14 & UNDER 2007

June 8-10 Hastings, NE Tournament

We had a long trip, but a fun one to Hastings, NE this weekend. We had a good tournament, did really well in our pool play, and then hit a tough team in the first round of a single elimination tournament on sunday.
     The weekend started on friday night against the Flames of Nebraska. Kaitlyn pitched us to a 10-0 win. Saturday started off with a game against the Holdrege Heat. Good game with good defense and a good pitching effort by Skyler with us coming out on top 7-3. Kayla, Skyler, Bailey, Kathrine, & sara all having hits in the game.
     Next was that tough McCook team, (and eventual tournament champions). We played them well, and actually were leading the game 2-1 at one time, then the wheels seemed to fall off. They had a bases loaded 3 run triple, and another 2 run double over the outfielders head. Even with Kayla, Skyler, and Kaitlyn having 2 hits each, Bailey with a double, and Kathrine, Kimmy, and tera all with base hits we still lost 2-9.
     Our final game in pool play was against the Pinnacle Columbus Bullets. The bats stayed hot, and with a great pitching effort from Skyler, Sweet Thunder made it look easy with a 10-1 win.
     Sunday morning started the single elimination game with us getting the 6 seed. This would be a tough draw for us as we ended up playing the 3 seed, (and eventual 2nd place finishing) GI Wells Fargo Scorpions. They had a solid team with a good pitcher that continuously fooled our hitters with a good change-up. It was a fast moving game with the score only 1-0 through 5 innings. Then they had a couple timely hits, and combined with our un-timely errors, they got another 3 runs on the board for a 4-0 score going into the bottom of the 7th. Bailey had a double, to be one of the only times we would have a runner in scoring position, but a good catch by a charging aoutfielder ended all hopes of a win, with us falling 0-4.
     Overall, I was very impressed with the pitching in this tournament, and also with tthe way the girls are starting to get comfortable swinging the bats. Every one of the girls had a hit this weekend, and I have all the confidence in the world that they waill all keep it going through the rest of our games this year.

Colby vs Flames of Nebraska               10-0 W
Colby vs Holdredge Heat                         7-3 W
Colby vs McCook Rebels                        2-9 L
Colby vs Pinnacle Columbus Bullets    10-1 W
Colby vs GI wells Fargo Scorpions         0-4 L

June 16-17 North Platte, NE Tournament   ------   4th place

     We travelled to North Platte, NE this weekend. The tournament was pool play on Saturday, with a single elimination tournament on Sunday. Saturday started off against Cozad, a good team for us to get started against. Skyler pitched and we played a solid defensive game falling 1-2. Next was the Kearney Chaos, a young team that jumped out ahead of us 4 to 1 after they batted twice.   That score wouldn't stand long with a big bottom half of the 2nd inning. We scored 8, and never looked back finishing the game off 14-8. The third game was against our old friends McCook. I guess when you play in Nebraska, you have to be able to beat McCook to win any tournaments, and we have yet to win any up there. We started off good with 2 runs in the first, then gave them right back in the bottom of the inning. Then we were able to shut them down for a couple, but they broke through with 5 runs in one inning. The girls tried to get back into it with a couple more runs, but ended up losing 4-8. Always seems to be one inning that gets us in a hole that we cant climb back out of. The final game of the day Saturday was against the Bennington Rebels. This game was one that allowed us to work some girls into some positions that they dont normally get to play, so of course there were a few errors that we normally wouldn't make. The error filled third inning had us giving up 5 of their 6 runs, though other that that one inning we outscored them 4-1. We ended up losing 4-6 which had us at 1-3 for the day which meant we were playing early (again) on sunday. ( I can't wait till we start playing as good as we are able on Saturday so I can sleep in on Sunday)
      When you play early on sunday, it can be the early signs of a short day.... but this was a different story. We started our day against another low seed from the other pool, Bittner Electric. Things were tight with us holding a 1-0 lead through 3 full innings, then in the 4th & 5th we scored 3, and in the 6th we got another 5. Bittner did score a few in the final inning, but we pulled out our first game 12-6 which meant we got to play the undefeated #1 seed from saturday, the Sensationals.
      We took the field like a team that was ready to win, and they took the field like a team that knew they wouldnt have any problems with their game. They were very confident, even after we shut them down in the first. Then they got 3 in the bottom of the 2nd to take a 3-0 lead, but we came right back and got 2 in the top of the 3rd. We then shut them down in the bottom of the 3rd and got ourselves another run in the top of the 4th to tie it all up at 3.   Now the bottom of the 4th was not pretty, they got ther first couple girls on, and we started throwing the ball around and ended up letting them score 6 in the bottom of the 4th. Now the game time was going to expire dureing this at bat for us, so we are faced with the task of scoring at least 6 runs in this inning or we are going home. Bailey started off the inning with a walk, and Kaitlyn Wolf moved her over with a groundout to the pitcher. One out, runner on 2nd and still down 6, but we then had 5 consecutive singles by Sara, Lauren, Brittney, Kathrine, and Tera. which got us within 3. The Sensationals were starting to get nervous, so they brought in their closer to finish off the game. Kayla was up, and got an rbi with a groundout to 2nd baseman, so now we have 2 outs down 2 runs, with one on. Skyler then works the pitcher for a walk, and steals 2nd on the first pitch to bailey. So we have 2 outs, 2 outs, and are down 2. Bailey comes through with an infield single that she hustled and beat the throw to first, scoring the two on base and tieing the game. Now Kaitlyn is up and she has a huge shot to the gap which scored Bailey all the way from first. We brought in Katie jo to run for Kaitlyn, and she stole 2nd, and burned around third and scored on Sara's single.   Lauren then walked and Britney ended the huge 9 run inning with a flyout to left. The comeback was huge, but not complete yet, we still had to hold them in the bottom of the inning. It didn't start off great with their first batter getting a single, but we got the 2nd batter to ground out to short. Then they got 2 singles scoring one and pulling within 2 with 2 on and one out. No problem thought Sky as the top of their order was up. She struck out their leadoff hitter, and got the 2 to line it right back to her to finish them off 12-10. What an exciting game, and what a lesson for the girls to learn.... we are NEVER out of a game, and never have a game won till that last out... every single girl on the team had a part in that comeback win... and that is the way we want it. Tera had a couple very good catches, including one diving and rolling run saving catch early to shut down some scoring.
     Finally we were in a semi-final game which means the goin gets tougher, but coming off that tremendous win, our girls were confident when we met up with the 3 seed Hogans. The game started off just like we want, our first 2 batters get on and advance to 2nd & 3rd with no outs. Thoughts that we would score 2 to start the game evaporated just as quickly with two infield popups in a row, then a simple groundout to end the inning with the girls stuck at their bases. Could have taken a 2-0 lead, instead they score 2 each in the top of the 2nd & 3rd, and 1 in the top of the 4th. We had another good start to an inning with our first 2 on again and Mr Blue callled Lauren out on the lookback rule. A wrong call in my opinion, but one that we had to live with. In the bottom of the fifth we got one run back making it 1-5, then shut them down in the top of the 5th, which left us with one more at bat to make it into the championship game. Lauren led off with a groundout to 3rd, but we followed that up with singles by Brittney, Katherine, and Tera which scored 1 run. Here we go again, down 3 with 2 on, 1 out, and the top of our order up.   Kayla drew a walk, loading the bases, but Sky popped out to the catcher, which left Bailey up once again with the game on the line. She hit a dribbler to 2nd and the throw was off and the first baseman couldnt find first base, but the same umpire that saw the lookback rule didn't see the foot not on the base.... game over!!!! L 2-5
     That put us in a 3rd place game and also the 4th game of a long, hot, windy day. Everyone was beat, Sky was getting a sore shoulder, Katherine had a sore shoulder from a great "Sports Center POD" catch from the earlier game, and a lot of the girls were just not mentally there from the heat, and we let the final game against the Belles get out of hand and ended up losing 4-13.
     This was the 3rd time we have played in the North Platte tourney, and the first time we have placed in the top 4. The girls should be proud of themselves for playing so well. These were not pushover teams that they beat and competed against, in fact while talking to the McCook coach, I learned that they took 2nd in state, class B last year and are going to play class A ball this year at state, and we always hold our own against them. We hope to keep our good play and momentum going this weekend in Colby. I hope everyone can come watch the girls play Saturday.

Colby vs Cozad                 L 1-2
Colby vs Kearney              W 14-8
Colby vs McCook              L 4-8
Colby vs Bennington         L 4-6

Colby vs Bittner Electric   W 12-6
Colby vs Sensationals      W 12-10
Colby vs Hogans               L 2-5
Colby vs Belles                  L 4-13

     The next game was Ellis, and once again a young new team that shows a lot of potential, but just wasn't their day as they just couldn'd get anything going other than one inning that we had a couple errors and they scored 5. But that would be all as we win game #2 17-5.
      Next up was Norton. This was an interesting game as Kaitlyn is from Norton, but plays for us so we let her pitch against some of her fellow towns-girls, and she pitched a 3 inning complete perfect game no-hitter for a 14-0 win.
      Now was the first game in the tournament which had us playing Goodland again. I have to say I was impressed with the hustle that some of the Goodland girls showed. The pitcher always hustled back to the circle, but the inexperience showed as they made a few mistakes, and had a tough time throwing strikes to let us win going away 15-0.
     In the championship game we met up with Norton again, and once again Kaitlyn started the game. That she was even able to keep her head about her, let alone pitch so well was incredible given the news that her brother had just been in an accident on his way to watch her play. Everyone on the team played with a heavy heart not knowing how he was doing, so in a game that was put in perspective, the girls played and remembered exactly that...... it is just a game and should be enjoyed. The girls took the game 12-0 to take first in the tournament. All anyone wanted was a good word on Blake though, and eventually it did come. He was awake and yellin at the nurses, and first word was that they were taking him from Oberlin to Hays, but they decided all would be ok and left him in Oberlin. He suffered a couple broken ribs, which punctured one lung, and at first thought a broken wrist which turned out negative. Dave was worried most about the thought that there might be some blood on the brain, but he called as soon as he knew and said everything was looking good and Blake would be fine. I know my thoughts, as well as every girl on our team and the girls on the other teams, were only on Blake, Dave and Kaitlyn as they have all become a big part of our summer softball family. That is what is so great about the team we have, it is not so much a team as it has become a family, and like a family, when one is hurting, we all are. We all are so greatfull that everything turned out ok, as it should to such good people, and hope to see Blake up and around rooting for his sister like he alway does, along with the rest of them.

    In conclusion, I would like to compliment the girls on a good weekend. I know the competition wasn't what they are used to, but sometimes it is hard to keep your composure and play good softball, and teams can play down to their competition. Other than one inning, they played good, shutout ball, played with composure and won with dignity and class.

Colby vs Goodland                   22-0 W
Colby vs Ellis                             17-5 W
Colby vs Norton                        14-0 W

Colby vs Goodland                  15-0 W
Colby vs Norton                        12-0 W

                                                                              June 30, July 1 Hill City State Qualifier

                                                                                       --------------1st Place------------------

     This was our State Qualifier tournament for the year which designates whether we play in the Gold or Silver division at the Class "C" State tournament in Topeka. The girls were ready to play, had a good week, and brought a 7 game winning streak into the weekend. During the week, we had a double-header at Oakley which was a fun break from work for a lot of the girls. They played Oakley good to a 9-1 win in game #1 against Oakley's older girls, and game 2 was against the younger girls. With Brittany and Tera each pitching 2 innings and everyone hitting, we took the late game 22-7.
     Our first game at Hill City wasn't till 12:30 against Goodland which was a nice start time with the weather cooperating and only being around 80 degrees all day. This was a good warmup game for the girls to get stretched out and ready for a tough tourney, and Kaitlyn pitched a one hitter and the girls started off with an 18-0 shutout win. Next up was a tough Grainfield team which had already beaten us at the Hays tournament earlier in the year. The game started out tough as neither team could score in the 1st, but we finally got a couple runs across in the 2nd. The top of the 3rd inning was all Sklyer as she got one to ground out to her, and struck out two others. In our half of the 3rd Kayla led off with a single, Skyler followed with another, and Bailey walked to load the bases for Kaitlyn who grounded out to 2nd, but scored Kayla. Brittany flied out to 3rd for the 2nd out, and Lauren came up and doubled in Skyler and Bailey, and stole 3rd. With Katherine up Lauren scored on a wild pitch and then Katherine got thrown out trying to steal 2nd after drawing a walk. In the top of the 4th the Blue Aces again got their leadoff hitter on base, but the threat was stopped as Bailey made a nice double play from short, stepping on 2nd and throwing to first. After retiring them with a fly ball to center, we had a ground out and two strikeouts to keep the score 6-0.   The top of the 5th inning had two groundouts to Kaitlyn at first and one strikeout, and the bottom had us getting one more run to make it 7-0. Same story in the top of the 6th, two groundouts to Sky, and one strikeout, and we started with a single from Lauren, but she got thrown out stealing, then Katherine struck out, Sara singled and Tera grounded out to 3rd. Grainfield had one more chance in the 7th to but once again, as was the case all game, Sky pitched well, and the infield did their job and the game ended with 2 strikeouts and one groundout to Sara. Final score was 7-0, and the MVP's of the game would have to be Lauren who went 3 for 3 with 2 singles and a double, 2 RBI, 2 runs scored and 3 stolen bases, and Skyler as she faced 24 batters giving up only 4 hits to 0 walks, and 8 strikeouts in 7 innings.
     The next game had us playing Garden City Spirit, a young but very good softball team that had just beaten a tough Larned team to advance to the semi-final game. We lost the toss, but that was about the only thing that didnt go our way all day as we jumped on top 1-0 in the first with Sky scoring on Kailtyn's single. In the 2nd Lauren stayed hot at the plate and led off with a triple, and scored on Saras single. Good defense and good pitching was the story of the day as the girls shut down the Spirit in the first and the 2nd innings giving us a 2-0 lead after 2. The third inning had us scoring none and they got one across in the bottom half to make it 2-1. We bounced right back scoring one each in the 4th and 5th inning and holding them scoreless while doing so giving us a 4-1 lead going into the 6th and final inning.   After shutting us down, Garden City only managed to get one run across in the bottom to give us a 4-2 win, and put us in the championship game at 6:30 Sunday evening.
     Garden City ended up scoring 4 runs in their last at bat to beat Larned to work their way back to the championship game, and I was a little worried in warmups as the girls seemed to be a little "off" when they were fielding the ball. Sara took a shot in the last game against Garden, so I figured she would be a little gunshy at first, but it seemed to have rubbed off on all of the fielders. We won the flip and chose to be the home team, and we shut Garden down even after they started the game with consecutive singles. That was all they would get in that inning as Sky got one to fly to center and we tagged out the runner going to 3rd, and then struck the next batter out. We started off good in our half scoring 3 to take a 3-0 lead. Things looked good, and I thought maybe I was worried for nothing about the girls being awake and ready, then came the top of the 2nd! It was not pretty, and things only got worse as the leadoff got on with a single, and stole 2nd. There was a fly to short, for the first out, then the runner stole third and scored on an attempted pickoff at third that didnt work. Sky then finished off the 3rd batter of the inning with a groundball to herself and an easy throw to 1st for the 2nd out. Then the wheels fell off, as the girls couldnt get their gloves on the ground and gave up 6 more runs on 1 hit, one bad hop, and 6 errors. This put us in a 3-7 hole that would have worried the girls a couple weeks ago, but they have been there and done that, and in the bottom we scored one more to make it a 4-7 game. After shutting them down with a momentum changing tag-out at 3rd, we took our half of the inning and took the lead with a 4 run effort. Garden City knotted things up in the top of the 4th, and with time running short the girls knew one run might just win the game. Doesnt every close game seem to come down to the middle and the end of the batting order? Needing just one run, that is exactly what happened and once again the girls came through. Brittany led off with a single, and stole 2nd. Lauren struck out, then Katherine came through with a single that moved Brittany to 3rd. Sara made things interesting with a 1st pitch popup for the 2nd out, but Tera worked the count and the pitcher perfectly allowing Katherine to steal 2nd and get a wild pitch to let Brittany steal home on what turned out to be the game winning run, as time expired giving Sweet Thunder their 2nd consecutive tournament championship, and an 11 game winning streak.
     The girls played awesome this weekend, both on offense and on defense. Skyler and Kaitlyn both pitched great, and the girls learned how to play tough and overcome errors and bad innings. I was very impressed with a couple things.   1st, they played tough and (on saturday anyway) didnt let one bad play turn into one bad inning, or one bad game. One thing i hope they all learned this weekend is how hard it is to win against tough teams, and how hanging your head after one bad play can only lead to more bad play, and that attitude carries over to the rest of the team. This can just end up steamrolling, so keep your heads up, and instead of telling yourself you cant do it after you mess up..... you want the ball to redeem yourself.   Just as one bad play can be contagious, so are good plays. You will find that one good play can turn the game around and change how you play. The game is not about the individual player, it is a team game for a reason, and that is to help eachother out. No one in the history of this game has hit every ball, scored every time, fielded every ball and thrown everyone out.... So dont put that kind of expectation on yourselves, THE GAME WOULD BE NO FUN IF NO-ONE EVER MADE A MISTAKE......

                                                                           !!!!!! NO ONE IS PERFECT!!!!!

Colby vs Goodland   18-0 W
Colby vs Grainfield    7-0 W
Colby vs Garden        4-2 W
Colby vs Garden        9-8 W

July 7 & 8, Concordia

     This week we had Wakeeney come and play us on Tuesday. They are a 16 & under team, so we played some bigger and stronger girls.... but not better! Sky started the game, and Brittany came in and finished it off with us on top 12-5, together they only allowed 6 hits and 4 walks total. The 2nd game had Tera on the mound, and she pitched very well for only her 2nd game to get the win 9-4 by giving up only 2 hits, but also allowed 6 walks which allowed them to keep the game close. these tow wins pushed our win streak to 13 games. That is an impressive winning streak for any team, and the girls should be proud of that!!!
     On Saturday our streak ended with our first game against the home team Concordia Krushers.   We came out flat after a long drive for some that morning, and some of them stayed in Concordia that night, but obviously didn't "sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night" because we didnt waste any time getting our rears handed to us 0-11. We gave up 3 in the 1st, 2 in the 2nd, 1 in the 4th, and 5 more just to make sure in the 5th. I blame this one on the coaching, as we overthought our situation with a couple girls having to leave after the first game. In hindsight, everyone should have played their starting positions, but thinking about saving our catcher from having to catch all of the games we moved some girls around and out of position, and it showed, and we ended up getting our catcher hurt sliding into home. Thank goodness it turned out to not be anything too major (knock on wood), but she did strain an LCL and has to take a weekend off. She has assured me she will be ready for state, and proceeded over and over again to tell me how much sitting on the bench watching "sucks".   Gotta love that attitude!!!
     The next game had us playing Beloit Bomz, and what a game this ended up being. It was back and forth all game, two teams playing eachother as good as two teams can. So much so that it was tied when the game time expired. This was our first extra inning game this year, and we decided to enjoy it and make it last. With us being the home team, Beloit had the first opportunity to score with the international tiebreaker in effect (which means each team gets to put the last out from the inning before on 2nd base to start their at-bat. Well, they scored one, so when we came up, we scored one. Next inning is the same but neither of us could get a run across, so we go to extra inning #3. They get one run across and some good smart defense allows no more, and our offense manages to get.... you guessed it.... 1 run to tie it up again. The game has been going on and on and here we are 2 hours and our 4th tiebreaker inning, and yet again our defense steps up and holds them to only one run. Now its time for our offense to step up and end this game. Kimmy drew a leadoff walk, stole 2nd, and scored on Brittany's double. Brittany tried to stretch a double into a triple, and got tagged out at 3rd. So we have a tie ballgame with one out and Skyler, Bailey and Kaitlyn up.... I like our chances this time. Sky got on with a single and stole 2nd, and Bailey followed up with a walk to give us runners on 1st and 2nd with only one out. Sky tried to steal third and got tagged out, but still allowed Bailey to get to 2nd, and with Kaitlyn up we are still in good shape. Bailey took third on a wild pitch, and now the pressure was on their pitcher. Kaitlyn worked the count full, and on the money pitch, the pitcher let a wild one loose and as Kaitlyn walked to first, Bailey stole home to give us (finally) an 8-7 win. This was a great and exciting win, but it was also a draining one as we still had another game..... right now!
     Once again we used so much energy in all the extra innings, we basically played 2 games in the last game, we started off flat again. We were to play Pratt, yet another good team, and quickly fell behind giving up 6 runs in the top of the 1st. With us not scoring in the first and giving up another 2 in the top of the 2nd, we were facing a big challenge to try to fight back into yet another game. Long story short, we didnt have anything left in the tank. We did get 2 runs back and the defense and pitching stepped up and shut them down to keep the score respectable 2-8. I was proud how the girls didnt quit after that horrible first inning, and played them straight up 2-2 for the rest of the game.
    Now it was time to get some rest and come back tomorrow and play 2 more games. I have to admit, I really enjoy all the girls on this team, and wouldnt trade any of them for anything, but this team also has the best group of parents that I have ever been around. It was a pleasent evening to just sit outside by the motel and visit with all the parents. Everyone enjoyes everyone else and gets along so well, though its to be expected as well as the girls all get along with eachother.
   The first game Sunday was against Chapman, and I know this is starting to sound repetitive, but we didnt start well! We would be a scary team to play if we could figure out how to get started, but today wasnt it as we gave up 1 in the first, but 4 in the 2nd putting us in yet another hole 0-5. We managed one run in the 3rd to cut their lead to 1-4 going into the last inning. We played some good defense and shut them down after that 2nd inning, and we were warming up with the bats and were only down 4 going into the bottom of our final inning.   Kimmy was once again in the middle of what we hope will be a comeback win, and once again comes through, this time with a single to lead off the inning. Kimmy stole 2nd and took 3rd on Brittany's groundout. Sky singled and with Kimmy on 3rd stole 2nd and Bailey walked to load the bases. Kaitlyn came through with a 2 run single scoring Kimmy and Sky sending Bailey to 3rd. Having used all of our players, Kaitlyn was left in to run and she stole 2nd base during Saras at bat. Sara gave it a good effort but ended up striking out on a good pitch for our 2nd out. So we have 2 outs and the tying run on 2nd, and luckilly we have our hottest hitter the last couple weeks available to hit, but the bad news is its Lauren, and she has been sitting with a sore knee. Needless to say, she was willing and able to step in as a pinch hitter. Fighting through the pain, she hit the first pitch into center for a 2 run, single to tie the game up. She was able to take 2nd as the throw went home. With Tera up, she stole third, and with the go-ahead run on third the girls were thinking we might get this done.   Tera battled, but eventually went down the way I hope all girls do... she went down swinging. So we battled back by scoring 4 in the last inning to tie things up, and momentum is on our side. We just need to shut them down and go back in and score and move on to the 3rd place game. So we havent played an extra inning game all year till yesterday and here we are in another one. Well, ol' Mo is a funny thing, and as quick as we got him on our side last inning, he switched sides as we tried to get the lead runner at third on a ground ball and ended up with runners at 1st and third with no outs instead of 3rd and one out. That play seemed to deflate the girls and they made mental mistakes, and that teamed with some good hits, we were down 3 again when it was our turn to bat. There would be no more comeback wins as we managed only to get one run to lose the game 6-8.
    This put us in the 7th place consolation game which put us against Salina, the bottom team from the other pool. The girls decided to play this one with no mercy and get home to start preparing for the next tournament. We scored 5 in the first, and 8 in the 2nd to put us up 13-0 after 2. They ended up getting 2 runs in the top of the third which meant we needed only one run to end the game with a run rule 14-2. It was a shame to end the tournament in that game, as only Concordia had more than 1 win in pool play, so with us and the other 2 teams going 1-3, runs allowed were the tiebreaker, and all them long games ended up costing a chance to medal. It was a good tournament as we played everyone more and I must mention that Megan has stepped up her hitting in the 2nd half of this season and is currently carrying a 12 game hitting streak, with some very timely game changing hits, which trails only Kaitlyn's 14 game streak. When we are missing girls, others needed to step up and I am proud of how they did just that. We knew going east the competition would be good, and we rolled over for no-one...... (except for that first 0-11 game!!!)

Colby vs Concordia 0-11 L
Colby vs Beloit           8-7     W (4 extra innings)
Colby vs Pratt             2-8    L
Colby vs Chapman   6-8    L   (extra innings)

Colby vs Salina         14-2 W (tournament game)

July 14, Russell
2-0- rainout

     Russell was the final tuneup before state, and the girls looked loose and had fun, it was one of the best tournaments we have had this year I think. Our first game was at 9:00 against the Kansas Heat from Hoisington. Now when the game starts at 9:00 and we expect everyone there at least an hour before gametime, that means for an early morning for everyone as we just made the trip for the day and didn't stay overnight. Along with an early morning, we were also dealing with the loss of several key players with Kayla and Katherine not getting back from their basketball camp until the wee hours in the morning, Tera and Kimmy had a fundraiser that they needed to attend, and Lauren was still on crutches. So with 5 of our girls not able to play we picked up 3 others, Lacie O'Neil, Kenzie Curry, and Sadie from Norton (sorry about drawing a blank on the last name!)   They were all young, 12 & under for Lacie and Kenzie, and I believe Sadie was also 12, but we had nothing to worry about as they all stepped up and in and played well for us all weekend. They started out looking a little nervous, but as the day wore on, they all relaxed and did everything they were asked to do.
     Game one against Hoisington started off good and we never looked back, we won the flip and took home, shut them down in the first and scored one ourselves. It could have been a much bigger inning but the Heat played solid defense and got us off the field after allowing only one run. They came up and scored one to tie the game in the top of the 2nd, but we scored 3 in the bottom. In the 3rd inning, Sky struck out the side, and in our half we scored 6 batting around. This put us up 10-1 going into the 4th, so if we hold them to one run or less the game would end in a run-rule. We ended the game..... I usually dont worry too much about umpiring, but I would like to point out that after our last game Megan had a 12 game hitting streak which ended on a bad call at first base this game. I know she doesnt care, but she worked hard, and ran out an infield single in the 2nd inning, I was cheering and congratulating her on her effort when I found out that the field umpire had called her out. That was too bad, but she complained not one bit, (of course she would never complain), and promptly got started the next game on her new hitting streak.... Good Job Megan. Speaking of hitting streaks, Kaitlyn is tearing it up and still going strong with hers up to 17 games now.... this is the best time of year for her to stay hot, she has been POUNDING the ball lately... keep it up!!!
     Game 2 was against Ellis, and once again the girls were loose and having fun making it look easy winning 14-3 in 3 innings. Winning quick and shortening the game was a good thing as it was a HOT day with temperatures in the mid 90's and high humidity. Our fill in girls played well with Kenzie going 1 for 2 with a walk, and Lacie going 2 for 3 with a single and a double.
     Our final game in pool play was against the Grainfield Blue Aces. Kaitlyn got the call to the mound and the girls were ready to play and started off hot with Brittany getting things started with a single up the middle. Sky then grounded out to the pitcher and Bailey had a hot shot but right to the shortstop which turned into an easy double play as Brittany was doubled up at third on a big lead. Grainfield started with a groundout to Kaitlyn, a 2 singles and then a strikeout. They scored the first run of the game on the next single, but the inning was over with a groundout to Megan at 2nd, (who by the way looked way more comfortable than she did there at Hays!!!) So being down one and starting the 2nd inning, the girls decided to get after it and start swinging the bats. Kaitlyn led of with a single, and Lacie came in as a courtesy runner for her, Sara walked, and Megan singled scoring Lacie and moving Sara to 3rd. With Katie up, Megan stole 2nd to get herself in scoring position, and then Katie Jo came through with a single, scoring Sara, and Megan to third. Katie stole 2nd on Kenzies first pitch, then Kenzie hit a single over the first basemans head scoring Megan and Katie Jo. Sadie then came up and hit a shot back to the pitcher who couldn't get a handle on it and she was burning down the 1st base line, (just like the girl whos uniform she borrowed #12) and she was safe, moving Kenzie to 2nd. Brittany then came up and struck out for just the first out of the inning. Sky then laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move both the runners into scoring position with Bailey coming up to bat. Bailey smashed the first pitch hard down the third base line for a bases clearing 2 run double. After a slight rain delay, Kaitlyn, who started off the inning singled to score Bailey. Sara came up and struck out looking ending a 7 run inning for us. Then the sky opened up and rained and rained and rained, causing the tournament to be called for the day. After talking with the tournament director they decided to continue the games on Sunday, and we opted not to make the trip back.
     I felt that it was a very good day of softball for us, although we didnt bring home the championship, it was not what we went there for. I wanted our girls that were there to step it up and pick up their play and get ready for state. That is exactly what they did, with girls moving around to new positions, and new girls playing i was worried about chemistry and how they would play missing our regulars. Every one of the girls that went played extremely well, and most importantly had fun doing it, no one seemed to stressed, or seemed to be over-playing. They were just good, and once again everything I wanted to see happen this weekend did... (except for that darn call against Megan!!!!!) We had a little lull last weekend at Concordia, but they carried themselves well this weekend and i hope they are getting hot at the right time now.
     We are off to Topeka Friday, and our first game is at 5:30 Friday night against a team from Newton, so if you are reading this and see any of our very talented softball girls, please wish them luck as they try to bring home a state championship. I know it means a lot to them and they are very proud of what they have accomplished so far, but i also know they arent anywhere close to satisfied yet. One thing i am positive about is that no matter what, these girls are going to leave it all on the field this weekend, and they will play well!!!
     I also want to wish the 16 & under, and 12 & under good luck at their state tournaments also. The 12 & under is at Salina, and the 16 & under are at Emporia, so if you are anywhere around that part of the state, there will be some good softball being played and try to stop by and cheer on your team.

                                                                          GOOD LUCK SWEET THUNDER!!!!!!!

Colby vs Kansas Heat   10-2 W
Colby vs Ellis Blaze        14-3 W
Colby vs Grainfield          7-1 (rained out after 2 innings)