HS & Club Softball

2019 PGF 16U Premier Rewind

The 2019 16U Premier PGF National Championship tournament was nothing short of incredible. The field was one of the most stacked and deepest it has ever been with a ton of parity between teams from all parts of the country. It came down to the Beverly Bandits and the Texas Bombers for the title and you can read about that matchup, here.

Let’s look back at some of the best performances, games, players, and teams from this year’s field.

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STANDOUT GAMES/TEAMS

Iowa Premier vs. Texas Bombers

This game had it all! Stellar pitching, big time defense, tons of intensity, and so much more. Iowa Premier and the Texas Bombers met in the bracket semi-final game in a matchup that grew a large crowd and the attention of many college coaches in attendance at PGF.

For the Bombers, Sophia Simpson (2021) and Grace Sparks (2022) teamed up for the victory in the circle with Simpson sprinkling seven hits, logging four strike outs, while issuing five walk and Sparks posting zeros across the board.

For Premier, Jordyn Bahl was strong allowing one hit, two runs (only one earned), eight strike outs, and four walks. Unfortunately for Iowa, they couldn’t find that timely hit and left eight on base compared to the Bombers’ three.

The story of the game for the Bombers, and what may be the most impressive thing about them, was their defensive play. They were simply outstanding and versus Premier turned four double plays.

Texas Bombers vs. Corona Angels – Bracket Championship

This matchup was so fun and full of action I desperately wanted the Angels to push the winner-take-all second game just to watch another seven innings but unfortunately the Angels came up just short.

For the Angels, they collected eight hits off the Bombers’ Presley Glende and Grace Sparks – they just couldn’t seem to find that timely hitting and string together enough offensive to compile runs. A huge factor in this was Bombers’s shortstop, Avery Hodge (2022, Oklahoma). I talk about her more below but Hodge was nothing short of incredible and her defensive play was instrumental in the Bombers’ victory. Without her, this game could very realistically gone another way.

Despite the loss, Jordin King (2021, Cal) threw well in the circle. This Bombers’ offense is explosive and hard to handle and despite surrendering four runs she still threw well and worked out of a number of tight jams.

FC Hagberg

Firecrackers Hagberg had a gantlet of a draw in the 2019 16U Premier bracket facing off against the DeMarini Aces in round one. They dropped a heartbreaker, 3-2, facing stud pitcher Tatum Clopton (2021, Oklahoma State).

Emily Rush, who was good all week and I will talk about her more below, hit a seventh-inning solo home run to keep the Firecracker hopes alive, while Trisha McCleskey threw a complete game and struck out eight. Unfortunately they fell just short.

Dropping into the losers’ bracket, Hagberg’s team went head-to-head with a talented Hotshots Shaw squad who lost an opening round slug fest to the SC A’s Jendro, 12-9.

What impressed me the most is how Hagberg’s team battled. They were trailing most of the game versus the Hotshots, came alive late, and walked off in the ninth or tenth inning. Only to walk across the ballpark and take on the American Athletes who they yet again came back to beat, 5-4. They eventually fell on Thursday morning to the AZ Storm (6-1) but the fight they showed was really incredible.

Beverly Bandits Conroy

As we know, the Beverly Bandits claimed the 2019 16U Premier National title (read about it here) and this was no mistake. The Bandits may have been the most balanced team in the 16U field. I know I talk about this a lot but it can’t be overlooked; Bill Conroy’s squad had all the pieces in place to dominate this tournament. It started in the circle with Regan Krause who was lights out (literally) the entire tournament. Then you have one of the strongest defenses, especially in the infield, of anyone I watched compete. Not to be outdone, the offense put up huge numbers all bracket play as well. Oh, also, the Bandits had speed, depth, and energy unlike the majority of the field.

That ultimately may be what stuck out the most to me; their unmistakable energy and joy for the game. They had fun; they supported each other and celebrated everyone’s success; and you could easily feel the passion they had for the game and to be competing in PGF.

Texas Bombers

To call the Texas Bombers “impressive” doesn’t feel like it’d do this team justice. They are loaded to the brim with talent with many going to big name program. They are your 2019 16U PGF runners-up (which you can read about it here) and clearly showcased why they are among the top programs in the country. What may have impressed me the most about this Bombers squad as their unshakable level of “cool”. No moment every seemed to big for them, every player was ready when called upon, and nothing ever seemed to really stress this team out. That in itself is something to marvel at. They are well-coached, well-trained, focused, and of course talented from top to bottom.

Corona Angels Slye

This team parties. If there’s one thing you cannot deny about the Corona Angels program in its entirety, but especially this group, is that their energy is through the roof and second to none. Not just from the players but the coaches, families, and their friends/fans who attend games. They are all “in it”, cheering loudly, supporting their teach and each other; honestly, it’s really special. It makes for a fun atmosphere to watch a game in.

This is another team that you can instantly tell they love to compete, to play this game, and to play with each other. Combine that with one of the more loaded rosters you’re going to find anywhere in 16U (commits heading to schools like UCLA, Tennessee, Cal, Nebraska, Louisville, ASU, Oregon, and more) this team is hard not to love.

EC Bullets Biele Heath

Winners of the Triple Crown 16U National title, the EC Bullets had arguably one of the deepest pitching staffs in the country (that includes Kylie Fergeson, Lexie Delbrey, Kinsey Norton, Shannon Becker, and Maddie Latta) and their run through the losers’ bracket highlighted that.

The Bullets drew a tough opening round match up in Choppers Fausett; they would drop the contest 3-0. There began the long road back to the championship bracket. The Bullets rattled off wins over CCA Augustine (4-1), Indiana Magic Lamar (3-2), Texas Glory (4-2), Easton Preps (2-1), and OCBB Lara (6-0) before a rematch with the Choppers who got the better of the Bullets again, 5-1. This path was no cake walk and wow, what a run. This stretch including four straight games on Thursday before exiting the tournament field.

Texas Dirt Divas

The Texas Dirt Divas also made a fierce run in this year’s PGF Tournament. They were charged with the tall task of squaring off against Iowa Premier in the first round of bracket play and gave Premier arguably one of their toughest contests of the tournament. The Dirt Divas lost the heartbreaker, 1-0, and were then faced with the long road back through the losers’ bracket. They would push through seven games before falling for the final time. This stretch included three games on Wednesday and four on Thursday; that’s an unreal performance everyone involved with that program should take pride in. Their wins included the Beverly Bandits, Breakers, Cal Nuggets, Georgia Impact, Aces Express, and Firecrackers Breashear.

I watched them compete against the Breakers, a game they won 8-0, and it was clear this was a team who battled together. Caleigh Millican (2020, La Tech) threw a strong game and lived on a ton of spin while top to bottom the roster showed their offensive power. I look forward to seeing what the Dirt Divas do in coming seasons.

Mojo Lewis, Choppers Fausett, Indiana Magic Rudd, OK Athletics

All of the above are teams who also had noteworthy and impressive PGF showings but we were unable to see.

The Mojo picked up strong wins over Explosion Flores (3-0), Birmingham Vipers (11-7), Aces Express (3-2) before falling into the losers’ bracket at the hands of Iowa Premier (6-2) and then dropping their final contest to the Indiana Magic (3-2). That’s a showing to be proud of and build on as they look to next year.

The Choppers Fausett provided once again why they are a PGF mainstay and storied program. After picking up two victories in the winners bracket they dropped a lopsided contest to the Corona Angels, 10-2. What is most impressive is that Fausett’s squad didn’t fold, they fought back and rattled off three wins in the losers’ bracket over tough opponents (AZ Storm Mathis, EC Bullets Biele Heath, and the Tampa Mustangs). The Choppers than came face-to-face with the Angels for a rematch and had a much stronger showing then in their first game, however, they couldn’t quite seal the deal and lost their final game, 4-3.

Indiana Magic and OK Athletics both finished in the top grouping of PGF. The Magic reached the top four while the Athletics finished seventh. The OK Athletics finish represents the highest finish for any team from the state of Oklahoma. The Magic and Athletics faced off twice during PGF play. The Athletics took game one, 5-0, but the Magic got their revenge in a later elimination game, 5-1. Both teams played incredibly well and racked up huge statement wins over perennial powers like the Thunderbolts, Mojo, Hotshots, NorCal Firecrackers, Northwest Bullets and more. It’s good for the sport for these teams – from different areas outside of California, Texas, etc. – to show this well at PGF! The future is bright!

STANDOUT PLAYERS

Avery Hodge – Texas Bombers – 2022 Oklahoma Commit

Stud. Complete and total stud. Avery Hodge is one of the best defensive athletes I’ve seen this summer, any level, any age, any position, period. She is masterful at shortstop with the ability to make the hard look route and the impossible look easy. Most notably, her performance versus the Corona Angels to send her team to the PGF National Championship game was one for the “PGF history books”. She suffocated the Angels’ offense, and quite frankly, if one had to pick a “MVP” for that game it’d be her. She robbed easily four “sure hits”, some with potential RBI implications; she halted rallies before they could even get going; she stopped most all of the Angels’ dead in its tracks. Not only did she wreck havoc on the Angels but every opponent that dared to hit it up the middle or into the 5-6 hole. She was also consistent and steady on the offensive side of the ball but it was her defensive game that really made me marvel. Hodge played big in big moments and there is a lot to look forward to as we watch her continue through her career

Regan Krause – Beverly Bandits Conroy – 2020 Illinois Commit

Your 2019 16U Premier PGF National Champion pitcher, Regan Krause, was something else! She threw nearly every inning of PGF play and heading into the championship game against the Texas Bombers she was riding a streak of just over 33 scoreless innings thrown. During the Bandits’ run to the title, Krause’s resume included shutouts over Athletics Mercado, Corona Angels Slye, OC Batbusters Lara, and Indiana Magic – Rudd in the bracket championship and eleven strikeouts in the title game.

To put it lightly, her stuff was filthy. She was virtually untouchable and often made opponents look silly. We talked to her following the Bandits’ championship and asked her how she was able to stay so locked in, assuming she had to be tired from her efforts. Surprisingly this wasn’t the case, “Staying in the winner’s bracket helped a lot so I’m really not that tired,” Krause told us following the National Championship. “My teammates are always there for me, picking me up, they keep me at my best.”

Illini fans get excited and foes take notice. Krause is the missing piece Illinois has been waiting for. They are a pure hitting program, the offensive numbers the Illini put up have placed them a top the nation for many years now. Combine that with a pitcher like Krause and watch out. She is that piece that can help take the Illinois to new and great heights. Post season in Champaign, anyone?

Cassidy Grimm – Beverly Bandits Conroy – 2020 Notre Dame Commit

Another defensive standout, Cassidy Grimm was fun to watch and just exuded pure joy while “owning” the hot corner and taking an on-field leadership role for the Bandits. What may be the most impressive? In talking to the Bandit families apparently Grimm has been told more than once she “can’t play third”, yet, she’s clearly proved them wrong. Grimm made play after play of ESPN worthy highlights and the best part was they all looked rather routine for her.

“It’s because I’m small,” Grimm said laughing in an interview following the Bandits championship victory. And when asked how she is able to prove people wrong and be so talented at third she said, “I definitely work very hard at it. At home rather it’s just taking my reps every single day and doing the little things like glove work, picks, and things to help my reaction time – it is the hot corner so I need to be able to pick up on the ball quick.”

Another thing you’ll quickly notice about Grimm is her undeniable presence, leadership, and sense of calm on the field. “I’ve always kind of been the person who likes to calm everyone down when things get to high,” added Grimm. “I will say take a step back, we’re good we can do this, believe in yourself. There’s a new girl on the team this year and the first thing she said to me was, ‘you know Cassidy, you’re so chill!’ and I responded, ‘well I try to be!’ On the inside it can get nerve-racking especially when there are bases loaded and the possibility of them winning with just one hit but I try to keep calm and remind myself … there is no difference fielding this ball than [one] the game before.”

Krystina Hartley – Tampa Mustangs Maguire – 2021 FSU Commit

Krystina Hartley and her Mustangs are another team I’ve been able to watch a few times and enjoyed every single time. I’ve said it often but top to bottom the Tampa Mustangs have talented, strong coaches at all levels that bring up a heightened level of out of their athletes. Krystina Hartley is one of those young woman I’ve loved watching compete. She is fluid, smooth, athletic, and solid in the hot corner and while she had at times a hit-or-miss PGF run, she’s got a number of great tools at the plate. There is a quiet confidence and leadership to her and her play that is hard to miss and there is a ton to be excited for if you’re a fan of the Garnet and Gold come the 2022 season.

Emily Rush – FC Hagberg – 2020

I didn’t get to see Emily Rush throw as much as I would have liked but within the scope of what I watched, I really enjoyed her game. I saw her command the circle versus the American Athletics and a couple things grabbed me.

Rush worked fast and at times in an almost robotic sense; she just kept throwing. No matter what happened, what the situation, good bad or otherwise Rush kept on playing her game. That’s a rare and impressive quality. She struck me as a pure “gamer”, always laser focused on the contest at hand and opponent in front of her.

Lealani Ricks – FC Hagberg – 2021

Lealani Ricks is about a smooth as as second baseman gets! She has it all from good, soft hands; to strong glove work; an smooth foot work, transfer, and execution. She’s just one of those athletes with that “extra athletic” factor that is so fun to watch.

Kylee Magee – Corona Angels Slye – 2022 ASU Commit

Keep an eye out for Kylee Magee in the coming years. I saw her throw against Athletics-Mercado/Greg and she absolutely shut that powerhouse lineup down. With the help of a lethal change-up and a killer rise ball Magee went the seven inning distance and allowed no runs, struck out eight, and sprinkled four hits; it was incredible. She has a great presence and focus on the mound that does and will continue to serve her well through her career.

Sariah Ayala – American Athletics – 2021

I loved this young woman. I watched her and the American Athletics compete against FC Hagberg and Ayala was a noticeable “spark plug” for her team. She was always hustling, always communicating, and picking up her team and pitcher. Ayala is simply, a pure leader. At shortstop she covered a ton of ground and has some good skills and instincts. She’ll make a great addition to any program at the next level.

Julia Bernal – American Athletics – 2021

Another strong player from the American Athletics, Bernal caught my attention at third base as I watched her and Sariah Ayala communicate and work together; they compliment each other incredibly well. Bernal was another standout vocal leader for the Athletics who played well in the field but also performed at the plate with a lot of pop and power to her bat while showcasing a high “softball IQ” on the base paths. She operated on a different level in the mental space of the game and I am excited to keep tabs on her moving forward.

Sophia Simpson and Grace Sparks – Texas Bombers – 2021 and 2022

The one-two punch of the Texas Bombers was nothing short of incredible en route to a runner-up finish at PGF. Both uncommitted, these athletes will garner a ton of interest from big time programs as they reach the age of contact. Both pitchers complimented each other well, shared the circle fantastically, and have overflowing levels of potential. There appeared to be a lot of maturity in both Simpson and Sparks’ game. Again, not only did they split time well, they also never seem to “do too much”. Both arms have the talent and depth to be “strike out” pitchers but they also trusted and relied on their defense to support them through each game. So often you can see pitchers get trapped in the notion of “I’m a strike out pitcher” or “I’m a to contact kid” and they get locked into that. But not Simpson and Sparks, they kept to “their” game and took care of business, racking up strike outs when possible but also trusting their team behind them. This cannot be understated as a key factor in the Bombers’ run to the championship game.

Maggie Herdejurgen – Texas Bombers – 2021 Oklahoma State Commit

Maggie Herdejurgen quickly became one of my favorite players in the 2019 16U PGF field. It’s hard to not like this young athlete. She plays the game the “right” way, has a very “team first” attitude, and is a work horse behind the plate. She also did something incredible in the championship game, shameless plug, we’ll be bring you the story on that Monday so keep your eyes peeled. Herdejurgen has all the tools for a continued successful career from her presence and ability behind the plate to the shear power in her bat, remember the name!

Briana Bower – Indiana Magic Lamar – 2021

Briana Bower is a complete work horse for this Indiana Magic team. She also threw a perfect game to open up PGF play, an incredible feat whenever accomplish but especially so when done on a stage such as that and we will have that story for you Monday. But all that to say, Bower is good, really good. If you need an example, Bower kept a powerful EC Bullets Biele offense in check and gave her team a opportunity to pull it out. Her velocity is up there and her movement is sound. I wouldn’t expect her to be uncommitted for long when September 1st arrives.

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