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FGSA Team Reports and Game Highlights

Angels vs. Lions May 22nd

The 8U Angels played their best game of the season this past Saturday against the undefeated Lions. The Angels were not able to hand the Lions their first loss of the season, however, it was still a victory for the Angels. With Kaylee D. leading off, she was followed by Emily G., Cara P., Evie L. and Madison D., all with base hits scoring 4 runs in the first inning; just 1 run behind the Lions. Olivia C. got a base hit to start the 2^ndinning followed by doubles from Susan P. and Kaylee D. to score 2 more runs. With some very aggressive base running, Reese K. made it all the way to third base and waited for Samantha H. to drive her home scoring the 7^thand final run for the Angels.

The Angels defense was on fire as well. Routine plays that were made at first base stopped the Lions from taking total control of the game. Olivia C., at Pitcher, and Cara P. at 1^stbase put out batters in the 1^stand 3^rdinnings, while Emily G. at pitcher and Kaylee D. at 1^stbase worked the 2^ndand 4^thinnings. Stephanie S. and Reese K. combined efforts to relay balls in hit to right field, while Madison D. and Cara P. guarded the center of the field. When Angels’ catcher, Evie L., was exhausted, Elaura G. jumped at the chance to get behind the plate to help her team. One of the final outs of the game was an unassisted play at 2^ndbase by Samantha H.

The Angels played a great game. They supported each other and talked to each other both on the field and at the plate. They have made great progress since the start of the season and continue to improve on their playing skills. Way to play Angels!

18U Hornets

5/15/2010

The Hornets arrived at Saturday’s game in style—a black stretch limousine--compliments of their generous sponsor, Royale Coach and Limousine. The girls then posted another win in a tough battle against the Breeze. Facing the fierce pitching of Makayla E., the Hornets scored five runs in each of the first two innings to put them in front. The bats were strong, defense was tight, and pitchers Lindsay M. and Anna H. looked good on the mound. The final score was 12-6.

18U Hornets

5/01/2010

The Hornets showed their team spirit this past weekend, coming together and, for the second consecutive week, winning both of their games. First they faced the Ravens finishing with a score of 17-2. Lindsay M. and Katie H. looked good on the mound as starter and reliever. Offensively, all of the players were impressive at the plate, with particularly big hits by Christina W. and Ashlan B., and exhibited very aggressive base running with many stolen bases. Defensively, the team was strong with many great catches with Katie H. making a double play.

The second game was against the Titans. Anna H. pitched a one-hitter with 16 strikeouts and, with the whole team behind her, the Hornets came out ahead with a score of 11-6.

24 April – 8U Twisters vs Cheetahs played at Auburn MS. Even though the weather was gloomy & some games were cancelled, the coaches decided we were going to play ball after the team pictures. The Cheetahs were slightly ahead at one point during the game but for the most part both teams were neck and neck with the score until the last inning. The Twisters were playing the field and the Cheetahs had 2 players on base. The Cheetahs hit the ball, which turned out to be a pop fly, the Twisters not only caught the pop fly but made a Triple Play. If this wasn’t enough excitement, now the Twisters are batting and the bases were loaded, Chelsea D. was up to bat and when she hit the ball, it went far enough where she made it all the way home, putting the Twisters ahead and scoring a home run!!! The team went wild and Coach Sheila was jumping so high, she could have touched the skyJ! She ran into the dugout and hugged everyone of those players saying this was the first team she ever coached to make a home run, not to mention the triple play. Wow, what a game!!!!!!!

4/24/2010 Sluggers vs Lady Bugs 10U ( Sluggers 6 Lady Bugs 2)

10U Sluggers and the Piedmont Lady Bugs met Saturday the 24th. All day long the weather forecast was ominous and at game time the coaches decided the game was on. The Sluggers warmed up with excitement next to the Piedmont Lady Bugs. The Sluggers batted first and jumped into the lead with a score of 3-0. The inning was highlighted by a home run from Olivia who hit the ball deep into the outfield. In the bottom of the first as the Sluggers took the field they shut down the Lady Bugs defensively. In the second inning the Sluggers earned 2 more runs and held off the Lady Bugs from scoring, once again. In the 3rd inning the Sluggers displayed great sportsmanship as they allowed the Lady Bugs to bat through their line-up and cheered the youngest team members on. The Lady Bugs scored 2 runs during the 3rd inning. The Slugger were victorious 6-2, with all member of the team showing great team spirit.

18U Hornets 4/24/2010 Double Header

Lindsay M. pitched a three-hitter, and Ashlan B. went 3 for 3 (two doubles and a single) as the Hornets defeated the Titans, 10-2 in their first game Saturday.

In the second game, the Hornets withstood the tough bats of the Breeze, and came away victorious, 10-4. It was the third game in a row that Ashley Kate K. reached base every at-bat.

18U Hornets 4/17/2010

The Hornets proved victorious in their game against the Screaming Eagles, finishing with a score of 19-13.

Lindsay M. was impressive in her first pitching appearance for the team, throwing hard and getting numerous strikeouts. Both teams started out strong with hitting; Lindsay M. had a triple and Anna H. a double, but the Hornets managed to score six runs in the first two at-bats, which gave them a solid lead. The Screaming Eagles got tough and came within one run, but the Hornets pulled it out in the last inning, with big bats and aggressive base running.

The U10 Sluggers and Cougars met Saturday afternoon on the 17th. The wind was blowing massive whirlwinds, but this did not stop the Sluggers from preforming at their best. The Sluggers started out handicapped with 1 player short due to injury, so the team dug hard and found a way to cover all the positions on the field with the lost. They knew by instinict where to go as a team and where to put the ball for the "all mighty" out. Halfway through the game the pitcher received an early birthday gift with a ball to the left eye. Taking our Sluggers down to 10 players on field. Again these girls seem to conpensate for their injured player, working as a well oiled team should and preformed at their best, by not allowing any runs in the final ending for the win. Congratulations Sluggers! Your winning team spririt will take you a long way this season.

Hornets Season Opener

Saturday, April 10, 2010

The Hornets went up against the Ravens for their season opener on Saturday, 4/10/2010. Coach Warner stepped in for the regular coaches who were out of town. Due to the absence of several players, the Hornets had to forfeit the game; however, because of the willingness of FGSA players Makayla E. and Lacey H. to play a second game, the two teams were able to scrimmage.

While the final score was 12-7 in favor of the Ravens, the Hornets put forth a strong effort, particularly in the top of the fourth inning when they scored six runs. Makayla E., Anna H., Ashley C., Christina W., Emily G., and Christina C. scored with several stealing home.

HEAT VS TAZMANIA APRIL 10^TH

THE HEAT FOUGHT A HARD, WELL DESERVED WIN AGAINST TAZMANIA FOR THE 12 U OPEN SEASON GAME.

IN THE FIRST INNING HEAT SCORED 6 RUNS ALL FROM WALKS. GOOD EYE HEAT.

SHANNA'S DEBUT PITCHING FOR THE SEASON STRUCK OUT 2 BATTERS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE 1ST INNING. WAY TO GO SHANNA.

BOTTOM OF THE SECOND LEAH AND OLIVIA WORKING IN SINC MAKE ALL THREE OUTS FOR THE INNING. GREAT TEAMWORK GIRLS!

IN THE TOP OF THE 4TH INNING ALEXA BANGS A HARD HIT SINGLE, STEALS SECOND AND THIRD AND SCORES AT HOME. WOW!

IN THE LAST INNING AISLINN COMES IN AS RELIEF PITCHER STRIKES OUT TWO BATTERS AND THROWS OUT THE LAST RUNNER AT HOME.

WAY TO GO HEAT YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY!

FGSA’s Opening Day – Spring 2010

President’s Review

As I woke up on April 10, 2010, FGSA’s opening day, I thought what a beautiful day for softball. It was a little chilly at 8:00 am, but it was still a bright sunshine filled morning.

I left for the fields; my first stop was Child’s Field for the 10U FUSION tournament. The Fusion team was there as were a couple of other teams from the surrounding areas. There were batters in the cage taking swings, pitchers fine tuning their delivery at the practice area, and fielders warming up in the outfield. Yes the flag was raised, the field had been dragged and lined, and concession stand was buzzing. You could feel the excitement in the air. Everything FUSION Tournament teams have worked so hard for over the past 3 years seemed to be coming together nicely.

I stayed for the first inning and was quite impressed with the skill level of the 10U Teams. It was going to be a good game, but I knew I wasn’t able to stay for long. Later that day, I learned that 10U FUSION won all of their games at this tournament and took home first place. Also, 12U FUSION won their round robin tournament in Leesburg today. Way to Go FUSION!

My next stop was Academy Hill, where FGSA’s newest players begin. A TEE BALL game. I watched an inning of the Lady Bugs vs. Pink Panthers. They are really cute out on the field, and if you have the time, you should see them play. While it may not be the fast pace games many of us are use to, it can bring you back to why FGSA provides a recreational softball program to so many girls. Remember the step and throw, alligators for fielding and running to the base after your awesome hit? Well a tee ball game has all that. Yes there is confusion, there’s playing in the dirt and looking around at the clouds, but there is softball being played here. These youngest players are starting to learn all about the game and it’s impressive to see them play in their pink or red or blue or purple uniforms. Future Stars of FGSA and softball in general, keep up the good work.

As I left the 06U games, I stopped to notice the magnets that adorn so many vehicles in the parking lot. FGSA, where all the girls play! On my drive to the next field, I noticed many more of the same magnets adorning cars on the road. This truly is a softball morning.

I pulled into the parking lot at Auburn Middle School and saw a lot full of FGSA cars. And yes, there was a softball game being played on the hill. This time it was the 18U division, a division of girls from 13-18 years old. Although we don’t have a lot of older girls, combining these age groups have proven an effective way to make sure everyone gets to play. As I trucked up the hill, and yes someone even asked if we could install an elevator or escalator, I could tell the game was in full swing. Breeze and Screaming Eagle players and fans displaying their team spirit with spirit wear filled the area. The game seemed to be going well and I watched many good plays in my short stay at the game. Once again my thoughts went back to the 06U games at Academy Hill, where I saw the youngest members of our league, to this game, our oldest and most experienced members of the league. I have seen many of these girls make the journey from 08U to 18U and they have progressed very well. Unfortunately, I had to continue my own journey to the next games, and I did not get to see the 12U teams play. I am sure that they went very well.

My next stop was a diversion from softball, a stop which I must mention. I enjoyed watching my son practice roller hockey before continuing my softball rounds.

My next stop is Taylor Middle School. Watching the 08U machine pitch game, once again brings me to conclusion that we have established an awesome program for the girls. I saw a more structured game, where balls and strikes count, outs matter and the score doesn’t. I watched young players make contact with the ball, and run to first as I am sure they have been well coached to do. I was impressed with the ability of infielders and outfielders making good plays and throws on the batted balls. This looked like a fun game to play. I hope the girls had as much fun playing the game as I had watching it. It was time to head onto another field.

When I arrived, 10U games at Grace Miller were already in progress. It looked like a tournament going on there. Actually, the 10U teams were all playing double headers for their opener, and there were at least five teams there when I arrived. Teams were playing on both fields, and there were teams warming up in the grassy areas around the fields. It was a very friendly atmosphere, although a very busy one. I got to see five different teams play ball in a very short time span as the first games were ending and the next ones starting. Excitement was everywhere. These games present new hurdles and rules for the players to learn and overcome. Girls are now pitching to girls. It’s a little scary for the first time 10U player who now faces a pitcher that may not have the same control as a pitching machine or coach. Even with all the new rules and fear of being hit by a pitch, I watched the 10U players make solid hits, good plays and run the bases. As these players progress through the season, I am sure the confidence in which they play will also progress.

And so ends my journey of April 10, 2010, FGSA’s Opening Day. I saw a lot of softball being played, and a lot of good sportsmanship. This is recreational softball at its best. The young ladies that are playing need your support and you as fans and parents gave them that support. I applaud all the coaches, assistant coaches, umpires, parents and fans that make this possible for these incredible young players. I was impressed by one particular coach, showing true dedication to his daughter, by wearing the pink coach shirt which matched his team. My hat is off to all the officers of the league and volunteers that so are often forgotten. You have made a difference to all the girls that play softball in FGSA and it shows. If you ever have any doubts about what your commitment and dedication for this league has accomplished, go watch a game, or two.

Stephen Miller

President, FGSA

Hornets Season Opener

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Submitting Team Reports