicole Herrera had eight strikeouts in the third game to get the win over So-Cal Relentless.
Going into the fourth game Diamonds knew they had to win this game to guarantee a spot in the championship. With two outs, Jazmyne Perez at first, Sarah Cudahy made sure that the Diamonds were going to take this win, hitting a triple over the left fielders head. This gave the Diamonds the 3-1 victory over the Bulldogs.
On Sunday, we battled through two games, Sticks were alive but not enough to pull it through. All in all, our first 16U tournament we did a great job taking second place. There will be more tournaments to come and we can only get better. We'll see you on the field. Live it, Love it, Play it. ***SOFTBALL*** Its a Diamonds thing.
COACH TAKES ALL
Coach Chuck took the Poker Tourney. How Ironic. Friday night before the team poker tourney, Chuck has a small tourney at his house to brush up on some skills, LOL and wins Friday night. Turns around and takes all at the team tourney Saturday night. Thanks to all who came and got involved. There will be more Tourneys to come.
May 25th 2007 Las Vegas Review Journal
These are some of the write ups in the REVIEW JOURNAL
NICOLE HERRERA
Durango 6, Cimarron-Memorial 3 -- At Durango Nicole Herrera pitched six strong innings
Durango wins on sixth-inning surge 2-1 victory over Eldorado
Nicole Herrera pitched the distance for the Trail Blazers, scattering nine hits and striking out eight.
HEADLINED 4-03-2007 Nics Birthday... What a Present!!!!!
****HERRERA FINDS TARGET, PITCHES DURANGO TO VICTORY****
Freshman overcomes shaky first in 6-2 victory
Nicole Herrera walked three batters and yielded two runs in the first inning but allowed only two hits the rest of the way to lead Durango's softball team to a 6-2 win over Mar Vista (Calif.) in the Fred Davison Memorial Tournament at West Flamingo Park on Monday.
"I think the umpire widened his strike zone a bit (after the first inning) and that really helped, to be honest," Trailblazers coach Sandy Morgan said. "I noticed it when we were at bat as well, and that's really what changed."
Herrera agreed but said she found a way to adjust, too.
"The umpire wasn't really giving me the outside corner early on," the freshman pitcher said. "But I noticed they had slow bats, so I just started throwing fastballs and keeping them in the middle of the plate and on the inside corner."
Herrera added two RBIs
TAYLOR VEGA
Silverado 7, Sierra Vista 6 -- At Silverado, Taylor Vega went 3-for-4, including a home run, to pace the Skyhawks over Sierra Vista.
Vega knocked in three runs and scored two for Silverado, which scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to overcome a 6-3 deficit.
Silverado earns victory 5-2 win over Coronado
Taylor Vega added two hits and an RBI for the Skyhawks, who led 5-0 after three innings.
March 1st 2007 Congratulations High School Diamond Girls
Congratulations to all my Diamond girls that made High school ball. Johnny and I are very proud of you.
#5 Paxton Boulder City Varsity Catcher/Short
#6 Megan Pine Valley Varsity 2nd Base/Short Stop
#66 Taylor Silverado Varsity Center
#77 Nicole Durango Varsity Pitcher, 2nd, 3rd, Left
Dimaonds Qualify for Triple Crown & Pacific Coast Challenge May 2006
Congratulations Diamonds for this weekends performance (Memorial Tourney). You not only qulified for Triple Crown (Park City, Utah July 17th - 23rd 2006) you also Qualified for Pacific Coast Challenge (Stockton, California October 14th & 15th 2006). For a fairly new team you are hanging and doing well. The parents and staff are very proud of you. Keep up the good work.
Summer Send Off September 2006
Well the weekend was cut short due to rain, But let me tell you we were smokin....... I thought we were going to struggle a little bit only coming into our first game Friday night with only 8 players. (Due to Volley Ball & Cheer) The girls did great. The games were only an hour long. We went 4 innings on the first game. WOW we won 1-0 what a game. Ryann pitched an outstanding game, With 8 strike outs. First tourney back since Injury. (mind you she hasn't pitched or played since January of this year.) We need to mention her partner "The Wall" Kayla. Nothing got passed her, she did an outstanding job calling pitches and being very vocal, Letting the fielders know what to expect with every pitch. With a walk given to Liz , that girl knows how to work those bases, A little speed and great sliding, (especially into third she ripped the base right out of the ground) up and scored after the next pitch being a wild one. With Taylor and Marisol being our only out fielders they did a great job getting the two out field hits we had back to the in field.
Second game of the evening Nicole was pitching, we went five innings we had a tie game of 2-2 playing the Utah Twisters. Nicole had seven strike outs. She did an outstanding job pitching. Kayla being the wall, Especially to Nicoles drop balls.
She called the pitches again and was very vocal letting the fielders know where to play the ball. Then there was a hit deeeeeep center and Taylor Running, Running, Running......... WHERES TAYLOR? she was no where to be found. She ran so fast chasing and keeping her eye on the ball not realizing the fence was at her back she flipped over the fence onto the other side. Great job by Taylor keeping her eye on that ball but also very funny. Bats came around this game. Kayla had a single into left field and Taylor came up behind her and hit one in between first and second and had the speed to get on first safely. Carly up next, man that girl has a bat, she hit one up the middle bringing in Kayla and Taylor, our only two runs of the game. Jessie had a hit between first and second with her speed she made it to first base. Marisol had a great hit out to right field advancing jessie to 2nd base. Then a couple line drives right into the first or second basemens glove. Out of the two games that all of the 14U played (mind you there were 16 teams) we were the only team that had the least amount of runs scored against us. That feels great. We are starting on the right track and we are all very excited. The girls did an outsatnding job. Very proud of them. With hard work and dedication we will be known.
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