10U All Star Tournament – 3rd Place Finish...

The West County 10U All-Stars turned in a fantastic set of performances in Sonoma over the weekend, serving notice to the other Sonoma County leagues that WCSA will be fighting for shiny inter-league hardware for the foreseeable future. Saturday morning's matchup against a smartly outfitted Windsor squad opened with a bang as West County tallied max runs in the first two innings for a 10-3 lead after two. Behind the dish, Celina Kegerreis picked off the second runner of the game at second—she and Carly Evans kept them in check thereafter, while the Windsor batters couldn’t catch up to Saja Spearman Weaver’s pitching for the rest of the morning. Sharp defense in the top of the last inning forced three consecutive Windsor groundouts that ended with Sarah Kadlec at 1B, including a sharp one-hopper to right, fielded-and-tossed with efficiency by Amelia Benjamin to end the inning. West County batters showed great patience at the plate, turning 21 walks, 3 HBPs and 1 single into a 12-4 victory.

Game Two later that afternoon pitted West County against eventual tourney champion Santa Rosa. Following some re-interpretation of tournament rules, umpires determined that stealing home would be allowed for the remainder of the tournament—a curveball for West County, for whom stealing home had been forbidden all season, but this intelligent squad learned on the fly. No score after one full inning, with Saja striking out the top 3 of Santa Rosa’s order, but a Stolen-Home Festival thereafter accounted for roughly half of the runs in the game. Laney Klunis earned a walk and stole 3 bases with ease, including home, to post West County’s first run of the 3rd. Sarah Kadlec’s slide and Amanda Nebozuk’s run-across in the 4th gave West County a 5-4 lead, but Santa Rosa cobbled together a 5-run 5th from walks, dropped-third-strikes and a solid double to jump ahead 9-5. In the 6th, West County’s Sarah Kadlec put the bat on the ball and drove in 3, Kaiya Ming’s bloop single brought in Emily Dean, and Kaiya stole home to knot it at 9-9 as regulation time ran out. West County couldn’t match Santa Rosa in the extra inning, though—a 17-12 loss forced a matchup against Mark West on Sunday morning for the chance to stay alive and battle Santa Rosa again.

Fired up on Sunday morning, West County came out scoring in Game Three against Mark West with a 3-run first inning thanks to good eyes from Peyton Bratton and Madison Dean and a sharp double from Kara Pearson. Three-up-three-down for both sides in the second had the score knotted 3-3 after two. In the top of the third, a bases-loaded double from Saja brought Madison, Sierra Fiddler and Kaiya around to score, and solid infield play in the bottom half kept West County ahead 6-4. Noah Kriegler-Allen, with 4 stolen bases in the tourney, came to the plate in the 4th with a runner at third and hustled to first on a dropped third strike to bring the runner home standing up, while Carly was perfect at the plate on Sunday with two hard singles. Mark West heated up in bottom of the 4th, however, with 4 singles and too many stolen bases, putting five runs on the board despite great catches in the field from Madison and Sarah. Down 9-6 headed into the last inning, West County responded in kind, as Emily and Kaiya came across on Saja’s single while Sarah drove Kara home for the tying run. Saja stole home along with Carly to mount a 12-9 lead headed into the bottom of the 5th as regulation time expired. Mark West opened with a groundout to Sarah at first, but 2 walks and 2 advances on dropped third-strikes found the bases loaded with 1 out and 1 run in. Mark West grounded out again to Sarah for out number two, bringing in 2 more to knot the score at 12-12 with an eager runner at third. With two outs and the count at 1-1, a high pitch bounced off the backstop and the chase was on, with Celina and Saja scrambling to cover a steal at the plate. Celina’s gutsy diving tag could have gone either way—the umpire spread his hands and Mark West prevailed, 13-12.

The effort, enthusiasm and supportive unity of this U10 All-Star squad were extremely impressive. As individuals, they each elevated their game to match the intensity of the interleague competition. As a team, they should be confident that they competed equally with the best teams in the area. Look forward to great things from these girls—they’re laden with talent, blessed with potential and wielding a positive posture. Go West County! And Happy Summertime!

Jason Weaver

Havoc 5/20/09 game news...

On a beautiful Wednesday night in Sebastopol the Havoc would take the field for the last time as a group. Some sadness during warmups as the fact that the seasons end was upon us was quickly washed away as always the Havoc knew that they had a job to do for the next 90 minutes and a party to hit afterwards. The Havoc already having achieved undefeated on Saturday's, were trying to finish undefeated in league play. As the visitor the Havoc would strike first as the best lead off hitter in the game would strike again on the first pitch with a single up the middle. Makenzie Kearns would knock in 2 with a huge double to right field. Hillary Brennan not getting hit by a pitch for the first game all season would score to with a grounder to third. Linzey Ryan refuses to strikeout with only 1 on the season would walk in a run. The Havoc would get out to a lead for first time starter Isis Howard. She would return the favor with a 3 up 3 down first inning with outs at shortstop, second base and back to the pitcher. The second inning saw a new pitcher to face patience at the plate would set the table for Megan Cheatham who would score 2 with a single, and Hailey Elmore would score 2 more with a line drive single of her own. Taylor Christy, Isis Howard, and Hailey Elmore would be terrors on the bases stealing 19 bases total between the 3 of them on the night. Defense would make plays all night long as balls were being put in play 15 of the 18 outs on the night were made in the field. Hillary Brennan playing shortstop with Isis in the circle made every play available including the defensive play of the year sprinting to her left behind second base, backhanding a speeding grounder, turning, setting her feet and firing to first to a stretching Big Mac for a crowd raising 3rd out. Hillary put on a shortstop clinic Wednesday night. As the game went on the story remained the same as Taylor Christy extended her hit streak to 7 games with a 2 out single and Linzey Ryan extended her own to 5 games with her own single. In the sixth inning the Havoc would manufacture some insurance runs as starting catcher Lacy Colin would single to start a rally and come around to score on smart base running. Isis would get to finish what she started in the sixth, a ground out to short, a strikeout, and finally a pop up to third base to end the game and the Havoc season. Mission accomplished, undefeated in league play. 10-2 on the season. It ended like it started with hustle and the desire to be the best at what they do. Congratulations to the 2009 Havoc on a great season and to the 6 Havoc All Stars, Taylor Christy, Isis Howard, Makenzie Kearns, Hailey Elmore, Megan Cheatham and Hillary Brennan they earned it. --Ronn Christy, coach

Game News - Yellow Flame 5/18/09...

Flame and Bulldog fans enjoyed a barnburner Monday evening with a cold coastal fog rolling in. The machine took the circle for inning one of this rain-check game, and the Flame batters made the most of it, especially Emily Dean, perfect at the plate, and Kaiya Ming, who blasted a deep four-bagger to LCF to bring in 3. But impressive pitching and textbook infield play from the Bulldogs thereafter made the day that much colder for the Flame batters. Thank goodness it runs (or walks) in the family: Maddie Bland and Hannah Bland have 4 good eyes between them—they’ve reached safely in 15 of their last 20 at-bats, and they’re putting the bat on the ball. In the field, Kaiya took the circle for two innings of poised pitching despite the bluster and a tough strike zone. Solid outfield stops from Ashley Cook and Carlie Leyden kept the hot-hitting Bulldogs from clearing the bases once too often. A tricky play at first and Harriett Donovan found herself on the receiving end of conflicting barking orders from at least 25 adults (coach included, apologies from all of us, Harriett), but she brushed it off to finish strong. Plenty of catchers to go around: Madison Dean’s adroit bounce and shoestring snag from behind the dish robbed a Bulldog hitter of a solid at-bat, then Celina Kegerreis took over at C, stopped some tough pitches and held runners with frozen ropes to both corners. Saja Spearman-Weaver’s pitching held the Bulldogs in check: 6Ks, 5 BBs, 0 runs to keep the Flame within striking distance. Joy Risley took a hard pitch to the ribs and worked her way around to score the tying run, and Jessa “J-Rod” Rodriguez put the ball on the bat to advance the go-ahead to scoring position, but the Flame couldn’t find a big stick to untie the knotted score. Fantastic game to witness, 7-7 tie, one to go—keep that train rollin’… --Jason Weaver, Yellow Flame

Havoc game news 5/16/09...

The final Saturday game for the Havoc would see them down 4 players. The Rose parade would claim three and injury a fourth. The Havoc would have below the minimum players so call up to the show was made for the 10-Unders best Saja Spearman-Weaver would join the Havoc attack. As the home team we would start the game on defense. Key infielders missing at the corners would force players to step up in unfamiliar positions and make plays. Lindsey Ryan would get the start at third while 10-Under Saja Spearman-Weaver in her first 12-Under game started at first. The usually dominate Taylor Christy had some control issues in the first allowing runners to reach base and a few runs to cross the plate, she would strike out the side to end the first without too much damage. With no subs and the minimum players everyone would get extra at bats and would have to make the most of their chances. Isis Howard would single to start the game and end up on third just 2 pitches later. Patience once again at the plate would pave the way to runs in the first as free passes to first base were collected. With family in town to watch Isis Howard would take the circle in the second. Throwing strikes and letting the defense make the easy outs is what she does best. Hailey Elmore needing to move to shortstop made plays, Taylor Christy moving to first would do her best Big Mac impression stretching for outs. Isis would close out the second with a slow roller back to the circle. The second inning got off to a rough start as the first two Havoc batters would ground out. The top of the order would make an impact as Taylor Christy would single in Isis for a run. Megan Cheatham extended her hit streak to 6 games with a sinle in the second. Saja Spearman-Weaver would clear the bases with a solid triple to right field. Isis would 3 up 3 down the 3rd inning with new catcher Malia Delgadillo squeezing behind the plate. The offensive attack continued in the bottom of 3. Lexi Harris would get into the act with a line drive single to get the inning started. Taylor, Hailey, Megan, and Saja would all double in runs in the 3rd. Changes in the fourth saw Aleyah Banuelos making 2 plays at second base, and Lexi Harris holding down third base. Undefeated on Saturday's to quote T-Minus. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

Sebastopol's Berry Best 5/09/09...

What a game it was! The mighty Titan's playing with only 8 players on the field pulled off a convincing win over the much improving MGMT (Mean Green Machine Team)! With the team missing three key players, the Titan's were faced with having to mix up the player positions to keep their team balanced. The most notable and surprising change was putting Taylin Evans on the mound to start the game. "She came up to me before the game and said she was ready to pitch" explained Coach Matt. "I saw the confidence in her eyes and after watching her warm up we took her up on her offer and put her in to start". With Amber Pearson at her new found catching position, the two teamed up to make it work. The game was close through the first three innings, with each team playing great defense and hitting well. Amazing heads up catching by Amber Pearson kept the runners honest and on the bases. Her throws from the plate were strong and on target. She'll be one to watch in the future. The Titan's batts were hot but there drive to overtake the MGMT was hindered by good defensive plays as the Titan's were thrown out stealing bases a number of times. A line drive to the outfield up the first base line by Shale Klunis was certain to put her on second except it didn't happen. Marin Powers of the MGMT reacted fast and leaped to make a spectacular snag leaving Shale cold and heading to the bench. Coach Stepahnie of the MGMT had a glazed look in her eyes from the possiblity of beating the Titan's after taking them down three up three down in the fourth, but that gaze was soon lost when the Titan's batts came alive in the next inning. Mackenzie Evagelisti's cosistent and confident play at pitcher, short stop and as a batter kept the Titan's alive by inspiring a rally in the last inning to rip past the MGMT. Most all of the Titan girls were hitting the ball. Maddie Harbarth finally banged one to the outfield to get on base, Taylin, Sonya Dexter, Ali Miller, Shale and Aliana Harris all put their bats convincingly on the ball to put the game out of reach. Last up at bat for the MGMT, the Titan's put them down! Taylin ended it all in the play of a game by picking up a bobbled ball at second and firing a hurried throw to Aliana at first for the final out! Well done Titan's, This is the team we expected all along! Keep talking with each other, we're not done yet! --Coach Matt

Yellow Flame game news...

Despite a 10-day layoff between games, the rains did little to tame the Flame. Joy Risley continues to make generous donations to the Happy Bat Club, hitting .800 across a two-game span. Note to opponents: Maddy Bland is hitting hard again, don’t say we didn’t give fair notice. And utility monster Celina Kegerreis (C, SS, 1B, whatever) is happy to smack whatever might be served—3-for-3 with a walk to boot. Carlie Leyden is putting the bat on the ball and radiating the positive—all hustle, all smiles, no sweat. Didja see those five quadruples? Saja Spearman Weaver took a chance and stretched a triple into a dicey but efficacious slide at the plate for her second in two games. Flame fans want to know what the Deans are feeding Emily and Madison, with 3 dingers between them, now 8 on the season. (Sushi, I’m told.) But maybe it’s the school food—(see Risley, above) and witness the performance of classmate Jessa Rodriguez, who’s holding down the hot corner with aplomb—calm at the plate, calm in the field, wired in the dugout. We like it. Fellow Salmon Creeker (?) Harriett “No Junk” Donovan reached safely on every occasion—one-for-one with four walks. Ashley Cook’s selectivity paid off in free trips as well, as she reached safely at every opportunity. Hannah “Banana” Bland also proved pickiness pays: 3 walks and a strong single—goodeyegoodeye, goodeyegoodeye. Early May Play of the Day: Kaiya “Merciless” Ming sprung up from behind the plate to snag a pop up and pick off an errant runner at 2B: inning-ending double play. And she hits .900. Again, we like it.

Onward and upward. -- Jason Weaver, Yellow Flame

Havoc 5/9/09 double header game news...

On Saturday the Havoc would finally return to the field after last weeks rain out. Finding fields to practice on multiple times during the rains would prove important during the first double header ever for the girls. The double header would bring the Havoc back to league play.

Game 1:

The Havoc would be the visitor for the first game on the day. Getting off to a good start is always what the Havoc works for. In the top of the first bats would be on the ball but all right to defenders for outs not giving the Havoc the start they were looking for. Pitching and defense would again take over. Taylor Christy would strike out the side in the first not allowing a hit. With 1st inning jitters out of the way, the Havoc would get to work in the second. Isis Howard would single to start the attack, stealing her way to 3rd. Hailey Elmore would knock in 2 runs with a single to left. Taylor Christy would drive her in with a single of her own to center. The Havoc would chase the starting pitcher out of the game after the 2nd. A new pitcher had the same result in the later innings. Hilliary after getting hit by a pitch AGAIN, singled in a couple of runs. Lacy Colin got into the act with a line drive single to right scoring 2. With a lead in hand defense had something to protect. Taylor Christy would continue dominating in the circle with 5 more strikeouts in innings 2 and 3 while not allowing a run. In the 4th the Havoc would break the game open. Catcher Megan Cheatham would extend her hitting streak to 4 games with a double. Makenzie Kearns would send a line drive down the first base line for a single scoring 3 runs. Lindsey Ryan not seeing a pitch to hit, chipped in with 3 walks and 5 stolen bases including 2 safe slides at home to score runs. Isis Howard would come in to pitch in the last inning. Isis would rely on the Havoc defense to make plays as she pitched strikes. Lacy Colin would snatch a bouncer to 2nd and throw to 1st for the first out. Hilliary Brennan moving to shortstop with Isis in the circle, grabbed a grounder and fired to 1st for the second out. The play of the first game was made to end it as Hailey Elmore moving to third base would backhand a line drive down the line and fire a seed to first to a stretching Big Mac just in time. Big time players making big time plays. Taylor and Isis would combine on a no-hitter with 10 strikeouts. Game 1 done, Game 2 in a few minutes.

Game 2:

The Havoc would have little time to get ready for the second of 2 games on the day. Moving to the home side of the infield for game 2. With no umpire, the Havoc would supply their own as certified umpire Max Ming would get on his gear (which he had with him) and get behind the plate. Game 2 started late and pitches to hit would be hard to find in the first inning, patience at the plate was rewarded with stolen bases. Hailey Elmore had 10 stolen bases in the game, and Hilliary Brennan would add 6 of her own. Hilliary Brennan would also add to her incredible record of being hit by pitches with 2 more in the second game raising her bruise total to a staggering 9 on the season. With the bases loaded and 2 outs Madison Ming would step to the plate with her dad umping and send the pitch right back up the middle for a 2 run single to close out the first. Taylor Christy would get the start in the second game striking out only 1 in the first making the defense work. Isis Howard would back up a charging Hilliary and fire to first for an out, and Hailey Elmore would snag a pop up for the 3rd out. Isis would double, Taylor would get hit by a pitch, setting the stage for the moment that we have all been waiting for, Big Mac with runners on and a pitch to hit. The stars alligned and Mackenzie made it happen, sending an absolute bomb over the centerfielders head for a legit 3 run homer. Megan Cheatham would extend her hit streak to 5 games with another single. Lindsey Ryan would get a pitch to hit sending a double to right. Defensive changes with Isis coming to the circle, Lacy Colin would put on the catchers gear and grab everything in sight, squeezing the strikes and chasing down the balls. Megan Cheatham playing 2nd base for the first time would grab 2 grounders for put outs at first. Madison Ming playing 2 innings at third made the most of her chances. In the late innings Taylor would knock in 2 with a single. Taylor and Isis would combine for their second no-hitter of the day. Not bad for a days work, no hits and 17 strikeouts. Another week off this week to practice for another Saturday battle. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

Havoc game news 4/29/09...

Wednesday night brought the Havoc back to the interleague struggle. With a full squad at the field early and ready to go things got off to a stellar start as the home Havoc dominated the starting pitcher who was throwing strikes. Isis Howard led off the game with a double to deep centerfield on the first pitch she saw. Taylor Christy would knock her in with one of her 2 hits on the day. Makenzie Kearns would bring her home with a single her first of 2 hits on the day, Megan Cheatham would get into the act as well extending her hitting streak to 3 games with a single in the first. It was a hit parade on the day for the Havoc with 13 hits. Lindsey Ryan continues to show that extra hitting work at practice and on her own payoff in a big way extending her own hit streak to 3 games with a crisp line drive single. The Havoc attack would chase the starting pitcher out of the game without her recording a single out in the first inning. Taylor would once again dominate in the circle striking out the side in the first. A new pitcher and a new strike zone would handcuff the Havoc as there patience at the plate was not rewarded. As the Havoc was battling an ever changing strike zone offensively. The defense was able to keep the game close with great plays at third from Hilliary Brennan and second from Hailey Elmore squeezing a towering pop up to end the fourth inning. Watching balls fall in the outfield would hurt the Havoc as opposing runners were smart on the bases advancing whenever possible. In the bottom of the fourth the bottom of the Havoc order would put their bats on the ball as Madison Ming would send a double to right sending the winning run plateward without success. A close play at home without a slide did not go the Havoc's way. Moral of the story always slide into home. On to Sonoma coming off the loss, we will see how this one tasted on Saturday, weather permitting. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

Yellow Flame weekly update 4/22/09...

The Wednesday evening fog did little to cool the Flame’s bats, though our gloves may as well have been packed in ice for the first two innings. More Emily Dean, anyone? With 2 Grand Salamis, including the game-winner and another solo HR, Dean-E accounted for more than half of the Flame’s would-be RBI total. The squad was nearly perfect at the plate through two innings, then fortunate and cautious as the strike zone rearranged itself through the rest of the game. Maddy Bland returned to form with a DEEP early triple, and Kaiya Ming’s solo four-bagger suggested that a weekend of wilderness survivalist training may be a good idea for any hitter. Celina Kegerreis again hit the pickoff marks repeatedly from the catcher spot, with an inning of solid pitching as well—she and hot-hitter Madison Dean kept the Sharks runners alert all evening. The trio of Joy Risley, Jessa Rodriguez and Carlie Leyden were perfect at the plate, and Harriett Donovan continues to put the bat on the ball every time she sees something worth hitting. Saja Spearman Weaver took over the mound chores down 2 in the top of the frigid 5th, walked one and then it was 1-2-3, let’s go hit. Ashley Cook, perhaps the youngest player in the league, keeps sneaking around the base paths along with Hannah Bland, who knows how to take a pitch in the side and steal bases—an unfortunate but productive pattern. Emily’s final shot of the day brought Carlie, Hannah, and sister Madison home before Emily crossed the plate to seal a 14-13 squeaker. Practice Friday? Two hours of hard grounders. – Jason Weaver, Yellow Flame

Sebastopol's Berry Best TITAN'S game news 4/22/09...

The Titan's 10-7 loss to the Havoc at the Ragel #2 field played out to be one of the most exciting and hard fought games of the 12 and under WCSA season thus far. Though the Titan's handed the lead and thus the game over in the last inning, their overall performance gave the girls a renewed sense of their potential and what they can accomplish as a unified team. Aside from a major attitude adjustment in all the girls' confidence, a significant position change placed Amber Pearson at catch with Rene Lunardi tossing her well controlled heat. The two teamed up instantly to make the top of the first inning pass fast with definite defensive help from Ali Miller at 1st , Maddie Harbarth at 2nd, Mackenzie Evagelisti at Short and Shale Klunis at 3rd. The Havoc took an early but brief lead but the Titan's remained focused and driven to battle back each inning keeping the game tight all the way till the end. Superb base running was exercised by Sonya Dexter, Mackenzie, Taylin Evans, Katrina Kuhn, Lindsay Fowler and Amber by stealing bases all the way to scores. Aliana Harris back from an illness sat out the first part of the game but as always her contagious cheer was a positive influence on the team. A few lost opportunities were had which ended up as Havoc scores when Shale just missed a tag on a steal to 3rd! (Awesome throw Amber!), Ali scattered for hit leaving first open and the runner safe and another when A fireball from Rene to Ali at 1st was lost. All these misques ended up as Havoc scores.... perhaps the 3 scores that cost the game. Who cares, Titan’s never dwell on the past, they learn from it! Titan’s never quit on the future, they ready themselves to Play on! All in all, the TITAN'S are back and ready for action. They have come to realize what it takes, CONFIDENCE and FOCUS. Thanks for the great effort Titan’s!!!!!!!!! Play Ball! --Coach Matt Klunis

Havoc 4/22/09 game highlights...

There was a different feel in the air Wednesday night at Ragle as the Havoc returned from a successful interleague 4 game swing to play a league game against the fired up Titans. The warmed up and ready Havoc defense would take the field to start. One perfectly played grounder by Hailey Elmore and a couple of strikeouts ended the first. The Havoc would have bats on the ball constantly throughout the night, Taylor Christy would single in the first and then manufacture a run by stealing 2 bases and then coming home with a head first slide for the first run of the game. Tough defensive plays made to look routine by the Havoc infield kept runners off of the bases. Great first base play by Makenzie Kearns was as always key. The second inning saw the middle of the Havoc's order come up big as Megan Cheatham beat out an infield hit, and Hailey Elmore sent a line drive out into left field for a pair of hits. Both of those runs would come around to score due to smart base running, perfect slides, and great base coaching. With runners always on base the bottom of the orders bats fell silent and left runners on the bases. A shaky third inning made the game a bit interesting as the 30' distance between the plate and backstop started to haunt the Havoc, defense though would bear down and close out what could have been a disastrous inning. The unrelenting pressure that the Havoc puts on would start to weigh heavy in the later innings, Lindsey Ryan continues to swing a hot bat with another single giving her a 3 game hit streak. Aleyah Banuelos would knock in a key run with a hot shot to second base. The bottom of the order would be given another chance and didn't disappoint patiently waiting out walks to load the bases and come around to score on base hits by the top of the Havoc order. After a tough third inning Megan Cheatham once again rose to the challenge behind the plate squeezing all 3 third strikes in the fourth to get out to inning quickly. Defensively in the fifth the Havoc would have to shut it down to not have to bat in the bottom of the inning. As always they did, Hailey Elmore snared a towering pop up in the swirling wind for the first out, a slow grounder to first for the second out, and a close play at first was made by the stretching Makenize Kearns to close it out. Taylor Christy would go all 5 innings striking out 13 in the process paving the way for another victory without having to bat in the bottom of the fifth. Rohnert Park here we come. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

Havoc game highlights 4/18/09...

Coming off of the Havoc's first loss of the season and a early 9:00 am start on the road in Windsor would test the Havoc's determination. We found out that losing doesn't taste good, but I didn't know how bad. The Havoc would show up in Windsor focused and ready go. Coming up to bat first let us focus on setting the tone early and getting off to a good start. Isis Howard would lead off the game with a solid base hit on the first pitch of the game, moving up the 2nd in the lineup Taylor Christy would follow up with a line drive base hit to score a run. Hilliary Brennan crushed the 3rd pitch she saw for a clean up double scoring a run. Hailey Elmore would send a fastball deep into right center for another double scoring 2 more. A huge 1st inning gave the always steady Havoc defense a confidence boast. Taylor Christy wouldn't let the defense make a play as she struck out the side all looking. The second inning was no different than the first, Lindsey Ryan would get her second hit of the season knocking in 2 with a single to left. Windsor would attempt to change pitchers to stop the assualt. Patience once again was key as a new pitcher had trouble finding the strike zone. The bases loaded throughout the inning with runs crossing the plate sliding. Taylor Christy would come up big again at the plate with a 2 run single in the second. Taylor would once again strike out the side looking in the second inning. Isis Howard would come in to relieve Taylor in the last inning striking out 2 and Lacy Colin would end the game with a great running, jumping, stretching grab on a line drive to short. An 18-1 final score let us know just how bad losing tastes to the Havoc. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

10U Team #1—Yellow Flame...

Nature granted spring heat and a cool breeze to fan the Yellow Flame’s return after a weeklong hiatus. Operating sans Blands and down one Ming, the Flame took the field with nine players but felt few ill effects. The crowd was treated to a key hit from Jessa Rodriguez, who pulled in safely at second in an impressive full-splits dismount, and a shoestring grab from Harriett Donovan at 1B to end a threatening inning. Joy Risley’s bat hasn’t cooled a bit, though the 114-year-old and somewhat esoteric Infield Fly Rule robbed her of a nice late-inning blooper. Don’t bet against Celina Kegerreis throwing a runner out: daylong consistent pickoff throws to 2B and 3B as though it ain’t no thang. Ashley Cook continues to keep a wise eye out at the plate, with an on-base percentage that may be leading the league five games in, and Carlie Leyden’s wheels in the outfield kept opposing extra-base hits to a bare minimum. Madison Dean hurled for two solid and conscientious innings in her second outing on the mound, relieved by Saja Spearman Weaver in the final frame, who brought a little heat to secure a Flame victory. Candidate for play of the day—after a hard line drive skipped past the infield, Emily Dean scooped it up in center and launched a rocket to third base well in time for the tag. More games, more improvement. Onward and upward. -- Jason Weaver, Yellow Flame

12-Under Havoc game notes 4/15/09...

Game 4 for the Havoc marked a return to the softball field after a 12 day lay off. In a time shortened interleague game getting off to a good start is critical. The Havoc weren't able to do that, putting themselves in a hole in the first inning. Throwing, fielding, and catching errors missed with eratic pitching in the top of the first led an early deficit. Megan Cheatham hustling to a wild pitch gunned down a runner attempting to steal home with a hard tag to the head of the runner by Taylor Christy for the out. The Havoc would as always settle down and regroup. Normally solid fielding was a little shakier than normal and as the pitching remained inconsistent the comeback would begin. Isis Howard came in to the rubber and got the Havoc out of a jam with a 3 up 3 down inning. Key hits in the bottom of the third inning by Aleyah, Malia, and Isis mixed with patience at the plate by the Havoc got runs crossing the plate at an alarming rate. Hilliary Brennan added to her stolen base total with 4 more steals including one of home in the third inning. As the comeback was rolling smart coaching on the part of the Mark West team slowed the game down to a crawl to ensure that no new inning with unlimited runs could start. Just like last year against the same team, a rough start, and the one enemy you can't battle, the clock, led to the Havoc's first defeat of the young season. The Havoc now have the very unfamiliar taste of losing and they don't like it. Windsor is up next, we will see just how bad losing tasted Saturday morning. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

Sebastopol’s Berry Best Under 12’s Team, The TITAN’s, versus The Mean Green Machine...

Rene Lunardi started at pitcher showing great control and focus. She was relieved by MacKenzie Evangelisti “MACK” who is picking confidence and speed up on the mound. She was throwing to first time catch starter, Ali Miller, who after overcoming the first time jitters got busy holding the runners at bay. The TITAN’s won their second game handily over the greatly improved Mean Green Machine, but not without much effort by all of the Team. Lindsay Fowler’s spark was dearly missed as she had to attend to an important educational function. There were great plays by many of the girls including a fantastic stretch from Amber Pearson at first base to grab a throw from Ali at catcher to get the out. Katrina Kuhn fumbled a line shot to second but made a certain recovery with an on target throw to first to get the runner. Shale Klunis picked one off of the grass in center field to peg the runner at third where Aliana Harris made a great tag, ……Ouch! Aliana made the tag to Erin’s (catcher from the green machine) head which gave her a jolt. Slides into Home on close plays by Rene, Maddie Harbarth, MacKenzie, Taylin Evans, Amber and Sonya were all safe! Sonya continues to be serious at the plate as a hitter and on the bases as a runner. Mack cracked a line shot late in the game to show the team that positive thinking at the plate is where its at! Taylin, though confident and ready to show she’s a hitter, got beaned but good in the shoulder (That’s gonna leave a mark!). All in all, the girls played well but prior season commitments continue to hold Sebastopol’s Berry Best’s synchronization down a pinch. We all look forward to continuing improvement and team unity as the season progresses. “BRING IT ON!” says the Titan’s Coach Matt. --Matt Klunis, Titans

12-Under Havoc Game news 4/4/09 vs. Sonoma...

In a season of firsts for many of the Havoc, first game, first interleague game, now the first road trip move prove to be a memorable one for everyone involved. The longest road trip of the season and once again missing a key ingredient to the Havoc success as Big Mac was absent saw the Havoc down for the first time of the year. Getting the game started once again Isis Howard singled and stole her way to third 2 pitches later. With 3 runs in during the first, but leaving the bases loaded would prove costly in the later innings. The battery of Taylor Christy and Megan Cheatham ran into their first tough spot of the year with wild pitches and passed balls allowing runs to cross the plate at an alarming clip. No runs in the second inning would put the Havoc in about as tough a spot as possible. A 9-3 score going into our last at bat. Two strikeouts as a start would not help out the cause but would set the stage for what could possibly become the greatest in game turn around ever. With two outs and the count full Lindsey Ryan started the rally with a crisp single to left field. Patience at the plate in pressure spots would load the bases and score runs. With the bags full and needing a big hit Hailey Elmore delivered a line shot to right scoring 2 tying the game. Hilliary Brennan took one for the team in the center of her back and would eventually come around to score the lead run. 7 runs in the top of the inning leaving the score Havoc 10 Sonoma 9. Taylor Christy and Megan Cheatham would choose the bottom of the inning as their chance to get it done themselves. Taylor would end up striking out the side in order with Megan not allowing one pitch to get by her. When the time came for them to step up, they did. Game over, road trip over, winning streak not over. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

4/1/09 12-Under Team 1 Havoc game news...

Wednesday night played host to the Havoc's first interleague game taking on the highly regarded Mark West Crushers. The Havoc would go into the game missing a key component as Hailey Elmore was unable to go but they would respond to the challenge. Changes to the infield positions did not phase Taylor Christy taking the mound for the second time of the year as she struck out 2 in the 1st. Lacy Colin earning the start at 3rd base shined closing out the first with one of her many snatched grounders and great throws to first. Once again the first inning at the plate would be a big one Isis Howard as always set the table working a walk and promptly stealing 2nd and 3rd. Megan Cheatham would come up big for the second game in a row knocking in a run with a base hit. Makenzie " Big Mac" Kearns would get her first pitch to hit of the young season sending the fastball right back up the middle to the outfield for a 2 run single. Hilliary Brennan followed that up with another single keeping the runs crossing the plate. Lexi Harris got her first hit of the season in the first as well. Defense would be solid thoughout protecting the lead, the always stellar Isis Howard threw out lead runners at third and closed out a threat squeezing a towering pop up with runners moving. Needed some insurance runs late in the game Malia Delgadillo got a 2 strike 2 out hit up the middle and then stole second moving into scoring postion. Isis Howard came up big at the plate knocking her in with a line drive single to centerfield. The battery of Taylor Christy and catcher Megan Cheatham would need to close it out in the 5th. They did not disappoint a soft grounder for an out, a strikeout swinging and then finishing it off with a strikeout looking her 10th of the game to end it. Here we come Sonoma. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

Yellow Flame - 10U Team 1...

The Yellow Flame burned bright in two tough Opening Weekend contests graced with green grass and Sonoma County sunshine. The Flame fan base, bound by parental loyalty and brimming with anticipation, bore witness to enthusiastic teamwork and strong individual performances from a squad chock full of utility players. Emily Dean, Kaiya Ming and Saja Spearman Weaver all clocked in with deep four-baggers in the first two games, while the hot bats wielded by Joy Risley, Madison Dean and Jessa “J-Rod” Rodriguez suggested they might soon follow suit. Ashley Cook and Carlie Leyden proved early on that they could play anywhere in the field, and Harriett Donovan showed up with the consistent hitting she’d begun in 2008, while holding down first base with confidence. Utilitarian extraordinaire Celina Kegerreis was unflappable doing double duty at first and behind the dish. The Bland sisters came to play—Maddy stole second on two occasions, twice beating out strong throws. WCSA Play of the Week must go to Hannah “Banana” Bland: after a high fly ball bounced off her glove and knocked out a loose tooth, she bobbled the ball but caught the tooth, rinsed her mouth and returned to duty without comment. With solid pitching debuts from Spearman Weaver and the Double Deans, the Flame was jumping out of the dugout. Practice, practice, practice and keep that fire burnin’...

Quote of the week: “If you want something you've never had before, you have to do something you've never done before.” - probably from a Nike ad or something, but it’s still pretty good stuff. --Jason Weaver, Yellow Flame

From the first 12U game - Havoc (team 1) vs team 3...

Opening day is always special. Lots of nerves and tension surrounding a new season. New age group for many coming up from 10-Under. New teammates this season. All of that didn't seem to bother the Havoc. As the first game came around at a late afternoon start the Havoc were able to set the tone early. Nervous energy before the game didn't show up at the plate in the first as patience was the key. Isis Howard working a full count walk to lead off the game and came around to score on Hailey Elmore's triple to right center. On the very next pitch, Hailey stole home finishing with a perfect hook slide just under the tag. Smart baserunning and stolen bases proved to be the catalyst to a good start. With a solid offensive start, pitching would be critical to the Havoc's success. As the opening day starter Taylor Christy lived up to the hype striking out the 3 batter she faced in order in the first. Megan Cheatham playing a superb game at the catcher spot kept the ball in front of her perfectly and got in on the offense as well with a line drive double 3 run double in the second inning. Aleyah Banuelos didn't let being drilled in the leg with a fastball stop her on the bases as she ended up stealing 4 in the game. Hillary Brennan starting at third, made a great play on a line drive down the line and finished it with a rocket throw to first just ahead of the runner for the final out of the third. As the game continued so did the Havoc pitching, Taylor Christy ended up not allowing a hit and striking out 10 in four innings. Another new season off to a good start. Congrats to the girls their hard work and dedication to practice showed Saturday afternoon. --Ronn Christy, Havoc

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