Spirit entered four teams to compete in last weekend’s Monterey
Manzanita Mayhem Tournament, a three-day ASA softball event that
draws teams from across the Bay Area and coastal communities.
Judging from the smiles on the Spirit girls’ faces, it was a
weekend to celebrate
MONTEREY — In its second tournament of its inaugural season as a competitive ‘B’ and ‘C’ program, Spirit of Morgan Hill Girls Fast Pitch Softball started its summer campaign very well.
Spirit entered four teams to compete in last weekend’s Monterey Manzanita Mayhem Tournament, a three-day ASA softball event that draws teams from across the Bay Area and coastal communities. Judging from the smiles on the Spirit girls’ faces, it was a weekend to celebrate.
Spirit’s 12-and-under ‘B’ won a championship handily, shutting out friendly rivals Santa Cruz Mountain (12-0) and Monterey County (8-0) Sunday on the way to completing a 5-1 record. The Spirit girls dominated with their flawless defense and aggressive offense. The team outscored its opponents 27-2 Sunday.
Outstanding pitching by Sam Torres, who was voted tournament MVP, played a key role in Spirit’s success. Torres struck out 17 batters in five games.
Spirit coaches Mike Peternel and Dan Martinelli said, “We have a lot of talent on this team. The girls really have it their all this weekend and everyone contributed defensively and offensively.”
That was only part of the big weekend for Spirit.
The league’s 10U ‘B’ team, coached by Gene and Penny Ciraulo, Ron Lowrey and Felix Orta, placed third, proving itself against solid programs from Palo Alto and Sunnyvale.
Spirit’s 12U ‘C’ team also logged several wins, while the 10U ‘C’ squad improved its fielding and hitting percentages immensely.
The Spirit teams will continue travel ball through July. The 8U teams are excited about their upcoming tournaments, including the local Ponytail Classic.
