Hudson Valley Hurricanes Fastpitch Softball: 12U Black go 6-0 and sweep PONY North Atlantic Regionals

This past July 4th weekend the 12U Black managed by Kristen Sullivan went 6-0 and swept the PONY North Atlantic Regionals in Flemington, NJ. They played some very good teams from the region and showed they could win close games with 4 of the 6 games being decided by only one run. The formula they've used all season, good pitching, solid defense and timely hitting is what brought this team its 9th tournament championship this season.

Megan Sneeden did a fantastic job as usual behind the plate shutting down any running game by throwing out six base runners attempting to steal.

Gabby Palumbo and Taylor Sullivan made no errors and combined for over 50% of the putouts.

In the first game on Saturday, Sarah Gunderson pitched a great game and helped her cause at the plate driving in the only 2 runs needed (2-1 win). Alicia Bertolino hit a grand slam in the 2nd game to help put that game away early. In the 3rd game Deangie Jimenez hits a HR for the go ahead run in the final inning (final score 3-2), for the 3rd win clinching the #1 seed for the Hurricanes. Nicole Spiegelberg had a nice defensive play in the outfield which saved a few runs.

On Sunday, in the quarterfinals Amanda Schweitzer in the final inning hit a walk off triple scoring Kelsey Oh from 1st base (final score 5-4).

In the semi-finals, pitcher Reese Guevarra with the help of some stellar defense behind her kept a very dangerous lineup at bay. Guevarra and Kelsey Oh contributed offensively with deep shots for ground rule doubles. In a 2-2 tie with 2 outs catcher Megan Sneeden knocks in Guevarra with a double in the bottom of the 6th to take the lead 3-2. Hurricanes close it out in the 7th for the win.

In the finals, big hits were had by Jimenez, Palumbo and Oh. Kelsey Oh also made a nice diving catch in left field to save runs from scoring and preserving the lead and the tournament win.

Next stop for the Hurricanes 12U Black is PONY Nationals in Cary, NC.

Kelsey Oh was awarded the Tournament MVP.