Three Templeton All-Star girls’ softball teams recently qualified to compete in the California State Games in San Diego on July 11-14. Affiliated with the U.S. Olympic Committee, the CSG is a high-quality, nonprofit, statewide amateur sports festival that encourages community participation and Olympic-style sports competition. Currently, 44 states compete in 25 different sporting events.
The 8U team, coached by Derek Jay, features the youngest CalState competitors of age 8 and younger. This season, the fledgling team came out swinging. In June, the team brought home a second-place win from the Santa Maria tournament. Although the 8U girls qualified for state, “there were too many family commitments among team members to be able to take a team down (to San Diego),” said recreation supervisor Melissa Johnson of Templeton Community Services District.
The 10U team of girls age 10 and younger, led by Rob Takigawa, has placed first or second throughout the all-star season. At the association championship qualifiers held in Hanford, the team finished second to Kingsburg by just one run.
“The 10U team took the tough road to get to the championship at the qualifiers and played six games to get there,” Melissa said. “With 15 teams participating, they brought home that second-place trophy. At State, in the opening Pool Play, they went one win and one loss, beating the San Mateo Slammers 5-4, and losing to Pico 7-1. Our Eagles also won the first round of bracket play on a walk-off against West Sacramento, advancing to the quarterfinals. They lost to Bonita Valley in a score of 7-1. These girls played their hearts out in San Diego, representing Templeton well, and ended up fifth place overall out of 22 teams. The only two teams that Templeton 10U’s lost to — Pico and Bonita Valley — played each other for the championship game!”
The 12U team of girls age 12 and under that is led by John and Katie Fiorenza won 13 of 15 games.
“They’ve played, won, and brought home the hardware at every turn!” Melissa said. “At the Association Championship Qualifiers in Hanford, their only loss was in the Championship game against the Paso Robles Bearcats, who also qualified for the State games. At State, they had a tough draw in Pool Play and lost both games. Missing a few key players, this team held together and played hard despite not being able to come out on top.”
Melissa said that Templeton Recreation loves to celebrate the successes of the Eagles, both in and out of the sports arena.
“Huge congratulations go to the players, coaches, and parents who have worked so hard to earn these trophies and qualify for the State games,” Melissa said. “Eagles, you’ve made us proud!”
Learn more at CalStateGames.org or call Melissa Johnson at
805-434-4909.
