The Crushers took a break from softball and their off-time fun to share some wisdom to any future ball players who are fortunate enough to participate in state tournaments. View and hear their advice here.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Favorite Crusher Moments
While the Crushers stayed in a basic hotel, without a pool, in a small town in the mountains of northeast Oregon, they still had a great time. They enjoyed working and playing together while developing and strengthening relationships. They share some of their favorite moments here in this video.
Crushers' Semi-Final Game
The Crushers came into the semi-finals strong against a great group of softballers from Murryhill. Both teams were well matched and it proved to be a good game. In the end, Murryhill came out on top and advanced to the championship game while the Crushers went to Dairy Queen; which is always a treat.
Before Dairy Queen though, the Crushers and a bunch of the Murryhill girls met and really chatted it up. They all seemed to really have enjoyed the tournament as well as playing against each other in the semi-finals. The Crushers left the field encouraging the Murryhill Crush to bring the title home.
The season ends for the Crushers with them earning the rank of third in state. Interesting note however is the Crushers end the tournament with a better record than the second place team. The Crushers were 3-1 (75%) while the second place team was 3-2 (60%). Regardless of the rank and the record, the Crushers had a great time and leave Enterprise without regrets.
The final game can be viewed here.
Before Dairy Queen though, the Crushers and a bunch of the Murryhill girls met and really chatted it up. They all seemed to really have enjoyed the tournament as well as playing against each other in the semi-finals. The Crushers left the field encouraging the Murryhill Crush to bring the title home.
The season ends for the Crushers with them earning the rank of third in state. Interesting note however is the Crushers end the tournament with a better record than the second place team. The Crushers were 3-1 (75%) while the second place team was 3-2 (60%). Regardless of the rank and the record, the Crushers had a great time and leave Enterprise without regrets.
The final game can be viewed here.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Crushers Win Game Three
Crushers played well today. There was not a point in today's game when the fans felt anxious or worried about the game's outcome.
The Centennial parents were very aggressive and as a result were reprimanded by the ump for encouraging their players to commit acts of violence in the name of sport. With one exception early in the game (you can see it when Shelbi cleanly tags a runner out at home), there were no acts of violence committed.
The Crushers took an early lead with one run in the first. They later extended the lead and never gave Centennial a chance to out score them. The game ended with the Crushers winning 7-5 and doing so without needing to use their last at-bat.
At the end of pool play, the Crushers are the only team in the tournament who has gone undefeated. We advance to the semi-finals tomorrow morning where we will face-off against Murryhill where the Crushers will work hard to keep that streak alive.
The video containing most of today's plays can be accessed from this link.
The Centennial parents were very aggressive and as a result were reprimanded by the ump for encouraging their players to commit acts of violence in the name of sport. With one exception early in the game (you can see it when Shelbi cleanly tags a runner out at home), there were no acts of violence committed.
The Crushers took an early lead with one run in the first. They later extended the lead and never gave Centennial a chance to out score them. The game ended with the Crushers winning 7-5 and doing so without needing to use their last at-bat.
At the end of pool play, the Crushers are the only team in the tournament who has gone undefeated. We advance to the semi-finals tomorrow morning where we will face-off against Murryhill where the Crushers will work hard to keep that streak alive.
The video containing most of today's plays can be accessed from this link.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Crushers game two vs South Salem / Sprague
Well, this game is not really one we want to relive. We had some very interesting umping that made things, for both teams, difficult. The strike zone was ever changing and there were many obvious bad calls (I was sitting with opposing fans and they were in agreement with all the goofy calls). The bad calls happened against both teams but The Crushers got a streak of bad calls in one inning. That one inning resulted in all the runs against the Crushers for the whole game.
So after four innings, the score was 4-6 with the Crushers struggling to get back into the groove, after the one bad inning where they made good plays that the ump called against them. It was at that point that thunder was heard from a distant storm. The game was put on a delay because of the threat of lightening. If the ump decided to call the game at that point the Crushers would have taken a loss. Fortunately, the field ump seemed to recognize that the game was out of sorts because of the questionable calls and he pushed to restart the game and finish it rather than ending it after four innings.
As a result, the Crushers were able to come back into the game and score a run in the fifth inning and then at the bottom of the sixth they were dominating and scored two runs with two additional runners on base and no outs. Those two runs sealed the game and resulted in a Crusher win.
To view most of the highlights of the game you can click this link.
So after four innings, the score was 4-6 with the Crushers struggling to get back into the groove, after the one bad inning where they made good plays that the ump called against them. It was at that point that thunder was heard from a distant storm. The game was put on a delay because of the threat of lightening. If the ump decided to call the game at that point the Crushers would have taken a loss. Fortunately, the field ump seemed to recognize that the game was out of sorts because of the questionable calls and he pushed to restart the game and finish it rather than ending it after four innings.
As a result, the Crushers were able to come back into the game and score a run in the fifth inning and then at the bottom of the sixth they were dominating and scored two runs with two additional runners on base and no outs. Those two runs sealed the game and resulted in a Crusher win.
To view most of the highlights of the game you can click this link.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
More Rain
As the Crushers' first game was drawing to a close, storm clouds developed southwest of us. The girls sat at the field to enjoy some sandwichs and prepare to watch some of the afternoon games. However, the clouds continued to develop and headed straight for the fields.
The storm brought more thunder, lightning, and a series of downpours. As a result, the remainder of the day's games were all postponed. With the day's games postponed the tournament games on following days would have to be pushed back as well. The Crushers may end up playing double headers just to catch-up.
Video link
The storm brought more thunder, lightning, and a series of downpours. As a result, the remainder of the day's games were all postponed. With the day's games postponed the tournament games on following days would have to be pushed back as well. The Crushers may end up playing double headers just to catch-up.
Video link
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Crushers' Game One
The Crushers played in the first game of the tournament at 9:00 this morning. Because their hotel is only a few blocks form the ballpark, they all walked together to the field. The fields looked great with well kept outfield and finely cared for infield.
The game started and Bend South took an early lead. By the end of the third inning Bend South increased their lead and was leading by four runs (score was 2-6). The Crushers turned their game on at that point and lit things up. They managed to take the lead and soon were ahead 8-6. South Bend would score two more runs before the game's end but the Crushers would match those runs and score two additional runs. The game ended half-way through the sixth inning with a score of 10-8.
Video of the best plays of the game can be found by clicking here.
The game started and Bend South took an early lead. By the end of the third inning Bend South increased their lead and was leading by four runs (score was 2-6). The Crushers turned their game on at that point and lit things up. They managed to take the lead and soon were ahead 8-6. South Bend would score two more runs before the game's end but the Crushers would match those runs and score two additional runs. The game ended half-way through the sixth inning with a score of 10-8.
Video of the best plays of the game can be found by clicking here.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Crushers First Night in Enterprise
The Crushers arrived in Enterprise on Friday the 13th. Everything was going well. They had pizza for dinner in the hotel conference room. Just as they were wrapping up dinner and getting ready to head to bed an ominous storm developed. Most of the team made it back to the room, but a couple of stragglers got caught in the rain.
The rain came down in buckets along with hailstones, lightning and thunder. Within minutes the streets turned to raging rivers. The storm raged for twenty minutes and had everyone wonder if the fields would be playable in the morning.
Video Clip
The rain came down in buckets along with hailstones, lightning and thunder. Within minutes the streets turned to raging rivers. The storm raged for twenty minutes and had everyone wonder if the fields would be playable in the morning.
Video Clip
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Warriors Take Second in State
The Warriors end their season in the position of being second in state. It is well earned and the team that took first was a fantastic team from Milton-Freewater.
An interesting thing about this is that during the opening ceremonies, the Warriors got together with the girls from Milton-Freewater and were socializing and having a good time. From the first time they got together the Warriors and the Milton-Freewater girls just seemed to click together. The fact that they would come back together in the last game is fitting because they were the best two teams at state.
The fact that these two teams both deserved to be in the final game comes out of the numbers. Both the Warriors and Milton-Freewater were the only teams to go undefeated before the championship. Both teams also ended most of their games in four innings (making short work of all other teams).
One key difference is that before the championship game, Milton-Freewater had not allowed any team to score against them and allowed very few girls to advance bases. The Warriors gave them their stiffest competition by not only advancing runners but scoring against them. This flustered them a bit but not quite enough for the Warriors to take control of the game in six innings even though the last two innings were clearly being innings controlled by Warriors. (click here to see the game)
The Warriors finished strong, pushed hard, and had a lot of great fun both on the field and off. On the field, they represented District One well. Off the field they made and strengthened great friendships; the type of friendships that can last a lifetime.
The Warriors gave us a gift by playing great softball for us and showing us strength in character in everything. For that I am very grateful. GOOOOOOOOO WARRIORS.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Semi-Finals 10-4
The Warriors stumbled through the first inning allowing Centennial to score three runs. After regaining their composure, a strong Warrior defense allowed only one additional run throughout the remainder of the game. One example of the strong defense included great catches in the outfield (the first pitch of the game resulted in a long ball to deep center field that was caught but the person recording the games had not yet started recording). Another example are the two double plays that were the result of sharp minds and quick reflexes.
To catch most of the plays of the semi-final game - CLICK HERE
To catch most of the plays of the semi-final game - CLICK HERE
The Warriors Present Advice to the Crushers
The night before the semi-finals and championship games, the Warriors all took a few minutes to reflect on their experience and share what they have learned about having a great experience at the state tournament. They offered up their thoughts to the Crushers knowing that they would not be able to see each other between tournaments. They presented a lot of great advice and it has been posted online for everyone's benefit.
Click here for enlightenment on the keys to successful softball tournaments.
Click here for enlightenment on the keys to successful softball tournaments.
The Warriors Share
Each of the Warriors (including Warrior coaches) shared their favorite experiences from the first four days of the 2012 Little League All-Star State Championship tournament.
Click here to hear and see what they have to say.
Click here to hear and see what they have to say.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Quarter Finals Game 14-0
The Warriors played their quarter finals game this afternoon. It was a windy and hot afternoon but they once again plugged through.
We played only four inning with both Molly and Mia pitching two innings each. This means that tomorrow when we play in the semi-finals game they will have all four of the pitchers eligible to play.
The biggest play of the game came at the hands of Sheena Mendoza who ran to second base to catch a high fly ball. SHe then looked at amazement at the runner who left second base and was not going to make it back (even if she tried she would run into a tag). Sheena tagged second base for the unassisted double play.
Most of the plays can be viewed from this link.
We played only four inning with both Molly and Mia pitching two innings each. This means that tomorrow when we play in the semi-finals game they will have all four of the pitchers eligible to play.
The biggest play of the game came at the hands of Sheena Mendoza who ran to second base to catch a high fly ball. SHe then looked at amazement at the runner who left second base and was not going to make it back (even if she tried she would run into a tag). Sheena tagged second base for the unassisted double play.
Most of the plays can be viewed from this link.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Game four 16-8 win over Centennial
Today the Warriors had an early game. They played our district two neighbors at 9:00. This was our toughest game yet as Centennial played stronger defense than we've seen and they had a great third inning where they scored a number of runs on us.
However, in the end the Warriors come out on top winning their fourth and final pool play game 16-8.
This here is a link to the video of today's game.
Despite winning all the games in pool play they start the bracket play tomorrow at 3:00 in second place. The reason they are seeded number two is because the Milton-Freewater team won all the games in their pool but they allowed no runs. This will give Milton-Freewater a day off tomorrow while we face Rogue River again in our quarter final match-up.
However, in the end the Warriors come out on top winning their fourth and final pool play game 16-8.
This here is a link to the video of today's game.
Despite winning all the games in pool play they start the bracket play tomorrow at 3:00 in second place. The reason they are seeded number two is because the Milton-Freewater team won all the games in their pool but they allowed no runs. This will give Milton-Freewater a day off tomorrow while we face Rogue River again in our quarter final match-up.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Game three 18-5 versus Ore-Cal
The third Warrior game came immediately after game two. This third game was against Ore-Cal and the girls were feeling the pains of the earlier game. Despite the lost energies of playing a fresh team the Warriors played well.
Jordan, Grace and Mia all pitched and the game lasted only four innings. Regrettably, the double-header and the heat got to Edan who suffered a mild case of heat stroke.
She pulled herself from the game and the coaches immediately noticed she was having troubles. The quickly cooled her down but she was not going to be able to recover enough to return to this game. Fortunately, Rosie and Sheena stepped up and filled her large shoes behind the plate while the fire fighters tended to Edan (the paramedics treated her and were satisfied with the care the coaches provided and she did not have to be taken away).
In the tournament, there has not been any real action in the outfield other than getting a few grounders that sneak through the infield. This was until late in the game when a long high fly ball was driven to deep center field. Madison made the catch forcing the over confident runner to scamper with haste back to first base.
This game can be watched in a CliffNotes version from this link here.
Jordan, Grace and Mia all pitched and the game lasted only four innings. Regrettably, the double-header and the heat got to Edan who suffered a mild case of heat stroke.
She pulled herself from the game and the coaches immediately noticed she was having troubles. The quickly cooled her down but she was not going to be able to recover enough to return to this game. Fortunately, Rosie and Sheena stepped up and filled her large shoes behind the plate while the fire fighters tended to Edan (the paramedics treated her and were satisfied with the care the coaches provided and she did not have to be taken away).
In the tournament, there has not been any real action in the outfield other than getting a few grounders that sneak through the infield. This was until late in the game when a long high fly ball was driven to deep center field. Madison made the catch forcing the over confident runner to scamper with haste back to first base.
This game can be watched in a CliffNotes version from this link here.
Game two 19-2 versus Rogue River
The Warriors had to get up very early for this game. They played against Rogue River at 8:00 in the morning. The game only lasted four innings with Mia pitching the whole game. It only went four innings because our NEP softballers scored nineteen runs and only allowed two.
On an interesting note, Carling managed to get hit in the leg with pitches at her first two at bats. Fortunately, she is a powerhouse and plays right through it. (Some say she even uses it to help her become even more powerful - who knows?) Eden took a pitch as well and didn't seem to be phased by it. Mia had great control and hit none of the Rogue River girls.
The highlight of the game however, was the grand slam homerun scored by Grace. She had a well hit ball that went to the outfield but far enough to allow Lucia, Sheena, and Jordan all score before Grace herself rounded third and touched home just a second before the ball was thrown toward the catcher (The ball was thrown too high so there was not real threat but it was exciting just the same.)
If you want to catch some of the highlights you can watch this YouTube video that has the plays strung together. The homerun hit is at about one minute twenty seconds in to the 4 minute video.
On an interesting note, Carling managed to get hit in the leg with pitches at her first two at bats. Fortunately, she is a powerhouse and plays right through it. (Some say she even uses it to help her become even more powerful - who knows?) Eden took a pitch as well and didn't seem to be phased by it. Mia had great control and hit none of the Rogue River girls.
The highlight of the game however, was the grand slam homerun scored by Grace. She had a well hit ball that went to the outfield but far enough to allow Lucia, Sheena, and Jordan all score before Grace herself rounded third and touched home just a second before the ball was thrown toward the catcher (The ball was thrown too high so there was not real threat but it was exciting just the same.)
If you want to catch some of the highlights you can watch this YouTube video that has the plays strung together. The homerun hit is at about one minute twenty seconds in to the 4 minute video.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Game one 14-0 versus West Salem
We played West Salem and had a great game. We played four innings and got out of the 100 degree heat sooner rather than later.
Watch most of the highlights on this video.
Tomorrow the Warriors play a double header. Their first game is at 8:00 and their second is at 10:30. While the 8:00 time means the girls have to get up at 5:30 at least they will not be playing in the extreme heat.
Continue to check for new photos being added to the album (linked to the right).
Watch most of the highlights on this video.
Tomorrow the Warriors play a double header. Their first game is at 8:00 and their second is at 10:30. While the 8:00 time means the girls have to get up at 5:30 at least they will not be playing in the extreme heat.
Continue to check for new photos being added to the album (linked to the right).
Warriors Practice Before their first pool game.
The girls had a light practice this morning. The intent was to get them back into a softball mindset and work out any kinks. Despite having a strict curfew, a couple of the girls looked pretty tired (reasonable anytime you share an unfamiliar bed with two other sleepers).
Regardless of the tired nature of the girls the practice looked good. They really got back into the spirit of softball and were starting to gain some energy for the pending game.
Their first game will be this afternoon at 3:30 (in the high heat of the day). This start time gave the girls time enough to head back home to get some lunch, braid hair, and mentally prepare.
Here is a link to a little bit of their practice.
Regardless of the tired nature of the girls the practice looked good. They really got back into the spirit of softball and were starting to gain some energy for the pending game.
Their first game will be this afternoon at 3:30 (in the high heat of the day). This start time gave the girls time enough to head back home to get some lunch, braid hair, and mentally prepare.
Here is a link to a little bit of their practice.
First Impressions
The Warriors arrived to the Hugo house in car-loads. Each group that arrived was overwhelmed by the views and amenities of the house. After the first wave of softballers arrived (Carling, Madison, Gabby, Eden, and Grace) they ran throughout the house investigating every corner and then quickly coating themselves in sunscreen and getting into the pool.
Later, the whole team went into Gold Hill for the opening ceremonies. Upon arriving, the girls were as underwhelmed of the field as they were overwhelmed by the Hugo house. The field lacked much of the frills and beauty of our home field during the district tournament. One of the key issues of the field that struck the Warriors was the all the rocks that littered the field.
Rather than whining or complaining, Hannah started picking up the rocks to remove them. Soon all the girls were out on the field picking up as many rocks as they could so they would have a better playing surface. Perhaps cleaning up the field before opening ceremonies will help the Warriors clean-up during the tournament.
Video Link of cleaning up the field.
Later, the whole team went into Gold Hill for the opening ceremonies. Upon arriving, the girls were as underwhelmed of the field as they were overwhelmed by the Hugo house. The field lacked much of the frills and beauty of our home field during the district tournament. One of the key issues of the field that struck the Warriors was the all the rocks that littered the field.
Rather than whining or complaining, Hannah started picking up the rocks to remove them. Soon all the girls were out on the field picking up as many rocks as they could so they would have a better playing surface. Perhaps cleaning up the field before opening ceremonies will help the Warriors clean-up during the tournament.
Video Link of cleaning up the field.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Crusher's Pool play
Crushers will play at 9:00 on Saturday July 14. This game will be against the District 5 All-Star team (A central Oregon division). They will play at 4:30 on July 15 against the District 7 All-Stars (Columbia River division). Their final Pool play game will be no Monday July 16 against our East Multnomah County All-Star neighbors of Division 2.
I've yet to see the Warriors schedule.
I've yet to see the Warriors schedule.
Gold Hill Pool Play Introduction
On Saturday July 7, the Warriors wil begin playing for the state title. We do not yet know the times of those games but they will be in Gold Hill.
The tournament starts with pool play. In this pool play, the Warriors will be in a pool of four teams. Each team will play the other three teams. the performance in pool play will determine each team rank and therefore position in the bracket. The winner of the bracketed tournament will be crowned state champions and advance to regional play in California.
Game times will be posted once the times are available.
The tournament starts with pool play. In this pool play, the Warriors will be in a pool of four teams. Each team will play the other three teams. the performance in pool play will determine each team rank and therefore position in the bracket. The winner of the bracketed tournament will be crowned state champions and advance to regional play in California.
Game times will be posted once the times are available.
Monday, July 2, 2012
All-Star District 1 Softball Bracket - Warriors and Crushers
Click this link to access the District 1 All-Star Softball Bracket.
It will be updated as the tournament proceeds.
It will be updated as the tournament proceeds.
OregonSports.com Captures the Latest on the Warriors
Road to Alpenrose heads for Gold Hill
OregonSports.com did a great article on the Warriors district 1 championship game. To read the article, click this link.
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