Red Hot Charlotte Blaze Win 10th Straight Tournament

June 22, 2008

            What could possibly be hotter than the region’s recent heat wave?  Eleven little girls in pony tails and war paint known as the 8U Charlotte Blaze Girls Fastpitch Softball Team.  These young ladies have been burning up the softball field week after week with blazing hot bats and near flawless defense.  Just how hot have they been?  During the 2008 season, the 8U Blaze have posted a jaw dropping 43 – 1 record and outscored their opponents 617 – 138.  This consistently strong performance has resulted in 10 straight tournament championships – an unheard of accomplishment and a first for the Blaze organization. 

            With their latest performance this past weekend, the Baby Blaze can add the NSA NC State Championship to their long list of 2008 wins.  Over the last few months, they have competed in and won an incredible 10 straight tournaments:  AAU Team Warm Up, AAU Top Gun “NIT”, NSA Battle of the South, AAU Spring National, AAU Top Gun State Championship, NSA Mighty Casey, AAU Summer Sports, AAU District Championship, AAU State Championship, and NSA State Championship.

            When asked if he had any idea how good his squad would be this year, head coach Drew Bjorson replied, “The girls’ potential at the beginning of the season was unbelievable.  They have such great natural instincts that they make plays typical of 14U teams without even thinking about it.  To see girls this young with this much talent is simply a thing of beauty.  They took their first loss in the NSA State tournament after being 41 – 0 and then came back to win the state title.  As a coach, you’re lucky ever to see a group of girls and a season like this.  We are enjoying every minute of it and I am so proud and honored to be their coach.”

The members of this talented team include:  Brittney Krider (Pitcher), Taylor Davis (1st), Darby Trull (2nd), Samantha Bates (SS), Logan Bjorson (3rd), Cassie Wancheck (Catcher/OF), Sophia Ivie (OF), Lauren Collie (OF), Courtney Layton (OF), Jordyn Williams (OF/Catcher), and Danielle Chapman (OF).   This amazing team will be looking to continue their winning streak this weekend by competing in the WFC Western NC State Tournament in Marion NC.  Best of luck Blaze!