La Jolla Youth Softball sent its two All Star teams to Ramona last weekend to compete in the annual “Valley of the Sun Tournament.” On Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, the La Jolla 8U and 10U All Stars each defeated the hosting Ramona All Stars teams on the Ramona home fields.
The 8U team name is the Road Runners, and their base-running speed was obvious in all the bases they stole! Aggressive defense and hungry batting were the keys to the Road Runners’ success. On Saturday morning, the Road Runners were down 6-7 with two outs and bases loaded. A huge hit from second basegirl Sarah Espinoza drove in two runs to give La Jolla the lead.
The 8U Road Runners went on to win the game 10-7 against host team Ramona, led by strong pitching by Jaclyn Goldberg, who pitched a complete game. Sophia Acker played strong at shortstop and Hallee Coleman was a vacuum at first base.
Every player on the 8U team contributed to the victory, including catchers Josie Ballard and Claire Ryan, third base Allison Sweeney, and super-fast outfielders Megan Birnbaum, Elle Hathaway, Sophia Lake, Nan Pieper, Hannah Austgen and Sophia Matthie. Heads-up backing up plays and hustling by the outfielders prevented many runs by the opposing teams.
Both Jaclyn “Jackie” Goldberg (pitcher) and Halle “Twister” Coleman (first base and relief pitcher) received Outstanding Player Awards during the weekend from the opponents’ coaching staff.
The 8U coaching staff is led by manager Barb Birnbaum, assistant and batting coach Misti Coleman and base coaches PJ Hathaway and Beth Espinoza. Each of the coaches is thrilled with the improvement and determination of this year’s 8U All Stars!
La Jolla Youth Softball is currently enjoying growth in the size and skill level of the league. The recreational season runs February through April, All-Stars runs May to June, and league registration begins in November each year. Go, softball!