Both Avalanche 12U and 14U came away with wins and losses at the NAFA NW Frog Day Tourney in Newberg, OR. Although the weather stayed dry for the games, rain the week before and on Saturday night kept the mowers off the outfield and the conditions sloppy, at best. Our girls came in to hit with ‘bog foot’, aka extremely muddy and smelly socks and cleats. Can you say Oxi-Clean?
For the 12U squad, success came early as the Avalanche battled with the team from Sweet Home, OR. It was an offensive slug out that led to a 13-9 score in favor of the Central Oregon ladies. It was the bottom of the third inning that would ‘seal the deal’ as the Avalanche loaded up the bases on a dropped third strike, walks, singles and capped with a double by #24 Sophia. The Sweet Home team gave a tough fight after, but could not overcome the deficit.
It was almost the same story, but in reverse for the second game for the 12U. The team fought hard all the way through the 5th inning to claw back runs to end in a 10-13 loss. Despite the loss, the Avalanche earned a spot in the Gold Bracket for the second consecutive weekend.
Sunday play for the 12U showed some terrific defensive play at times, and some spectacular hits, but the team took a 3-12 loss to the Salem Aftershock Black and a 2-12 loss to Eugene Lightning.
The 14U team began the weekend in a game dominated by the pitchers, going toe to toe with the NW Raptors. 2 early runs became the deciding factor in the 1-3 loss by the Avalanche.
The Avalanche came charging back with 7-3 victory over the Rampage Platinum squad. Seeded into the Gold Bracket, they took on and defeated the Dayton Pirates 8-5 with a 4th inning effort that was the difference maker and placed the girls into the semi-final.
The Avalanche scored early and held the lead over the Aftershock (Juan) team until the top of the fifth, succumbing to the Salem team 5-8. The loss put the girls in the 3/4 bracket, where once again they faced off against the NW Raptors. Things started well for the Avalanche with 4 runs in the top of the first, but they wouldn’t score after that. The NW Raptors tied the game in the bottom of the 2nd and began opening the margin in the 3rd and 4th innings, handing the Avalanche a defeat in the last (and late) game of Saturday 4-13.
Sometime’s it’s a tough drive back home after a roller coaster weekend like this one, but this is the forge where champions are made. We’re so proud of these girls and the dedication of the coaching staff. Great job to all and we’re looking forward to the season and our games next weekend! Go Avalanche!
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