San Jose Sting

"Maholla " from the 2010 Spring-Summer 18G-Smith team as they break up for the Summer and look forward to the upcoming tryouts for the Sting Fall team. Missing in action from team photo above was Makana Hussey (pictured right).

Another successful softball season has come to a close. Thank you to all the players and families who helped make this a season to remember!
Thank you to Jackie Morris for once again organizing the snack and drink schedule for the season.
Thank you to Jeff Miller, Ken Campbell and Steve Andersen for scorekeeping.
Thank you to Jacque Campbell for assisting with the payments.
Thank you to Brian Barry for the amazing recruiting efforts on behalf of our players!
Much Mahalo to Lori, Tino, Zak, Tasi, Keiki and Makana for becoming Sting Ohana!
And a special shout out to Norma and Tony - our "O" for awesome cheering crew!
Congratulations to our 2011's who committed to their dream schools!
Congratulations to our 2010 graduates - Jillian Andersen, Cal Poly bound and Felicia Baldwin, UC Davis bound!
Enjoy the rest of your summer!!  

The 18G Sting sheds a tear in sending off 2 longtime players of the Sting organization. We laughed, we cried, and we had a lot of fun along the way as saw them play outstanding softball all the way to Division-I programs. Felicia Baldwin (above) heads East to UC Davis where she will add excitement to the Aggies team while Jillian Andersen (below) goes South to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, injecting her own brand of softball into the Mustangs club. We also say goodbye to their parents, who were just as fun to have as part of the Sting organization and family. Goodbye to T-Bone (Tammy), Steve (#1 All-Star Dad), Larry (Here's the deal) and the Chu's, along with their very supportive Grandparents.

Good People, Good Fun makes for Good Softball.

Congratulations San Jose - Sting 18G for going undefeated in Surf City Summer Showcase and taking 1st place in their pool, outscoring opponents 25 to 4!
Way to go ladies!

 8 am (L) San Jose Sting-18G-Smith (0) vs. Steal Breeze (1) 
(Field 7)

http://surfcitytourneys.com/SummerShowcase.php

 Friday and Saturday results
1. OC Elite - Christina
2. OC Hawks
3. San Jose Sting -Smith
4. PC Predators
5. LV Extreme

Friday, July 16th
1:30 pm  - Field 6 - (W) San Jose Sting-Smith (2) vs. PC Predators (0)
3:10 pm - Field 5 - (W) San Jose Sting - Smith (8) vs. OC Elite - Christina(2) - 2 rbi homerun by Katie "Kurse" Hoffman, rbi triple by Casey
great pitching by Ashley and Lujane

Saturday, July 17th
8:30 am - Field 6 - (W) San Jose Sting - Smith (3) vs. LV Extreme (0)
11:50 am - Field 6 - (W) San Jose Sting - Smith (12) vs. OC Hawks (2)
Homerun by Dani Randall, complete game pitched by Ashley Miller, Jessica Steigelman-3 rbi triple, Tasi- 2 rbis

>>>>>18G Sting Smith team (below) after final game in Colorado.<<<<<

Not only is Keiki a force on the mound, but she wields a big stick, as seen in the photo below stroking a base hit against the Northwest Eruption. Keiki also homered along with round trippers by Dani Randall and Felicia Baldwin (2) in the comeback bottom of the 7th win against the Oklahoma Jitterbugs.

Katie Hoffman (12) above, scoops the one hopper from Keiki Carlos at 3rd to get the Texas Storm runner out at first while Sting Pitcher Ashley Miller looks on. 

What looked like a sure RBI hit to CF to tie up the game was short lived as Dani Randall pegged a perfect strike to Casey Morris who sat and waited for the player to slide into her for the game saving out to secure a 1-0 win for the Sting over SoCal Strike Force.

Outscoring opponents 33-6, highlights included an inside the park homerun by Megan Hansen and a homerun over the fence by Dani Randall. Ashley, Lujane and Kendra provided the pitching power in fueling the wins; and there was plenty of offense as well, based on the scores.

Saturday, June 12th - Doc Romeo - Field 5
12:30 pm    So Cal Cobras (0)  vs. (W) SJ Sting (15) - Megan Hansen, inside the park homerun
  3:30 pm   (W) SJ Sting (3)  vs. Strike Force Gold (0)

Sunday, June 13th - Majestic - Field 4
11 am       (W) SJ Sting (1) vs. Strike Force-Guerra (0)
  2 pm       (W) SJ Sting (9) vs. So Cal Commotion (4)
  5 pm       (W) SJ Sting (5) vs. Artesia Punishers-Mark (2) - Dani Randall, homerun over the left field fence
 

click on photo of Makana to view more action from this past weekend

Made you flinch......

The 18 Gold-Smith team welcomes Makana, Tasi & Keiki  (Left to Right)  to their new ohana for the summer.  The Sting kicked off the the 2010 season with a 6-2 record in the R&R Gold Memorial Day Tournament. 

Overall, we went 6-2 for the weekend. A couple of homeruns by Dani and 1 by Fe made it exciting. 

Sat. 5/29    L -Sting (0) vs. Mayhem (1) 
Sat. 5/29    W - Magnum Force (2)  vs. Sting (7) 
Sat. 5/29    W - Roseville Heat - Rod (3) vs. Sting (7)

Sun. 5/30   W - Sting (4) vs. Strike Zone - RY (3)
Sun. 5/30   L -Sting (4)  vs. USA-Gold (5)
Sun. 5/30   W -Sting (11) vs. NV Lightning  (2) 

Mon. 5/31   W -Salinas Rockets (0) vs. Sting (10)
Mon. 5/31   W -Grapettes (1)  TC - vs. Sting (5)

Dani Randall (18G-Smith) had an amazing season for Mt. Pleasant High school this year. As team captain, Dani certainly led by example in helping her team win their league. In addition to her team going 14-0 overall, Dani notched the following impressive season stats to garner the MVP award: .512 batting avg., 6 homeruns, 36 RBI's and 20 stolen bases.

In recent play, Westmont shut out Branham 7-0. Lujane Mussadi (18G-Smith) dominated in the circle, keeping Branham scoreless in the 7 inning game. Casey Morris (18G-Smith) was the top player for Westmont, recording 2 hits, with a double and an RBI.

5-2-10
On last Sunday's Cal Hi Sports, both Felicia Baldwin (18G-Smith) and Katie Hoffman (18G-Smith) were highlighted for their accomplishments for their games that week. Both Baldwin and Hoffman hit 2 RBI triples in their respective league match-ups.

4-23-10

Danielle Randall ( Sting 18G - Smith) lead the Mt. Pleasant Cards in a recent game against Sobrato. Hitting for the cycle, which is a single, double, triple and HR, Dani notched 5 RBI's in the victory!

4-22-10
In a non-league game, rescheduled due to a rainout, Irvington played Valley Christian and Kendra Campbell (18G-Smith) proved to be a force to be reckoned with at the plate. Going 4 for 4, with 2 triples and 3 RBI's, Campbell provided 3 of the 6 runs Irvington put up in the 6-2 victory.
4-23-10
In a league matchup, Kendra Campbell (18G-Smith) and her Irvington Vikings outslugged the Kennedy Titans, 11-7 for the win. Campbell was 3 for 4 in the victory.

4-16-10
In a recent league match-up, Ashley Miller (18G-Smith) held the visiting El Camino softball team to just 1 run in garnering the victory. Miller was dominant in the circle, striking out 10, going the distance for the Wildcats and keeping them unbeaten in league play, with a 5-0 record.

4-1-10

Lujane Mussadi (18G-Smith) improves record to 6-1 by limiting Evergreen Valley to 1 run in the Westmont victory.  Mussadi allowed only 2 hits when the game was called in the 5th on the 10 run rule.

Westmont 11, Evergreen Valley 1

Westmont                      704  10— 11  9  0

Evergreen Valley           001  00— 1    2  3

WP — Mussadi (6-1). LP — Reis (0-1). Top players — Grant (E) 2 hits, 3B; Jordan (W) 3 hits, 2B, RBI. Records — Westmont 10-5, 3-0; Evergreen Valley 0-2.

4-1-10
Katie "Kurse" Hoffman (18G-Smith) dealt heavily favored Newark High a mighty blow in recent League action. Newark was leading Washington in the top of the 6th 3-0 before Katie crushed a 3 run HR over the left field fence to tie the game at 3-3. Washington took Newark to the 8th inning before unloading a scoring barrage to secure the win 11-4. Katie finished the game going  2-5 with a HR, single and 5 RBI's. Cal High Sports captured the HR in the April 4th episode.  

Washington is now 4-0 in league play. 

3-24-10

Megan Hansen (18G-Smith), firstbase with Carlmont High, was named San Mateo Times-Athlete of the Week for March 24th, 2010. Hansen, who plays a number of different roles for the Carlmont Scots (the number one ranked team in San Mateo County,)had five hits in eight at-bats over three games, including a home run, a double and knocked in 4 RBI's.

3-29-10

Sylvia Llamas (18G-Smith) leads the Monarchs in team batting with 15 hits in 35 official at-bats. Beside leading team in runs scored with 7, Syl is one of the top RBI producers with 6, with a double and triple to her credit.

Freshman Ashley Chestnut (16U-Esquibel), is not far behind Ms. Llamas slugging an impressive .409 BA through 9 games with Mitty. Ashley has 5 RBI's and 2 doubles.

3-20-10

The San Benito Lady Balers kept their perfect record in tact and picked up some hardware for the effort as they edged Leigh 3-2 on Saturday, then topped Presentation 5-1 to earn first place at the Annie Lynch Memorial Circle of Champions at the Salinas Sports Complex.

Brittney Hoff (Sting 18G-Smith), pictured left, played the spoiler role in breaking a 2-2 tie softball game against Leigh High in an epic 8 pitch at bat. On the eighth pitch, Hoff finally connected against the Leigh hurler for a walk-off RBI single to win the semi-final game, sending the Lady Balers on to the championship game.

In the championship game against Presentation-San Jose, the Lady Balers piled a 5 run lead with the help of an RBI hit by Jessica Steigelman(18G-Smith), pictured below. San Benito limited Leigh to 2 hits in winning 5-1 for the winners trophy.

Read complete story @:

http://www.freelancenews.com/sports/264116-softball-lady-balers-remain-perfect-take-first-at-circle-of-champions

3-22-10

Through 3 games in 2010, Danielle Randall (18G-Smith) leads the Mt. Pleasant Cards batting .400 with 4 hits in 10 plate appearances, including clubbing 2 doubles with 4 RBI's with parking a home run.against Piedmont Hills. Danielle leads the Cards with 4 RBI's.

3-20-10

Circle of Champions tournament

In Salinas

Westmont 4, Salinas 2 (8)

Westmont          200 000 02—4  5  2

Salinas              100  001 00—2  5  2

WP — Mussadi (4-1). LP — Rozo. Top player — Retzer (W) 2 hits, 3B, 3 RBIs; Enny (S) 3B, 2B. Records — Westmont 6-3; Salinas 1-4.

3-20-10

Ashley Miller (18G-Smith) pitched another 7 inning complete game win for the Woodside  Wildcats in blanking the Monte Vista Christian Mustangs 7-0 in non-league. Miller allowed only 4 hits, struck out 7  and allowed only 2 walks. 

3-16-10

Felicia Baldwin, 18G-Smith had a perfect day at the plate for Mountain View High school by going 4-4, slugging a home run, a double, and two singles, narrowly missing the cycle in a 6-2 winning effort against St. Ignatius High. Felicia also knocked in 2 RBI's.

March 17, 2010                                                            
Tiffany Meeks (18G-Gron) above

In a highly anticipated matchup, between 2 of the best CCS has to offer, Mitty came out on top 3-0. With a key hit from Jillian Andersen (18G-Smith) and an rbi single from Sylvia Llamas (18G-Smith), Mitty dominated from start to finish. U-Mass bound senior, Tiffany Meeks (18G-Gron) started for Notre Dame-Salinas in the contest but Mitty kept her hot bat quiet. 

   
Jillian Andersen (18G-Smith)
                                                                         
                                                                   Sylvia Llamas (Sting 18G-Smith)

 Mar 15, 2010
 By (Hollister) Free Lance Sports Staff

Perhaps more impressive was the perfect game came against Piedmont Hills (by San Benito Pitcher Paige Miguel.)

Miguel received more than enough run support as well. Brittany Hoff (18G-Smith), pictured right, had two hits, including a triple; Puentes had two hits, including an inside-the-park three-run homer; while Adame, Jessica Steigelman (18G-Smith) pictured below, and Jessica Vest all had two hits apiece.

For Complete story: http://www.freelancenews.com/sports/263941-softball-miguel-throws-perfect-game-as-lady-balers-advance-in-circle-of-champions

3-13-10 

Casey Morris, left, (18G-Smith) is leading off the season for the Westmont Warriors batting at a torrid .500 pace. In 24 AB's, Morris has collected 12 hits including a double and 2-HR's, knocked in 10RBI's, and scored a pair of runs.

Lujane Mussadi, (18G-Smith),pictured below, has also jumped off to a strong start compiling a 3-1 record with a 1.11 ERA. Lujane has struck out 27 while yielding only 4 BB's to opponents battery. In addition, she has pitched 2 shutouts in 4 games.

Several Sting players contributed in the Mitty High's 4-0 victory over Freedom High school (Brentwood) Saturday March 6th. Cal Poly bound Jillian Andersen (18G-Smith) came up big hitting 1 for 3 with a double and 2 RBI's. Sylvia Llamas(18G Smith) batted 1 for 3, scoring 1 run. Starting Freshman-Ashley Chestnut (16U-Esquibel)  hit 1 for 3 in the win.

 Jillian Andersen (left) 1-3 w/ 2 RBI's

Ashley Miller (18G-Smith) pitched 7 shutout innings to defeat Sacred Heart Cathedral 8-0 in non-league action March 4th. Miller stymied SH by limiting them to 3 hits and striking out 12, while issuing only 2 walks. Miller also batted 1 for 2 in helping her winning cause.

3-21-10

Debie Smith announced the addition of Jeff Pepin as the new Assistant Coach to her 18G travel team. Jeff brings with him many years of experience in coaching, having most recently spent time on the Coaching staff of the San Jose Lady Sharks.  Jeff also offers hitting lessons at the Cutting Edge San Jose facility in his "spare" time. Besides coaching, Jeff fills in the rest of his spare time with wife Laura, as well as watching his daughter Jessica pitch for the San Jose City College Jaguars and son David playing hockey for a local San Jose club team.

The Sting welcome Coach Jeff and family.

Megan H rips a foul ball that seems to be zeroing in on Sting baserunner Kendra C. The ball just narrowly missed (and coaches were pleased to note she was in foul territory.)

Click on picture of Megan H (above) to view latest pictures from Strikkers Showcase Tournament.

Brian Newman has t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts and some sweatshirts available. Please e-mail Brian at hello_newman@rocketmail.com to find out what he has available, so you can be ready for that next tourney and show your Sting pride!

Amanda Anderson, 2010 grad and 18G -Smith, has made her verbal commitment to join the Argonauts softball team at Notre Dame de Namur University. Amanda had attended several camps and felt right at home with the team, Coach and campus. Amanda will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact when she joins the squad. Coach Rianda is very excited to have Amanda join the Argonauts!
Congratulations Amanda!!!

JILLIAN ANDERSEN / OF / SAN JOSE, CA (MITTY HS)
A two-time All-West Catholic Athletic League and All-Mercury News first team selection, Andersen finished fourth among league hitters in 2009 with a .423 batting average, in addition to compiling a .536 slugging percentage, a .447 on-base percentage, 28 runs and 20 RBI. Andersen earned Mercury News Sophomore of the Year praise and All-San Francisco Chronicle second team recognition in 2008 after hitting .421. With Andersen in the lineup, Mitty posted a combined 55-4-1 record during the previous two seasons and captured consecutive WCAL championships and California Interscholastic Federation Central Coast Section Division II titles. During the 2009 season alone, Mitty HS was ranked as the No. 1 prep program by ESPN RISE. Also four-year letterwinner in field hockey, Andersen is a member of the San Jose Sting club program.
 

Baldwin enters her senior season after already receiving multiple Central Coast Section post-season honors. She has been named First-Team All-CCS as well as Second-Team as a freshman. She has twice helped lead her team to the CCS playoffs. Baldwin is a multi-sport athlete who also stars on Mountain View's soccer team.

"Felicia has huge potential within the Aggie program," said Yoder. "Her athleticism has been magnified by her ability to contribute in multiple positions, and I am enthusiastic about her upside as a player."
 

In a surprising turn of events, Steve Andersen (father of Jillian) has been named to the #1 Dad All Star Team. Having come close in voting in years past, Steve was feeling like this could be the year he finally garnered the needed votes to make the team. With 21 out of 25 first place votes, Steve was easily elected.
Congratulations Steve!

Please forward any articles/boxscores on Sting Players to the following e-mail address:

4hoffmans@comcast.net