Fireworks 18U Power Pools and Bracket Play
With Sunday’s field close to set let’s take a quick look at some of the top performing teams through the 18U Fireworks Power Pool and Bracket play!
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Select Fastpitch
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Select tore through Pool Play posting a perfect 4-0 record, scoring 25 runs while allowing only nine. Unfortunately for the Select they ran into a tough Lady Lightning Gold DeMarini Platinum Squad immediately in bracket play, dropping that game, 4-7. Following their first loss they battled back posting convincing victories over Firecrackers Gale (8-2) and So Cal 3D 18U Colon (9-1).
Not only have the Select bats been impressive but the depth in the circle for Head Coach Eric Jones’ squad is nothing to ignore either. Jordan Weber (2019, Mizzou), Breck Dickey (2019, Northwest Missouri State), and Lillie Walden (2021, uncommitted) have shared the circle well this weekend and been highly effective.
Most notably, Weber opened play in Colorado tossing a no-hitter versus the NW Batbusters – Seek while striking out 12. In her outing versus Breakers Lab 18U Blue she worked another seven innings sprinkling four hits, allowed to runs, and struck out another six. She’s also picked up other victories and a save along the way.
In general, Select has been strong defensively while on the offensive side of the ball Coach Jones’ team showed their unquestionable power and skill.
Some key contributors include Lindy Milkowski (2020, Iowa) with a number of multi-hit games and a few long balls; Hannah McGivern (2019, Mizzou) came up clutch with a big two run RBI versus Strike Force Jensen and a pair of home runs; Jessica Garcia (2020, uncommitted) has also been fantastic at the plate leading the charge and swinging very consistent with four home runs to her name; while Grace Banes and Jordan Richards have also been solid contribute multi-hit outings and a few home runs as well.
Texas Glory
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Always strong, always talented, always impressive, and always a threat Texas Glory has put together a strong outing at the Fireworks.
“Overall the team is coming together nicely,” Head Coach Kevin Shelton said. “We continue to improve as the summer progresses. Our ability to handle adversity has been the most impressive thing, whether it’s injuries or tough game situations, the group has responded well. I like our approach. We are great at staying in the moment and keeping our focus on ‘winning the next pitch.'”
For the Glory Riley Love (2020, Texas Tech) and Trinity Cannon (2020, Texas A&M) have performed well on both sides of the ball. Jaycee Cook (2019, Alabama-Birmingham) has spun some masterful games in the circle and Coach Shelton noted he is very pleased with the rest of his pitching staff who have handled the relief duties well.
The Glory has won a number of different ways – blow outs, come from behind, close contests, etc. – which is a sign of a team that is operating and playing at another level.
“The team has been playing well, all summer. We won the 2019 Triple Crown State Championship in Dallas on Jun. 9 and were co-champs in the 2019 Texas Glory Summer Shootout. The championship was called at 1-1 after seven innings due to travel. We were [also] third last week in the WFC in Viera FL.”
Iowa Premier Gold
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Another team showing they have the chops to win this whole event, Iowa Premier Gold is on a tear. Coming out of Power Pool AH they swept their competition scoring 29 runs while holding opponents to a mere six.
A talented, gritty, well coached team Premier has appeared to relatively cruise through Colorado; this includes an impressive 11-5 victory over the strong Tampa Mustangs – TJ team (mentioned below). They are on deck for another matchup with Texas CF Intruders Gold this evening but have guaranteed their spot in Sunday’s Championship bracket.
Universal Fastpitch Garcia 18 Gold
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Another team to clean up their Power Pool going 4-0, Universal entered bracket play scoring 38 runs, only allowing 12. Right off the bat Universal ran into a team that got extremely hot in brackets, the Texas CF Intruders (who have secured their place in Sunday’s bracket) but fought till the bitter end losing, 6-7. This squad is deep, talented, and exciting to watch.
“[This is] a great group of student athletes that are having fun and playing together,” said head coach, Martin Garcia. “This group wanted to come to Triple Crown Fireworks in Colorado and compete against the best! These girls are playing for each other and want each other to be successful.”
They made a statement in the elimination bracket winning back-to-back games 17-0 and 8-0 before running out of steam against Tampa Mustangs – TJ, 6-1, and bowing out of the 2019 Fireworks tournament. Though they fell short of Sunday’s play, keep a close eye on this team.
Hitting and defensive standouts include Alexis Bishop (2020, Cal), Sophie Jacquez (2020, Utah), Teyha Bird (2020, Oregon), Destiny Quiles (2019, Utah), Kaylee Pond (2020, Iowa State), Jordyn Hutchins (2020, Stanford), and Julia Barnett (2021, Cal Poly).
Anchoring the circle for Universal is the talented duo or Raegan Breedlove (2020, Oregon) and Gabby Williams (2020, UC San Diego). Coach Garcia said, “these studs have done a great job against some of the best hitters in the country.”
Coach Garica also added, “Universal Fastpitch Garcia 18 Gold loves the game and enjoys playing teams from all over the country. We may be an newer organization but our expectations for each other and our teams performance is nothing less than top level play.”
Athletics 18 Premier Madden
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To say that “this team is scoring a ridiculous amount of runs” would be a gross understatement. In seven games, the Athletics have put up 70 runs including an offensive explosion versus ACES 18U Gold where they pushed 21 across.
Unbeaten until running into Scrap Yard International the Athletics have played strong and exciting softball all week in Colorado. After falling into the elimination bracket they handed the impressive Louisville Lady Sluggers – Huecker squad their second loss and sent them home in a hard tough 8-7 victory.
Athletics is one win away from reaching Sunday’s bracket but it will not be easy as they square off against a Firecrackers – Sewell Premier team that has also played some amazing softball this week. We’re keeping a close eye on this matchup as it should be a great one!
Louisville Lady Sluggers – Huecker
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The Louisville Lady Sluggers looked to be a real threat to win 2019’s Fireworks Champion and played some impressive, top level ball this week in Colorado. The Sluggers were eliminated this evening, falling just short of Sunday’s bracket.
But the Sluggers have nothing to hang their head over and top to bottom their roster “showed out” especially behind the play of their deep, impressive pitching staff comprised of Nijaree Canady (Uncommitted), Abby Herbst (Wisconsin), Jeya Prasad (Florida State). Each pitcher picking up victories in Colorado.
Offensively the Sluggers lived up to their name and were impressive and productive through the entire lineup. Gabi Diters, Emmy Blane, Amber Cieplinski, Canady, and Piper Belden all hit home runs many of them blasting multiple over the week.
What may be most impressive is the level of competition the Sluggers faced, they truly faced the best of the best in this Fireworks field including Firecrackers TJ, Athletics 18 Premier Madden, Firecrackers-Sewell Premier, Texas Glory 18U, Tampa Mustangs TJ 18U, and Impact Gold Jackson 18U. There is no “let up” in that schedule and for them to perform and win the way they did their entire time in Colorado is really something.
Oro Valley Suncats 18U Gold – Judge
A team with a solid claim to win this tournament, Oro Valley is utterly dominating. In pool play they held opponents to eight runs while posting and impressive 31 themselves. And this powerful offensive show only continued in bracket play!
Judge’s team cruised through their first three rounds of bracket matchups winning 11-5, 13-3, and 7-0 before losing a barn burner to Scrap Yard International but have secured their spot in Sunday’s final group standing.
They are deep in the circle behind Mariah Lopez, Morgan Leinstock, Amya Legarra and offensively they are a spectacle, putting up numerous double digit hit games. The Suncats need to sure things up in the field but luckily they are getting it done in other ways and wreaking havoc on all their opponents.
We would love to see a Suncats versus Scrap Yard rematch!
Scrap Yard Internationals
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Scrap Yard has been on a bit of a roller coaster during their week in Colorado but have gotten hot at the right time and have secured their spot in Sunday’s field with one game remaining yet this evening. We’re excited to see what this stacked roster does tomorrow.
To their credit, they are another team that has run up against some unbelievable talent and high level competition this week including Lady Lightning Gold Demarini Platinum, Texas Bombers Gold, Firecrackers Rico/Weil, Athletics 18 Premier Madden, and Oro Valley Suncats 18U Gold – Judge.
Sorcerers 18G Gabales
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A storied program who also producing strong teams and strong student-athletes Gabales is rolling in the Mountains. Coming out of Power Pool AF, Sorcerer went 3-1 scoring 42 runs while allowing only 13 and have cruised through the bracket, unscathed, to Sunday’s field.
Sorcerer recorded bracket wins by the scores of 14-0, 9-1, 10-2, and then duked it out with the AZ Hotshots Gold – Davis squad, 3-2. But before that they have utterly dominated.
Keep your eyes open as this squad is another favorite to win the whole thing.
Tampa Mustangs – TJ
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A well-built and well coached team producing some of the top prospective student-athletes moving onto the next level of play, the Tampa Mustangs have put together a solid week of play in Colorado against tough competition.
“I am excited to see how my team continues to compete coming off [a] third place finish at the World Fastpitch Championship (last inning we gave up two runs to Batbusters-Stith, eventual champions, to lose 5-4) and a third place finish in the 18U Power Pool TV Bracket(6-5 loss to eventual champs-Lady Sluggers),” said Head Coach, TJ Goelz. “They bounced back with a nice come from behind win over Scott Smith’s Texas Bombers Gold team to get us geared up for bracket play on Friday. We have been playing VERY strong defense led by SS Kali Reis (SS), Jade Moy (2B), and Avery Goelz (1B).”
“Our pitching has been led by Brooklyn Lucero who has done a very nice job in a few pressure situations this week,” added Coach Goelz. “Our TMTJ pitching, overall, has been competitive but not as strong and consistent as we will need to be to win this event. I believe they will get tough and strong when the main bracket play begins Friday.”
Even with some inconsistencies in the circle the Mustangs’ offense has stepped up and shown their pure power and talent from top to bottom. In their 8-3 victory over Glory Adkins Gold 18U – Allen they launched four home runs courtesy of McKenzie Clark, Davidson, Kistler, and Reis.
“Offensively we have been led by our leadoff hitter, Katie Kistler, who has done a nice job setting the table and by our Reis and Moy. Looking for big things this weekend out of them and out of perennial hitters: McKenzie Clark, Avery Goelz, and Claire Davidson. We have played some great teams already and know we have a shot to go deep into this event if we play how we can play.”
“Overall the time in Colorado has been enjoyed With side trips to Ziplining, Garden of the Gods, Pike’s Peak and US Olympic Training Summer,” said Coach Goelz. “However, we are Ready to get back on the field … and compete!”
Coach Goelz’s squad just defeated Universal Fastpitch Garcia 18U and are one win away from securing their spot in Sunday’s Championship Bracket.
LTG Lions 18U – Henderson/Lively
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Another team who performed extremely well but fell just short of Sunday’s group, LTG came also came out of Power Pool AF with a 3-1 record. They scored 33 runs and held opponents to 15. Being a first year 18U squad, this year’s showing was nothing to hang their heads on.
“Coming off our second place finish in 16U last year, we have shown really well this year,” said head coach Jake Lively. “I’m extremely happy with the transition we’ve made to 18U and how the girls are playing together as a team. We’ve been playing extremely unselfish ball and the results are showing.”
Some notable standouts for the Lions include Rylie Costa (2020,Minnesota Commit) who notched a grand slam and two home runs; Kiwi Pierce (2020, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Commit) who logged a home run and held an .800 OBP when we talked to Coach Lively; Peyton Toto (2020, Cal State Fullerton Commit) also sent a home run and knocked in multiple RBI for her squad.
“This is our organizations very first class of seniors that are going onto college. Joe and I started with this group when we were 12U and have taken them all the way through,” included Coach Lively.
Keep a close eye on LTG, they are going big things quickly as a newer organization.
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