Softball: Riptide rides a winning wave

The Newport Riptide, a 14 and under fastpitch softball traveling

team, defeated three opponents in a one-day tournament at Thornton Field

in Santa Ana Sunday.

The Riptide was the only team to go undefeated in the tournament and

has won 11 straight games.

In the first game, Christine Kulick pitched a shutout to help the

Riptide earn a 5-0 victory over the Straight A’s. She pitched three

shutouts in her last four starts, including a no-hitter.

In the second game, Kelsey Ferguson contributed on the mound to lead

the Riptide to a 6-3 victory over the Glendora G-Force.

In the third game, Sasha Grumman and Kulick shared pitching duties in

the Riptide’s 5-4 victory over Fontana Faith.

The offense was led by Jenny Tompkins (six hits, three RBIs) and

Grumman (five hits). Alex Shitanishi drove in Tori Harrison from third

base on a squeeze bunt to win the third game. Tami Divino had clutch hits

in all three games and Julianne Bass had multiple hits and key RBIs.

The defense was led by Marki Bingenheimer, Tompkins and Divino.