With a lack of early season participation from other U12 programs the Blazers decided to get their season started by moving up to play in the U14 division in Andover.

A real test to start the season as the Blazers drew the always tough Burnsville Inferno team, that has won state championships the past two years. The girls came out to play and after giving up 5 runs in the top of the first, the Blazers responded by scoring 4 in bottom half of the inning. At the end of two, the game was still tight at 9-5 Inferno. In the end the U14 Inferno lineup proved too much to handle as the Blazers dropped the first game to a very good team. A great effort by everyone to begin the year!

The winds picked up for Saturday’s 2nd game against Champlin and Makayla Ericksen really showed up to play. Timely hitting, pitching, and several great fielding plays (including a throw from her knees to 1st) provided the spark the Blazers needed. Solid defense and timely hitting by all of the girls was the key to a 15-3 victory.

Sunday’s early morning matchup saw some familiar faces as the Blazers squared off against the Burnsville Bandits. Katrina Grass started on the mound and did a great job pitching. A back and forth battle by both teams made it very intense throughout the game. Solid defense by Alex Aune and Haley Diggan helped keep the Bandits in check.  Emily Olsen had a fantastic day at the plate with a hit that burned the left fielder and in the field, making two great catches, long fly balls to left center. The coaches didn’t breath until the final out and a 14-11 victory.

Again the winds picked up in the afternoon and made pitching and hitting a real challenge against RPI (Andover). Katrina once again pitched well in very tough conditions. Down early, the Blazers tried to battle back and get their bats going. Katherine Flack played outstanding defense at 3rd and had several big hits to keep us in the game. In the end the Blazers couldn’t get the timely hit they needed to get back in the game and lost 15-5.  A third place trophy, playing up in the 14s against some tough competition was a great way to start the season!

A special thank you to Amanda Dack who joined us this weekend, due to some scheduling conflicts with some of our players. She did a great job and we enjoyed having her, but we hope we didn’t mess up her timing for fastpitch.    :)