Cal Padres

MLL Softball 9 & 10 All Stars Advance to STATE FINALS Tuesday night, August 1st!! Here's the latest Softball All Star news along with brackets and schedules. MLL Softball 9 & 10 All Stars Advance to State Finals The MLL 9 & 10 Softball All Stars will play for the Southern California State Title Tuesday night, advancing in the winner's bracket with a thrilling, suspense-filled 2-1 victory over the talented San Marino All Stars. Trailing 1-0 in the sixth and final inning, the MLL Stars mounted a fierce rally capped off by Madison Miketa's clutch two out, walk off single to right center that drove in the winning run in the sixth inning of this well played game. The MLL Stars' rally produced a well deserved win for their tireless power pitcher, Sarah Lucenti, who yielded just one run while striking out eight, walking only two and yielding just four hits in posting a complete game win. The sixth inning rally was triggered by Tori Jasuta's lead off single, her third hit of the game and seventh hit in seven at bats in the Division Tournament. Rachel Humphrey followed with a key smash to push the tying run to third with one out, and advanced to second on some very smart baserunning. Sarah Lucenti then helped herself with a solid line drive single to left that drove in Jasuta to tie the score at one . San Marino settled down to record the second out setting the stage for the quiet, but feisty Maddy Miketa. Miketa, who was two for three on the day, promptly drove in Humphrey with the winning run as the large Manhattan Beach rooting section celebrated the impressive victory. Although it has not been confirmed, rumor has it that Miketa's big hit actually produced a huge smile from her when she reached first base - the first such smile from this extremely talented young lady who continues to quietly go about her business of coming through with big hits for this spunky team. But the entire team contributed to this great win. The defense was spectacular, highlighted by a huge 1-3-5 (pitcher - first - third) double play in the fifth inning that saw Lucenti, Jenna Lambert and Carly Wagenbach display how well the coaches have prepared this team for this tough tournament. Center-fielder Brooke Winterhalder and Second baseman Lauren Winterhalder also contributed big defensive plays to buoy the team in this tight contest, while the solid play of catcher Rachel Humphrey kept the San Marino hitters and runners at bay the entire game. Even the coaches came through with some brilliant strategy to help secure this win. Manager Larry Humphrey and coach Jeff Lambert out-foxed the opposition by arranging for some timely pick offs and strike outs in the bottom of the fifth to position the MLL Stars for this dramatic win. Although it was not so obvious at the time, it became clear as the sixth inning approached that this was done to insure that lead-off hitter Tori Jasuta, batting 1.000 for the tournament, would be leading off the bottom of the sixth with a one run deficit - with the coaches knowing that the top of the order would come through to propel the team to the Southern California State finals with this win. Congratulations to the 9 & 10 Stars on their huge victory and for treating the fans to an exciting, well played game. The 9 & 10 Stars will now face either the San Marino Stars or Grand Terrace Stars in the Championship Game on Tuesday, August 1 at 5:30 p.m. in Lakewood. Manhattan only needs to win one of two possible games to earn the Southern California State Title. Please come support these worthy stars. The Lakewood Little League field is located just 25 minutes from Manhattan Beach, although it may take a little more time during rush hour. Take the 91 east, 605 south, exit Del Amo right or west, go 2 lights and turn left on Studebaker. The park is on the right side. Turn into the first driveway and the road veers left past the softball field. I hope to see you there. Bill von Behren MLL Vice President Softball Division MLL Stars Win 10-1 to Advance in Division Tournament The MLL 9 & 10 All Stars defeated the Stars from Metro-Pioneer LL of Santa Fe Springs behind the ultimate power pitching of Tori Jasuta who had 15 strikeouts in the 6 inning game. Tori gave up two hits and walked only two to shut down the Metro-Pioneer team in the Division III Tournament played at Lakewood on Sunday, July 23. She also went 4-4 with two doubles to lead a hitting attack that saw almost every MLL player hit in a game the MB Stars put away with a 4 run offensive outburst in the 3rd inning. Rachel Humphrey fought off a wicked foul ball to her left biceps and the heat to catch a superb game while contributing two RBIs and a solid double to spark the Stars. Steady Brooke Winterhalder and a determined Madison Miketa each had two hits, while pesky Jenna Lambert, power hitter Sarah Lucenti and speedy Carly Wagenbach all contributed timely hits to sustain the offensive attack. The MLL Minor Stars will face off against San Marino LL, next Saturday, July 29th at 2:30pm at Rynerson Park in Lakewood. The winner of that game goes to the State Tournament Final, Tues, Aug 1st, at 5:30 p.m. Please come out to support these Stars. The park is only 25 minutes away in Lakewood. Take the 91 east, 605 south, exit Del Amo right or west, go 2 lights and turn left on Studebaker. The park is on the right side. Turn into the first driveway and the road veers left past the softball field. Bill von Behren MLL Vice President Softball Division MLL Minors SB Tournament information Attached, you'll find the Minors Softball State Tournament schedule. We are representing Section 3. At this time, we do not know the winners of the other Section Tournaments. Four of the six teams play on Saturday, 7/22, we have a bye. Our first game is Sunday, July 23, at 2:30pm. We will play the winner of Section 5 (Laguna Hills area) vs. Section 7 (Morena Valley area). If we win, we won't play again until Sat, July 29th, 2:30pm. A loss Sunday means our next game would be Wed, July 26, at 5:30pm. We are fortunate that Lakewood Little League is hosting the Minors State tournament. It is approx. 25 minutes from M.B. All games will be played at Rynerson Park in City of Lakewood. Take the 91 freeway east, to the 605 freeway south, exit Del Amo Blvd. and turn right(west), to the 2nd signal light and turn left on Studebaker Rd. The park is on the right side, take a right into the park entrance (you'll see the Rynerson Park sign). The park road takes you past the softball field(dirt infield), on the left side, into the parking lot. There are shade trees, picnic tables, and about 90-100 parking spaces. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO ANYONE YOU KNOW THAT MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN ATTENDING. Any questions, feel free to give Larry Humphrey a call at 310-466-1462. MLL Major Stars Finish Second in Section 3 Tournament The MLL Major All Stars were defeated tonight by the West Torrance Stars in an exciting Section 3 Championship game at Westchester. The game got away from the Manhattan stars at the very end for a final score of 13-7, which fails to tell the story. The MLL Stars were up 7-6 in the top of the sixth as the home team with one out and no one on base. So the Manhattan Stars were two outs away from winning the game. A few walks, followed by a couple of errors and then a flurry of hits put it out of reach. The teams were actually in a see-saw battle throughout the contest. The Manhattan Stars initially trailed 2-0, but roared back to tie it at 2-2 after the second inning before jumping out to a 5-2 lead at the end of three. The West Torrance Stars came back to take a 6-5 lead in the top of the 5th inning, but Manhattan responded with a clutch two out, two run triple by Carol Gentzler to storm ahead 7-6 at the end of 5. But the Manhattan Stars, despite another gutsy effort from Star pitcher Kellie Wesser, could not slam the door and the game ended with a lopsided score that did not reflect what a great game both teams played. Congratulations to a very talented, special group of girls who learned in a very short time how to play softball at high level. The Major Stars played six games in six days and beat every team in the tournament and finished with an impressive 4-2 record in the Sectional Tournament. In so doing, they earned the respect and admiration of their coaches, fans and casual observers. These girls are true winners. Special recognition should be given to the excellent group of coaches of this team - Chris Barry, Craig Wesser and Matt Saunders - who dedicated themselves to these girls for six weeks to help make them the best softball players they could be in preparation for this challenging tournament. And, as the manager, I want to thank all the players, parents, coaches and MLL for this most rewarding and enjoyable experience. MLL Minor Softball All Stars Win Sectional Tournament The MLL Minor Softball All Stars defeated Westchester Del Rey LL Stars 14-2 in 4 innings Tuesday night, behind the superb pitching of Sarah Lucenti, to cruise to the Section 3 Little League Championship. The undefeated Minor Stars enjoyed strong hitting throughout the line up, sparked by catcher Rachel Humphrey's first inning extra base hit that drove in the first three runs in the MLL Stars' eight run first inning. The MLL Minor Stars will be playing in the Division Tournament (also known as the State Finals) beginning this coming weekend in Lakewood. Further details will be provided later in the week. Congratulations to the MLL 9 & 10 All Stars, their manager Larry Humphrey and coaches Jeff Lambert, Len Jasuta and Rob Lucenti. The undefeated stars led every inning of every game, and won each of their games by more than ten runs pursuant to the Mercy rule. Major Softball All Stars Win - Force "If Necessary" Game The MLL Major Softball team stormed back from a 6-1 deficit at the end of 3 innings to beat the West Torrance Stars 9-7 in the finals of the Section 3 Tournament. Breanna Kelly and Reilly Hammond, who came in the game in the 4th inning and shut down the West Torrance attack, pitched for the MLL Stars. Offensive stars included Breanna Kelly, Katie Saunders, Carol Gentzler and Chloe Krasnoff who helped propel the MLL Stars to victory. The offensive production was particularly impressive as the team faced a pticher who many softball coaches, players and fans consider to be among the best 12 year old fastpitch softball pitcher in the South Bay. The team defense was again spectacular, with Annie Cipiti made a web gem quality catch in left field in the sixth and Chloe Conceicao, Kelly Wesser and Chloe Krasnoff, among others, contributed their usual solid defense to the team effort. The Major Stars who are now 4-1 in tournament play, having beaten every team in the tournament, will now play for the Section 3 Championship in a winner take all game tomorrow, Wednesday July 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Westchester LL. Please come out and support our Stars!! Major Softball All Stars Advance to Sectional Finals The MLL Major Softball All Stars defeated a strong North Venice All Star team 7-4 to advance to the finals of the Section 3 Major Softball All Star Tournament. Tenacious Kellie Wesser pitched another complete game gem for the Manhattan Stars, with her battery mate Katie Saunders calling another great game. The offense was ignited by Montana Morgan's two-out, two-run double in the first inning and the Stars never looked back. Great defensive plays by Annie Cipiti, Chloe Krasnoff and Montana Morgan helped nail down the victory. The Stars played almost flawless softball and displayed tremendous team spirit and toughness by never allowing North Venice to mount a serious threat, although the game was close the entire six innings. Congrats to the Major Stars who will now face off against West Torrance in the Sectional Finals at 6 pm on Tuesday, July 18 at Westchester LL. The MLL Stars need to win two to take the title, but have consistently shown that they can play with any team in this tournament. Go MLL Major Stars!!!! MLL Minor All Stars Advance to Sectional Finals The MLL 9 & 10 Year Old Softball All Stars cruised to a 15-2 victory over Westchester Del Rey LL on Sunday. The dominant power pitching of Tori Jasuta shut down the Westchester Stars, while the entire team contributed offensively. The Minor Stars now advance to the Sectional Finals on Tuesday. They will face the winner of the North Venice v. Westchester contest to be played on Monday night. The Finals will be played at Marine West at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18. MLL Major All Stars Suffer Heartbreaking Defeat The Major Softball Stars lost a heartbreaker on Sunday, 11-10 in 8 innings against an opportunistic West Torrance team. The Major Stars jumped out to a 10-1 lead after two innings, but could not hold the lead as West Torrance capitalized on the perfect storm of timely hits, walks and errors to defeat the talented Major Stars. The Major Stars play North Venice Monday night at 6:00 p.m. at Westchester, with the winner advancing to the finals against West Torrance. Major Softball All Stars Win Again The MLL Major Softball All Stars defeated Westhchester Del Rey Stars 5-3 in a hard fought battle at Westchester to advance in Sectional play. The MLL Stars scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning, highlighted by a bases loaded triple by catcher Katie Saunders that drove in three runs, with Katie also scoring on the play following an errant throw. Kellie Wesser pitched a complete game gem for the Stars with a gutsy performance. The MLL defense was solid throughout the game with stellar plays from Annie Cipiti, Chloe Krasnoff, Meghan von Behren and Montana Morgan highlighting the effort. The MLL Major Stars, now 2-0 in Sectional play, face off against West Torrance tomorrow, July 16, at Westchester in the Semi-Finals of the Winners Bracket. The game is at 2:30 at Westchester LL. Minor Softball All Stars Pound North Venice Sarah Lucenti pitched five strong innings essentially shutting down the North Venice Stars to propel the Minor Softball Stars to a 12-4 win in the Sectional Tournament. Tori Jasuta relieved in the sixth inning to strike out the sides and nail down the victory. The entire team contributed offensively with multiple hit games from Lauren Winterhalder, Madison Miketa, Sarah Lucenti and Carly Wagenbach compimented by key multi-base hits from Brooke Winterhalder and Tori Jasuta. The undefeated Minor Stars play on Sunday, July 16, at 3:30 p.m. at Marine West in the Sectional Semi-Finals winners' bracket. Go MLL Softball All Stars! MLL Major Softball Stars Win at Sectionals The MLL Major Softball all stars opened their Sectional Tournament play with a 15-0 victory over Plaza LL of Long Beach. The Major stars pounded out so many hits, we lost track with everyone contributing to the effort. Breanna Kelly had a stellar performance on the mound, mixing up pitches and keeping the opposition off balance all game. Her battery mate, Katie Saunders, called a beautiful game, and the MB defense played almost flawlessly in the field. There is still a long way to go, but this team should be very proud of this great team effort. The Major stars play on Saturday, July 15 at Westchester LL at 12:30 p.m. Directions to the field are on the MBLL website at mbll.org. The 9 & 10 Year Old Softball All Stars, who are also District 36 Champions, open Sectional play tomorrow at Marine West field at 3:30 p.m. Come support the MLL all stars. Minor Softball All Stars Crowned District 36 Champions Manhattan Little League's 9 & 10 Year Old All Stars advanced to the Section 3 All Star Tournament by winning the District 36 Tournament over the weekend. Manhattan LL entered two teams in the tournament. Manhattan I won the tournament, going undefeated in the process. The District Champions allowed a total of 3 runs, while scoring 31 in the tournament. The Manhattan II entry also had a very respectable showing, defeating North Redondo twice by scores of 14-2 and 15-1 to advance to the Championship game. The MLL Minor Stars will next play in the Section 3 Softball All Star Tournament, hosted by Manhattan Little League this season. Their first game will be on Saturday, July 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Marine Sports Complex, West Field. Major Softball All Stars Play on Friday, July 14 MLL's Major All Stars will play in the Section 3 All Star Tournament hosted by Westchester Del Rey Little League commencing Friday, July 14. The Major Stars, the District 36 Champions, will play the District 38 Champions stars at 7:15 p.m. on July 14. Directions to Westchester LL's field may be obtained by clicking on the link to the directions under this heading. The rest of the Major Softball Section 3 schedule has not yet been published.