Team to Watch: ABGSL Sting 10U Girls Softball

Playing together for the first time, the Sting under 10 (10U) team showed great promise winning two out of five games in the 14th Annual Joshua L Richardson Memorial fast pitch softball tournament in Vallejo, finishing 5th out of 12 teams. According to coach Jason Kaneko, “The 2-3 record is a first - especially with only two practices under their belt”.

Sting began their 8 a.m. game against the  West Valley Slammers who won their previous tournament with a combined score of 60-2 over 5 games.  Despite the odds, Sting held the Slammers to one run in the first inning behind the strong pitching of Mackenzie Andrew who struck out two batters and 3rd grader Abby Kaneko who made her Sting debut slinging a sharply hit grounder to Kaitlyn Bailey for the first out.  

Impressive were first time Sting players, Gianha Owens and Solia Valentine, who handled the infield with confidence.  First time Sting catcher, Daisy Paige, intimidated the other teams all weekend long, daring them to run.  

Though Sting lost their first game 13-0, Daniella Lane-Goldstein stated, "I'm pumped for Game 2!". Eleven Thewlis said, "I'm not a morning person, so the next game will be for Sting."

Indeed it was, as Sting handily beat the Novato Heat 3-1, with Dixie Lewis striking out 10 out of 12 batters.  

Inexperience and indecision again doomed Sting to a 10-1 loss to the Phantoms in Game 3.  The first inning was representative of the game as several miscues led to a big first inning for the Phantoms. Pitcher Andrew cleanly fielded a bunt but overthrew first base. Lack of backup allowed the runner to reach third base.  The next batter drew a walk and catcher Georgia Tomasik threw to first as if it was a dropped third strike.  This time Eleven Thewlis backed up the play but her indecision on where to throw the ball allowed the batter to reach third.

Sting was also down a player as Jazmin Terry suffered a concussion playing three flies up between games.  She misjudged a pop up and got hit squarely on the head with a baseball.

The Lady Bees returned Sunday for Game 4.  Despite the early morning wake up call, Sting had a strong showing of over 20 fans in the stands. They were fired up after the previous night’s loss and easily took care of the Panthers beating them 8 runs to 3. Strong pitching and timely hitting proved too much for the Panthers.

In the final game, Sting had to face the Slammers again.  Paige said, "They think we're the underdogs, but we're ready". Indeed, Sting fought hard and earned 2 runs against the Slammers, yet again gave up 13 runs.  The most impressive play came from 8 year old Abby Kaneko who hit a double to the fence making the jump from ABGSL Younger division where there is no live pitching.

Other highlights: Jade Woo attempting to slap hit, a skill she just learned last week;  Sydney Taylor alertly stealing second and third on her opponents errors; and  3rd base woman Gianha Owens calmly bare handing a throw to first for the out.  

At a preseason meeting, Michael Lewis, Sting commissioner, predicted Sting U10 wouldn't win a game in their first tournament due to lack of experience and time to practice as a team.  Parents were told to expect the Mercy Rule to be enforced.  Young Sting surprised and impressed all with their strong skills, communication and excellent cheering.  It seems a bright future awaits this team.