Warren Wave team ends banner year on high note

Submitted by John X. Rossi

This has been a banner year for the Warren Wave Travel Organization.

Five teams earned bids to various national tournaments: 10U Silver, 12U Silver, 14U Silver, 15U Silver and 18U Silver. In particular, in their ASA Qualifying tournaments, the 10U Silver squad took the championship at the Trevian Tournament in June and second place at the Glenview Thunderbolt Classic.

Both showings earned these young ladies bids to the ASA Northern National Tournament in Rochester, Minn. This is the first time a Warren Wave 10U team has won an ASA Qualifying Tournament and earned a bid to nationals.

The 10U squad was not happy with just qualifying, they showed up to compete and ended up taking fifth place in the tournament.

“This was a great accomplishment for our program and, especially these players,” said Manager Tom Beck.

“They have worked extremely hard all season and their efforts paid off. At nationals, the tournament had to combine three ‘A' level teams into the ‘B' Tournament … and these three ‘A' teams finished first, second and third. That sure puts in perspective on our fifth-place finish and how well our team competed all week in the tournament. I can't wait to see these kids play next year.”

The 10U team had some big wins during the tournament: a decisive 16-4 win over St. Peter's Diamondators from St. Peter, Minn., and the final win against the North Scott Lightning from Eldridge, Iowa, to put the Wave in fifth place.

The Lightning was a tough back and forth battle, but in the end the Wave prevailed with strong defense and hitting, bringing home a 9-7 victory.

Of the three losses the Wave team had in the entire tournament, two of those losses were to “A” teams and one to the eventual tournament champion. This tournament capped off the most successful 10U season the program has experienced.

Warren Township Girls Softball supports the WTGS Fastpitch local league and the Warren Wave travel league. The goal of the Warren Township Girls Softball program is to create a positive softball experience for all girls through the education of the sport, stressing the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship and fun.

For details, visit www.warrengirlssoftball.com.