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3rd PLACE USSSA TOURNAMENT 11/20-11/21
Krushers finished 3rd in the High School Division USSSA Derald Adair Tournament in Port Hueneme. On Saturday, the team defeated X-treme and West Coast Scorpions and lost to Ballistic and Aftermath. For elimination play, the Krushers beat Revenge, West Coast Scorpions, and a grudge match against Ballistic. The team lost its semi-final game against 3D, 4-3. From the mound, Christie, Nicole, Jesi, and Destiny all had solid pitching performances. Behind the plate, Christianne was brilliant as usual gunning out runners and rising to the challenge. Amy and Cami each worked hard at catcher as well. Our outfield, Ali, Mackenzie, Cami, and Heather all hustled and played great. And to our infield, Amy, Lani, Nicole, Jesi, Christie, Destiny, and CT, way to perform when it counted. Offensively, Destiny, Heather, Christie, CT, Mackenzie, and Lani swung the biggest bats for the Krushers.
This was the most challenging and gruelling tournament to date for the Krushers, having to play 8 games in less than 36 hours. In addition, the team really stepped up to play some very strong high school teams. Well done Krushers!
2nd PLACE LAS VEGAS WINTER CLASSIC
Congratulations to the Krushersfor their 2nd place finish in Las Vegas, despite painfully cold weather. The team played excellent on Saturday,defeating Nemesis, Utah Silver, and Lil Rebels. In pool play, the Krushersscored 25 runsand only gave up 2. On Sunday, in elimination play, the KrushersdefeatedVegasFire 10-0, Lil Rebels in ITB 8-7, and MDE U-Know from San Diego 8-0. In the final game, the Krusherscame up short against Las Vegas Rage and lost 13-8. The team played with a lot of heart and never gave up, despite the weather and some not-so-hot defense. From the mound, Nicole pitched 2 shut outs and Destiny also pitched a shut out. Jesi defeated Nemesis and came in for the save against the Lil Rebels. These 3 pitchers showed great courage and teamwork. Amy and Christianne teamed up behind the plate and had to deal with a lot of pain in the 41 degree weather and 20-30 mile per hour winds. BRRRRH! Defensively, Lani and Nicole did a great job up the middle and Amy, Destiny, and Jesi made some tough plays on the corners. Brittany, Mackenzie, Ali, Cami and Heather played excellent defense in the outfield. Offensively, Heather and Mackenzie each had 2 home runs, Lani and Destiny each had 1 home run, and Jesi, Amy, Brittany, and Christianne contributed for a couple of triples, including 3 key RBIs from CT against Lil Rebels. Ali and Nicole stepped up with very timely hits for precious RBIs. And Cami girl, you just got robbed!!!!!! All in all, it was a very good weekend of softball. Great job ladies!
Thanks to the coaches, Tim, Mike and Steve. Much love to Cathy Z. for all her support as team mom and to Steve (again) for his score keeping. Dude,you're slipping! And a special thanks to the Martins for helping the girls get warmed up before games and for the special "anonymous" treats. We enjoyed the heartfelt moment. Krushers surrendered the ME for theWE!!!!
WELCOME
The Krushers welcome Cambria and Heather to our team. Each of you possesses great skill and potential, not to mention love for the game. In addition, we want to say YEAH! to Christie. We are so glad your recovery period is over and that you are back. We missed you so much this past season and we are thrilled that your surgery was a success. Now, keep hitting those home runs!
Krushers 2004/2005: We have great opportunity this season! Coming off of a very successful 1st year 14U season and having over a hundred games under your belts, we encourage you to continue to be the best you can be. Teamwork and selfless play is critical this year as we strive for a 2005 National Championship. This team has some of the finest athletes in Southern California and we believe in your ability. Although your armor has been tried, you always rise to the occassion. Each team has challenges and adversity to overcome and you demonstrate your willingness to play hard, play calm, and play to win. This is OUR year.
We have many exciting tournaments planned, including our annual Vegas tournament and most importantly, the Colorado Fireworks! Congratulations on this prestigious honor. Keep up the hard work and never stop believing you are the best!
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2004 TOURNAMENT RESULTS (1st year 14U)
Punishers Summer Slam 16U Champions - Artesia
PACIFIC Challenge Series - FINALISTS / 2nd place
ASA 14U STATE - FINALISTS / 2nd place
USSSA 16U Champions - Ventura Surf
Triple Crown Champions - Big League Dreams
Triple Crown Champions - Easter Bash, Cardiff
Harbor Area Champions - Wilmington
USSSA Runner Up - Ventura
3rd Place - Downey Heartbreaker Tournament
Monday, July 19
2004 RECORD (1st year 14U)
- 82 WINS
- 6 TIES
- 14 LOSSES
- 29 SHUT OUTS
Burbank League High School Division Champs
Congratulations to the Krushers 14U team for winning the Burbank League, High School Division. After going 14-3 in the season and getting off to a shaky start, the team went 3-0 in the season ending tournament, defeating Xplosion, American Pastime, and the Indians. The Krushers set a goal to win the whole tournament, despite a re-shuffling to the offensive and defensive alignment. Our offense was led by Christie Lincoln, Mackenzie Ward, Lani Bernardino, Christianne Saiz, and Nicole Johnson. Both Christie and Nicole teamed up for the win against Xplosion and Destiny Rodino clenched the semi final and championship games from the mound, pitching flawlessly. Our defense was led by Ali Mapes, Amy Moore, Jesi Spigner, Heather Zimmerman, and Cami Martin.
The tournament MVP was Christie Lincoln, who contributed to all the runs in the championship game, including a 3 run homer to dead center field. It was gone! Each player continues to contribute and develop as a team player. The teammates have demonstrated growth in the Fall season, after rallying and becoming comfortable with offensive and defensive re-alignment. They set a goal to win the whole thing and showed everyone, especially themselves, that they are truly resilient.
Thanks again to the coaching staff, Tim Rodino, Michael Spigner, and Steve Moore for all your support. We also need to thank Dan Bernardino for heaving that Rocket Tech and getting the girls fired up and ready before the games. Finally, a very special thank you to our team mom, Cathy. We couldn't do it without you!
Monday, July 19
2004 PRIOR RESULTS (1st year 14U)
PUNISHERS 16U SUMMER SLAM TOURNAMENT
Win: MV Magic (2-1)
Win: Bullets (7-0) Shut out Destiny
Win: Flames (7-6) Save Destiny
Win: Wildcats (10-1)
Win: MV Magic (2-0) Shut out Jesi
Loss: Cruisers (0-3)
RIVERSIDE DYNASTY FRIENDLY
Win: Dynasty (3-2)
Win: Cal Fury (8-0) Shut out Christianne (Sam pitched an inning!)
Loss: Scorpions (0-3)
PACIFIC CHALLENGE SERIES TOURNAMENT
Win: So Cal Fury (7-0) Shut out Destiny
Win: Cal Diamonds (7-1)
Win: So Cal Storm (1-0) Shut out Jesi
Win: Mirage (12-0) Shut out Nicole
Win: Cal Diamonds (13-1)
Loss: USA Athletics (6-8)
USA Athletics Friendly
Win: Cal Lite (3-2)
Win: Killer Bees (5-1)
Tie: Young Guns (2-2)
Tie: Straight A's (4-4)
KRUSHERS TRIUMPH AT ASA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
The Krushers won 5 straight games at the ASA State Tournament in Menifee, CA to clench a berth to Nationals in Midland, Texas. The team defeated Faith 10-0, Straight A's 8-0, San Diego Breakers 8-1, Hurricanes 5-4, and Tuff-E-Nuff 5-0. In the championship game, the team faced Minors Gold. After going behind 2-0, the Krushers tied it up in the 3rd and took the lead 5-2 in the 4th. Minors got 1 more in the 4th. Through 5 innings, the score was 5-3. In the final inning, Minors pressured our defense, capitalized, and hit a few bombs to take the lead and win the game at 10-5.
This Krushers team consists of three 7th graders, eight 8th graders, one 1st year 14 9th grader, and one 2nd year 14 player. The team possesses tremendous power at the plate, blistering speed, tight defense, top flight pitching, and one of the best catchers in 14U. Their goal this season was to go to ASA Nationals (again) after getting a taste of it last year. Despite being young, the girls believed they could do it, and they did. Their attitude, effort, hustle, DESIRE, focus and patience led the way to victory.
We saw a t-shirt this weekend that said, "A player that makes a team great, is better than a great player." Everyone of these players makes significant contributions to the team and has made this an outstanding team. They deserve a round of applause for a job very well done. Congratulations ladies for living in the moment and loving the game. Now the real work begins....See ya'll in Texas!
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KRUSHERS WIN BIG LEAGUE DREAMS
After a sweltering weekend of softball in Palm Springs, the Krushers brought home the gold. Going 3-0 in pool play, the Krushers dominated the competition winning all games by a score of 8-0. On Sunday, in championship play, the Krushers defeated Millennium in a close 1-0 game. Destiny pitched a near perfect game, not allowing 1 hit, striking out 4, and only walking 1 batter. Sam led the game off with a single and Nicole knocked her in for the only RBI of the game. The girls then advanced to face the Sliderz where Jesi dominated the mound, striking out 2, no walks, and giving up only 3 hits. The bats were hot. Sam, Nicole, and Mackie each had home runs and Kelly had a single up the middle. In the semi's, they played the Lionettes and went up early with 3 singles from Kelly, Sam, and Jesi, who brought Sam home. The girls then went down 3-1, but CT and Sam each got hits and then Kelly hit a monster triple to tie the game. Nicole hit in Kelly, then Jesi tripled and Mackie singled for an RBI. Lani hit a shot to right for a sac fly RBI to bring the lead to 6-3. But the Krushers weren't done.....In the final inning, Ali and CT singled and then Nicole singled for 2 more RBI's. Although Destiny was sick, she pitched the semi final game and only allowed 4 hits. She was a fighter! The end result, a 10-3 victory and championship game against the Scorpions.
Krushers went up early when Sam hit a 2 run home run and Jesi doubled to bring in Nicole. Sam scored again on a bunt from Nicole to give the Krushers a 4-0 lead. Scorpions battled back and tied it up at the end of regulation 4-4. In ITB, Mackie singled in Kelly for the win. CT, Ali, and Alexis also had singles. Jesi pitched a great game, struck out 6, walked 1, and allowed 5 hits.
Offensively, Sam and Mackie each had 2 home runs and Nicole and CT had 1 a piece. Kelly had 3 triples, Sam hit 2 triples, and Jesi and Nicole each had 1. Jesi had 3 doubles, and Mackie, Ali, and Destiny combined for 3. Sam hit 8 singles and Kelly and Nicole each hit 6. Nicole led RBI's with 13 and Sam, Kelly, and Jesi each had 6. Runs scored: Sam 11, Kelly 8, CT 6, Nicole 5, Alexis and Mackie 4, Jesi and Ali 2, Destiny and Amy 1.
From the mound, Destiny and Jesi each threw 2 shut outs and CT threw one. Combined strike outs were 22. Defensively, the Krushers only gave up 7 runs in 7 games. Our outfield was outstanding - Ali, Alexis, Kelly, Mackie and Lani. They chased balls down, hit their cut-offs, and even Alexis left her feet on a bomb hit by the Scorpions. Sam, Amy, Destiny, Nicole, Jesi, and Lani played great defense in the infield, only making 8 errors in 7 games. CT, Kelly, and Amy were incredible behind the plate. They outscored their opponents 45-7. Sam was our tournament MVP with Kelly as a runner up offensive MVP. Great job girls! You raised the bar yet again so you have to keep working hard and improving your game.
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TRIPLE CROWN EASTER BASH
The Krushers went 6-1 at the Triple Crown Easter Bash in Cardiff. In pool play, the Krushers defeated San Diego Storm 2-1 and TNL 1-0, and lost to the Shilos 4-1. On Sunday, in a single elimination bracket, the Krushers beat Xtreme 4-2, pounded the Shilos 8-1, battled past Power Surge 5-1, and were victories over TNL in the championship game 3-1. Although the Krushers had some rocky games on Saturday, they came out with 1 thing in mind on Sunday, winning the game at hand. They kept their focus and were clearly dominating every game. It's an amazing experience to watch a group of 9 (yes, only 9) show such courage and determination. The bats came alive on Sunday. Monster hits came from Alexis, Kelly, Jesi, and Nicole. Huge RBI hits came from Lani, Destiny, and Sam. In addition, Amy sparked the offense against the Shilos and Christianne got us our lead run against TNL. Kelly and Sam were lightening quick on the bases and capitalized on multiple opportunities. Defensively, Amy was a rock at first base, scooping up those throws and using those long arms, and Jesi threw out 4 runners at the plate to prevent runs. Our outfield was terrific - Alexis, Kelly, and Lani held their opponents to minimal bases and even less runs. They had terrific catches and chased those long balls down. Destiny dominated the mound, pitching 5 complete games, all for wins. Finally, enough can't be said about Christianne. She caught all 7 games this weekend and threw out several runners, including a 1 hopper to Nicole that resulted in major body contact....Nicole got the out. Despite all the bruises and the hurt she was feeling, Christianne continued to work. The Krushers asked a lot from both Christianne and Destiny and they kept working through the pain. Both girls were tournament MVP's. None the less, a team is a TEAM, and that is exactly what they were this weekend. Congratulations to Alexis, Amy, Christianne, Destiny, Jesi, Kelly, Lani, Nicole, and Sam! 2 down 1 to go.
USSSA 2ND PLACE FINISH
Krushers 14U placed 2nd in the Ventura Surf USSSA tournament, 1/25. The girls played flawlessly in pool play with 2 wins by mercy. They outscored their oponents in pool play 38-4, with wins against Attitude 16-1, Inferno 15-0, and Mirage 7-4. In elimination, they beat the So Cal Storm 9-0 in 5 innings, with an 8-0 first inning. The bats were explosive. For the semi-finals, the Krushers played Mirage again, definitely the most exhilerating game of the weekend. The Krushers went up 2-0 with a 2 run homer by Nicole in the first inning. Mirage tied it up 2-2 and then Krushers went up again 3-2. Later, Mirage went back up 6-3. In the 5th inning, the Krushers had a 6 run, explosive inning to go up 9-6. In the bottom of the 5th, Mirage answered again and tied it up. In the top of the 6th, Tabitha drilled a 3 run homer to give the Krushers the lead. Destiny pitched 5 innings and was then injured in the top of the 6th. Jesi came in and shut Mirage down for the save in the 6th and 7th. Krushers came out on top 12-9. Out of gas, legs cramped, emotionally drained, and 15 hours of softball, the Krushers faced 3D for the championship. 3D played exceptionally well and defeated us 10-1. For the tournament, Sam sparked the offense, reaching base 16 of 18 times and scoring 12 times. Kelly was a key 2nd batter with 6 hits, including a triple, and 10 runs. Nicole hit a triple and 2 run homer and scored 10 runs. Bonnie and Tabitha were pure power in the 4, 5 spot, contributing major bombs, including 2 triples from Bonnie and a 3 run game winning homer for Tabitha. Jesi and Lani each delivered key hits, including a triple a piece, and several RBI's to keep the rallys going. Amy, Destiny, and Christianne each had some big hits, particularly on Sunday and Alexis got the rally started in the semi-finals with a pressure bunt. The girls played incredible defense, although it slipped a bit in the semi-final and championship games. Christianne caught all 4 games on Sunday and came up with big outs with girls stealing 2nd to keep runners from advancing. Destiny pitched a shut out against Inferno and Jesi pitched a 1 run game against Attitude. Kelly and Amy both caught great games on Saturday. Nicole and Bonnie teamed up for the win on the mound in our first appearance with Mirage. Krushers offense is powerful and the defense is pretty tight. Congrats on a great weekend of softball!
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KRUSHERS HIT JACKPOT IN VEGAS!
The Krushers went undefeated at the Vegas Winter Classic tournament this weekend. The girls won 6 games, outscoring their opponent 48-6. Without question, the offense was punishing, the pitching overpowering, and the defense was unstoppable. Sam and Kelly sparked the offense batting 1 and 2 (even with Kelly sick with a fever) and Jesi & Tabitha swung the biggest bats with 2 home runs from Jesi and a grand slam from Tabitha. Nicole and Lani each had triples, and Destiny and Christianne had hits in nearly every game. Ali came through with big hits on Sunday, including a double and a single in the championship game, Bonnie knocked in 4 key RBI's, and Alexis and Amy came through with big hits at key moments. Alexis ripped in the winning run in our closest game of the tournament. We saw incredible pitching from Destiny, who threw a shut out against Mirage in the semi-finals and also pitched the championship game against the River City Sox. She kept the offense completely off guard and dominated the mound. Christianne, Nicole and Bonnie teamed up on the mound in pool play and first round elimination, giving up only 4 runs combined. Behind the plate, Christianne did her usual thing, picking off runners and sending them back to the dug out. Amy also did a fine job catching. Defensively, our middle infield, Sam and Nicole, was so quick and tight. Our outfield played like major leaguers - Ali robbed some girls of wanna be hits due to her speed in centerfield, Lani did a terrific job in right field, including knocking balls down and hitting the cut, and Tabitha and Alexis each showed their speed and heart knocking balls down. Tab also did a great job at 3rd, as did Jesi in the championship game, not giving up anything. What a terrific tournament for the Krushers! This is just the beginning of a great year. Way to be a team out there and just keep on putting runs on the board. It's nice to bring the trophy home, back to back!
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KRUSHERS WINTER RECORD 2003
33-5-1 Champions: USSSA Winter Tournament Champions: Vegas Winter Classic Champions: Burbank Season Ending Tournament(consolation) Runner Up: Burbank Fall Ball League
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