Girl’s / Women’s Fastpitch Softball

...now browsing by category

 

Nation’s best softball teams and stars compete in 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

Beautiful blue skies with the San Jacinto Mountain range in the background made for perfect playing conditions at Big League Dreams in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic that featured outstanding women’s college fastpitch softball teams from throughout the country, Feb. 21-24 in Cathedral City, Calif. Photo By BOB OTTO

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. – Softball fans could travel to all parts of the United States, Canada – in fact the world – and find no higher caliber of women’s fastpitch softball than at the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Feb. 21-24.

On hand for the 16th annual showcase were NCAA Div. I powerhouses such as the No. 2 ranked UCLA Bruins, 14-0, (5-0 Mary Nutter), Oregon Ducks, Arizona Wildcats, BYU Cougars, Kentucky Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, North Carolina Tar Heels, Oklahoma Sooners, Washington Huskies…and the list could go on – included on that list was Japan’s national team.

The collegiate classic started with dreary, cold and rainy weather on Thursday, Feb. 21st, but on Friday the sun broke free under beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures that lasted through the final day on Sunday.

On a gorgeous Saturday, thousands packed Big League Dreams five ball diamonds to enjoy, applaud and cheer for many of the best softball athletes in the world.

  • Click for Final Scores and Stats

    • The Mary Nutter In Pictures…

    Utah Utes senior, Hailey Hilbum, laces a hit during the Utes 2-0 loss to Ohio State, Sat. Feb. 23 at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Thousands of fastpitch softball fans lined all sides of the ball fields at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif., Feb 23. The annual tournament features top-ranked NCAA Div. I teams from througout the country that most fans wouldn’t be able to see all in one place if not for this outstanding tournament. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Vendors at the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic offered a wide variety of merchandise for kids and adults, including bats, gloves, softball shoes, softballs, uniforms, jackets, batting gloves, jewelry and pins, and of course t-shirts, which were a hot seller. Photo By BOB OTTO

    North Carolina pitcher BRITTANY PICKETT winds up to fire a pitch to the plate during the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Sat., Feb. 23. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Long Beach State 49ers slugger ALYSSA GONZALEZ is greeted at home plate after she scored a run in the 49ers, 8-4, victory over North Carolina. Gonzalez had two hits with an RBI. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Cal Poly Mustangs pitcher STEFFI BEST winds up to hurl a pitch during the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif., Feb. 22. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Ohio State pitcher KAT DUVALL warms up her pitching arm during Saturday’s action at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Arizona Wildcats freshman pitcher Marissa Schuld works on spinning the ball for the proper rise ball rotation with coach RAY CAMACHO during pre-game warmups during the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, Sat., Feb. 23 at Big League Dreams, Cathedral City, Calif. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Japan’s national team played in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic, and in a match-up with the Arizona Wildcats, lost in 1-0 pitching duel during Saturday’s action at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Arizona head coach MIKE CANDREA greets DEJAH MULPOLA after she blasted a long home run over the left field fence to give the Wildcats a 1-0 victory over Team Japan in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif., Sat., Feb. 23. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Army shortstop, MADDIE KIM, squeezes her glove after she caught a high infield pop up during an Army game on Saturday, Feb. 22. The West Point Black Knights played well in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic that featured top-ranked NCAA Div. I teams from throughout the country. Photo By BOB OTTO

    UCLA Bruins coach KIRK WALKER has some fun hitting fungos to the Bruins in a pre-game warmup before the Bruins took on the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City. Looking on are ALANA SNOW, left, BUBBA NICKLES, ZOE SHAW and SHEA MORENO. Photo By BOB OTTO

    UCLA shortstop BRIANA PEREZ leaps for a high throw as Nebraska’s RYLIE UNZICKER slides into second base. Unzicker was safe on the play, but the Bruins went on to beat the Cornhuskers 9-1 in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif., Feb. 23. Perez had a great game at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two RBI in the leadoff spot. Photo By BOB OTTO

    UCLA Bruins BRIANA PEREZ, left, ANNA VINES, and ALANA SNOW show their jubilation as RACHEL GARCIA trots to home plate after hitting a home run in the Bruins, 9-1 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif., Feb. 22. Photo By BOB OTTO

    BYU pitcher KERISA VIRAMONTES fires a pitch during the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif. Viramontes started and pitched four innings allowing but four hits and two run in the Cougars, 3-2, win over UC Santa Barbara, Sat., Feb. 22. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Univ. of Calif. Santa Barbara’s RAYNA COHEN beats the throw to third base during the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Feb. 22. Photo By BOB OTTO

    In the battle of inter-service teams, beating Navy is a high priority for the West Point Army team. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Army pitcher MACEY NEWBARY fires a pitch that scorchers the outside corner of the plate to Duke’s KYLA MORRIS during Army’s 10-0 victory in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Cathedral City, Calif. Newbary allowed but two hits with a strikeout to notch the win in the 5-inning game, Sat., Feb. 22. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Army second baseman, ASHLEY YOO, appeals to the umpire for a force out at second base of Duke’s JAMESON KAVEL, as Army shortstop MADDIE KIM looks on. Kavel was called safe on the play. Army went on to defeat Duke, 10-0, in the 2019 Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif., Feb. 22. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Make plans to attend next year’s Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, Calif. that features top-ranked NCAA Div. i women’s fastpitch softball teams from throughout the country. Photo By BOB OTTO

    Posted in ASA Softball, Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball, USA Softball | No Responses »
    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Popular Men’s & Women’s Fastpitch Tournament Returns To Soboba

    Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018

    SAN JACINTO, Calif. – The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Parks and Recreation Dept. will be holding its 2018 20th Annual Memorial Day Men’s and Women’s Fastpitch tournament on May 25-27.

    The tournament features BIG cash payouts and prizes. Please see flier for complete information.

  • For registration forms visit: www.sobobaparksandrec.com.
  • Teams interested should contact Steve Lopez at 951-654-1319 or by email slopez@soboba-nsn.gov.
  • Soboba Reservation Map

    • Fastpitch teams and fans, you don’t want to miss this tournament! Courtesy Photo

    Posted in Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball, Mens & Boys Fastpitch Softball, NAFA, SCIFL | No Responses »
    Tags: , , , , , ,

    Softball is ‘back where it belongs’ according to Canada coach Mark Smith

    Wednesday, November 1st, 2017

    CANADA WILL BE AMONG THE MEDAL FAVOURITES IN THE WOMEN’S SOFTBALL AT TOKYO 2020, AND THEIR COACH MARK SMITH – A WORLD CHAMPION AS A PLAYER – BELIEVES THAT JAPAN IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR THE SPORT TO ENJOY AN OLYMPIC RENAISSANCE.

    Ottawa, ON – Softball is ‘back where it belongs’ according to Canada coach Mark Smith.

    “I think Tokyo will put on an absolutely phenomenal show for softball,” said Mark Smith, coach of the Canada women’s team. “Japan is the ideal place to profile the intensity of this great game. Last year I was at the Tokyo Dome for a match between Japan and USA, and there were 31,000 fans, all absolutely loving it.

    Smith is a softball veteran. He has experienced the dizzying highs of winning a world championship gold as a player for Canada’s men’s side in 1992, and two world championship bronze medals as a coach of the women (2010 and 2016). He also had to face the disappointment of seeing the sport lose its Olympic status.

    “It’s funny, when you’re in the middle of your career as a player and win a big title, you don’t really appreciate it – you’re naive enough to think you’re going to be doing it again next time around,” he said.

    Click to continue reading “Softball is ‘back where it belongs’ according to Canada coach Mark Smith”

    Posted in ASA Softball, Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball, Mens & Boys Fastpitch Softball, Softball Canada, USA Softball, USA Softball Men's National Team | No Responses »
    Tags: , , , , ,

    Minnesota State University Mavericks Upend Angelo State in Game One of NCAA Softball National Championship Finals

    Sunday, May 28th, 2017

    COLEY RIES pitched six scoreless innings in leading Minnesota State to a 5-1 victory over Angelo State in the NCAA Division II Softball National Championship game, Sunday, May 28, 2017 at Salem, Virginia. Contributed Photo

    SALEM, V.A. – Second-seeded Minnesota State upended first-seeded Angelo State, 5-1, in game one of the NCAA Championship Finals Sunday afternoon.

    Minnesota State moves to 63-7 on the season and takes a 1-0 lead in the best of three series. Angelo State falls to 60-6 on the season and suffers its first loss of the NCAA postseason. Both teams will return to the field tomorrow for game two at 11:00 a.m. (CST) with an if necessary game three to follow.

    Senior pitcher Coley Ries (40-3) earned her 40th win of the season with 11 strikeouts in a complete game. She tossed six scoreless innings before Angelo State tallied its first run of the game in the seventh inning. Junior Brandy Marlett (29-5) takes the loss with four strikeouts over 7.0 innings pitched. Senior Kennedy Urbany also appeared in the circle to walk a batter in the sixth inning.

    Click to continue reading “Minnesota State University Mavericks Upend Angelo State in Game One of NCAA Softball National Championship Finals”

    Posted in Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball | No Responses »
    Tags: , , , , , ,

    Minnesota State University playing for national softball championship

    Saturday, May 27th, 2017

    SALEM, VA – The Mavericks of Minnesota State University Mankato defeated three opponents to advance to the NCAA Division II National Championship game set for Sunday.

    The Mavericks (62-7) and seeded No. 2 will meet No. 1 seed Angelo State University, San Angelo, Texas (60-5) to decide the national championship at Moyer Stadium in Salem at 11 a.m. (ET).

    MSU-Mankato opened the tournament with a 5-0 shutout over Southern Indiana followed by an 8-4 victory over Armstrong, and then reached the title game by defeating West Virginia Wesleyan, 5-2.

  • To watch the championship game, click on 2017 Div. II Softball Championship

    • Posted in Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball | No Responses »
    Tags: , , ,

    Minnesota State softball team advances to nationals

    Monday, May 22nd, 2017

    The Mankato Free Press
    May 21, 2017

    SEARCY, ARK. — It took two days to conclude the game, but the wait was well worth it for the Minnesota State softball team.

    The Minnesota State University Mankato Mavericks on Sunday afternoon scored four runs in the final two innings and defeated Harding 7-6 to win the NCAA Division II Central Super Regional and claim a berth into the national championship tournament May 25-29 in Salem, VA.

    The Mavericks (59-7) and ranked No. 6 in the coaches’ poll, open play against No. 9 Southern Indiana (46-12) Thursday at 4 p.m. (ET).

    “It took every ounce of energy and every ounce of fight to come through and get this game,” coach Lori Meyer said. “What can I say about this team? They’ve just been phenomenal. They’ve been fighters all year.”

    Continue reading in the Mankato Free Press

    Posted in Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball | No Responses »
    Tags: , , , , , , , ,

    University of Minnesota Gophers softball season ends with loss in Alabama rematch

    Monday, May 22nd, 2017

    A second 1-0 loss to the Crimson Tide ended the Gophers’ record season.
    By TOMMY DEAS Special to the Star Tribune

    TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Gophers softball team’s saga didn’t end how players wanted it to, nor where.

    The Gophers fell 1-0 to Alabama on Sunday in the championship game of the Tuscaloosa Regional at Rhoads Stadium.

    The Big Ten champions finished the season with a 56-5 record, and with some lingering indignation over how they were sent on the road as an unseeded team despite their record and credentials.

    “This should have been a Super Regional game,” Alabama coach Patrick Murphy said.

    “At least,” said Gophers coach Jessica Allister, indicating that the epic pitching duels between the teams could have been played at the Women’s College World Series.

    Instead, it happened on Alabama’s home turf in front of more than 1,900 fans.

  • Continue reading in Star Tribune

    • Posted in Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball | No Responses »
    Tags: , , , , , , , ,

    Championship Sunday in NCAA D1 Softball Regionals

    Sunday, May 21st, 2017

    Follow the results of NCAA Div. I softball by clicking on this link: Regional Softball Information

    Click here for ESPN viewing schedule.

    Posted in Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball, USA Softball, WBSC Softball | No Responses »
    Tags: , , , , , , , ,

    Alabama’s bases-loaded walk ends Gophers’ winning streak at 26

    Saturday, May 20th, 2017

    By TOMMY DEAS Special to the Star Tribune
    May 20, 2017

    TUSCALOOSA, ALA. – The pitcher who never walks a batter walked in the run Saturday that ended the Gophers softball team’s 26-game winning streak and put it in the losers’ bracket at the Tuscaloosa Regional.

    Two-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Sara Groenewegen issued her first walk of the day, and only her 30th of the year, with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning to give 16th-seeded Alabama a 1-0 victory at Rhoads Stadium.

    “Heck of a softball game,” Gophers coach Jessica Allister said of the extra-inning affair. “You’re looking at two of the best pitchers in the absolute country. You’re not going to find two better than them. That was a battle.”

    Story continues in Star Tribune

    Posted in Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball | No Responses »
    Tags: , , , ,

    Gophers softball team crushes Louisiana Tech 11-3 in NCAA tournament opener

    Saturday, May 20th, 2017

    St. Paul and Minneapolis StarTribune
    By TOMMY DEAS Special to the StarTribune

    TUSCALOOSA, ALA. – The Gophers grabbed a bat Friday and took out their frustrations.

    Fortunately, they did so on a softball.

    Minnesota, the No. 1-ranked team in the coaches’ poll that didn’t get seeded in the NCAA tournament, opened play in the Tuscaloosa Regional with an 11-3 victory over Louisiana Tech at Rhoads Stadium. The Gophers won in five innings by the mercy rule, but they weren’t in a particularly merciful mood.

    The Big Ten regular-season and tournament champions improved to 55-3 and advanced to the winners’ bracket semifinal against host and 16th-seeded Alabama, which beat Albany 5-1. First pitch has been moved up two hours to 11:30 a.m. Saturday because of weather concerns.

    “We just wanted to get out there really,” second baseman McKenna Partain said. “Just attack early, go for it early, get ahead early.”

    Continue reading in the Star Tribune.

  • Watch NCAA Regional Softball games on ESPN

    • Posted in Girl's / Women's Fastpitch Softball | No Responses »
    Tags:

    « Older Entries