Brown sends Riptide out in fashion
The Newport Beach Riptide Gold, an 18 and under fastpitch softball
team, went 4-1 in the prestigious America’s Finest College Showcase,
a tournament that draws the premier high school juniors and seniors
in the country last month in Rancho Bernardo.
The Riptide ended the tournament in dramatic fashion when Dani
Brown sent the first pitch she saw over the leftfielder’s head to
score Michele Sierra, who had singled with one out, for a two-run,
game-winning home run to earn a 3-2 victory over the So Cal Jets
Gold.
The Riptide began the tournament against Minors Gold with Kelsey
Ferguson in the circle.
The Riptide rallied for three runs to stake a 3-1 lead in the
third inning, with Sierra driving in two runs with a sharp single to
center field. Katy Erickson and Alanna Snedigar began the inning with
singles and the first run scored when Kristin Nicholas drove in
Erickson with a base hit. Julianne Bass added another single in the
inning.
Ferguson threw a complete game, allowing three hits while striking
out three and walking none.
Rachel Reekstin tossed a five-hit shutout and benefited from
strong defensive play from second baseman Sasha Grumman, who covered
first on a bunt and then threw out a runner trying to go from first
to third base. Nicholas threw out two runners at second and third
attempting to steal. Shortstop Jessica Hudgins covered the left side
of the infield.
Nicholas also tripled to drive in Heather Lohrman, who had walked
to start the inning. Nicholas scored on a single by Hudgins.
In 12 and under action:
* The Pacific Coast Riptide swept a doubleheader from the Mission
Viejo Angels, scoring 23 runs in two games.
The Riptide won the first game, 11-8, behind two RBIs from Lauren
Tolfa, who pitched the final two innings, striking out two.
The Riptide scored six runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by
Amy Smith’s triple to the gap in left field which drove in two runs.
Melanie Sitzer walked and Amanda Ring had a key single to set the
stage for Elizabeth Cramer, who drove in one run.
Riptide won the second game, 12-5.
Courtney Francis followed Tolfa in the circle with three strong
innings and Kelsie Soltero completed the game.
Brittany Martinez stopped a potential Angel rally in the third
inning by catching a popup.
First baseman Jessica Brockett and centerfielder Jade Watts added
strong defensive plays.
Cramer, Emma Zublin and Francis produced multiple hits to spark
rallies in two innings.
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.