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10U All-Stars capture District Championships

The tournament champion Scripps Ranch Softball Association 10U All-Star team. Coaches are (standing, from left) Mike Lamb, Barb Eaton, Kim Blevins, Edgar Carasco and Nate Baird. Players are (standing, from left) Kate Lamb, Vanessa Ponce, Nova Petite, Brooklyn Blevins, Amelia Greenspan, Emi Baird, (kneeling, from left) Ruby Lipsky, Cami Campbell, Emily Super, Embrey Slates, Madison Delos Reyes and (front) Izzy Carrasco. (photo by Lisa Shadburn)

10U All-Stars capture District Championships

By Josh Lipsky

The Scripps Ranch Softball Association 10U All-Star team emerged from a competitive 12-team field and slayed the competition at the USA Softball North San Diego District Championships, held June 14-16 at Cypress Canyon Park.

These players were straight fire on the field, outscoring their opponents 37-10 during the tournament. Nova Petitte led the way for the Falcons in her first action back since breaking her foot earlier in the Spring. Talk about a comeback queen, ka-kaw! Petitte was on another level, smacking 8 hits throughout the tournament and setting the tone for the All-Star squad. She was seriously vibing out there, inspiring her teammates to bring their A-game.

Not to be slept on, Cami Campbell and Kate Lamb each had 7 hits. Their bats were bussing, and they kept the scoreboard lit up, making sure the team stayed ahead. Ruby Lipsky, Vanessa Ponce, and Emily Super were also Gucci at the plate, each racking up 6 hits. Super really brought the park to its feet with an epic over-the-fence home run in the first inning of the championship game. That dinger was the ultimate flex and got everyone hyped, and it was smooth-ish sailing from there.

“As far as Father’s Day gifts go, a championship home run is pretty, pretty, pretty good,” gushed Emily’s father, Jason.

Brooklyn Blevins was a total boss on the mound, pitching 14 innings during the weekend with a 1.95 ERA. She was pure ice under pressure, shutting down hitters and making key pitches when it counted. Catcher Vanessa Ponce not only guided the pitchers but was also clutch at the plate, leading the team with 8 RBIs. She came through in the big moments, driving in runs and keeping the momentum going.

The outfield was locked down by Izzy Carrasco, Lamb and Lipsky. These players were ball hawks, not making a single error the entire tournament.

In the infield, Amelia Greenspan, Emi Baird, Super and Campbell were on fleek, handling every grounder, line drive and pop fly with ease.

“Coaches told us to play disrespectful in the outfield – play extra close, catch everything, nothing hits the grass,” explained Lipsky after the championship. “We’re too quick. They aren’t going to hit it past us. Ka-kaw!”

Madison Delos Reyes and Embrey Slates were key contributors to the team as pinch hitters and runners, making amazing plays and helping the team all weekend long. Their hustle and smart play were crucial in tight spots.

Managed by Barbara Eaton, with assistant coaches Kim Blevins, Nate Baird, Edgar Carrasco and Mike Lamb, the Scripps Ranch crew went beast mode, taking down 4S Ranch (twice), Carlsbad and Vista on their way to the title. Every game was a showcase of their skills, rizz, teamwork, and unbreakable spirit. Shoutout to the whole squad for bringing their unique swag to the field and making the team unstoppable.

With this District Championship, the Scripps Ranch 10U girls are now headed to the California State Championships in Lancaster, Calif. They’ve got serious momentum and are ready to take on the best teams in the state.