NVGSA Select: My Site News

Sterling, VA, 11/8/2009 -- The Fairfax Firebirds '99 ended their first true 10U season with a thrilling championship runner-up finish in the USSSA Fall Challenge at Claude Moore Park. Their overall tournament record was 5-2, including an early 7-2 win over the eventual champion, Loudoun Storm, and a number one seed heading into bracket play. After a three hour wait into the cold Saturday night, the Birds were upset by the Manassas Blaze in their first bracket game. But they fired back and won their next three games in dominant fashion to advance to the championship. The Loudoun Storm cruised through bracket play and rebounded against the Firebirds with perhaps their strongest game of the tournament and deservedly earned the title of USSSA Fall Challenge Champs. The runner-up finish moved the Firebirds '99 USSSA 10U ranking up to 3rd in state of VA, and 24th in the U.S.

A magical moment occurred just before one of Sunday’s critical games. As families cheered the Firebirds '99 on, their Firebird 16U "Big Sisters" made a surprise appearance for a gift exchange and group cheer that sparked the players, coaches and fans on the Firebird side.

The runner-up finish earns the young team a berth in the 2010 USSSA National Tournament in Orlando, FL in late July. In their two preceding fall tournaments, the Firebirds '99 took third place in the BRYC Fall Classic in Annandale, VA and third place in the Softball Nation Fall Festival in Richmond, VA. Overall, a spectacular inaugural season. "Since the beginning of the fall season our team theme has been 'Firebird Heart' and we showed a lot of that," said manager, Mike Mertz. "Firebird Heart is an emphasis on 'effort and attitude.' If we come back this winter and work hard and stick together as a team, the sky's the limit for these Baby Birds."  Visit the 10U Firebirds '99 website.

The National Softball Association (NSA) recently advised the 12U Firebirds (Firebirds ’97) that they are ranked 7th in the State of Virginia in the 12U Division.  This is great news as the Firebirds ’97 continue to receive recognition for their incredible accomplishments season after season.  This ranking of 7th in the State is their highest ranking in over a year and is only surpassed by their highest ranking ever of 5th in the State of Virginia last year as a 10U Team.  Way to go Firebirds ’97.  Once again you get great recognition for NVGSA!  We are all very proud of you.

The Dimensions 18U traveled to Salem, VA, to participate in the Salem College Showcase for the second year. There were several college coaches in attendance to scout our girls, and we gave them a fine showing. We placed third in a very competitive bracket, playing the Hampton Roads Vipers, Richmond Rampage and West End Waves. Erin O’Donnell pitched a complete game, we had solid defense and some timely hitting from Bria Woodyard and Alison Seigel’s 2 run game-winning single on Saturday as we beat the Waves 4-2. Alex Abrahamson was the star later with a 2 run double, and Michelle Boynton added 2 hits and a great play at the plate to keep it close as we lost a tight game with the Rampage under the lights on Saturday night.

Sunday we came out fast as Jennifer Belk blasted a 3 run home run in the top of the first inning, added a 4^th inning double, Alex Abrahamson had four hits including 2 doubles and 2 RBI, and Paulina Gregorowicz added 3 hits. Nicole Rowley pitched a 4 hit shutout and scored a run as the team cruised to a 7-0 win over the Glen Allen Blitz. Our day ended with a loss to the Smithfield Galaxy as we came from behind to tie in the bottom of the sixth, only to lose in ITB. Leading the way were Breanna Stillerman with 2 runs scored on a single and a walk, Sarah Senseney had a double, single and 2 RBI, and Michelle Boynton with 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Overall a fine showing as we ended in ninth place out of a 24 team field. All our players showed the college coaches how they could contribute to college programs through fine play both offensively, defensively and on the mound.