\n\tThe West Grove Softball 12-U all-star team, also called the Shock, will soon venture far from West Garden Grove and arrive in another state, where it will compete at the biggest softball tournament in the nation.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n\tThe West Grove Softball 12-U all-star team, also called the Shock, will soon venture far from West Garden Grove and arrive in another state, where it will compete at the biggest softball tournament in the nation.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe team qualified for the ASA Western National, the equivalent of the Little League World Series in the world of competitive softball. Though the tourney kicks off July 30 at Wallace Marine Park in Salem, Ore., West Grove will not depart until July 29, because, before it can hit the road, it needs to raise more money to pay for travel and lodging expenses.  <\/p>\n

\n\tWest Grove won’t travel in style, either. It plans to caravan for 16 hours until it reaches Salem.<\/p>\n

\n\tWith 12 days left, West Grove continues to seek additional donations. After all, it’s only generated one-third of the intended goal of $13,000. <\/p>\n

\n\tWest Grove’s coaching staff still stayed optimistic and even graciously thanked all members of the local community who already pledged their support as well as generous donations.<\/p>\n

\n\t“A lot of local businesses gave us so much,” said West Grove manager Jennifer Smalley, who cited a substantial donation from the city of Garden Grove’s Community Department. “We are all very, very thankful for each sponsor and all their help.”<\/p>\n

\n\tThe local community should cheer and support this team, considering it will soon become the fourth West Grove club to play at the national tourney. Additionally, it’s the first 12-U squad from West Grove to qualify and attempt to go the distance.<\/p>\n

\n\tTwo previous teams from West Grove delivered championship seasons. The 14-U team, the most recent to win the national crown, triumphed in Oregon two years ago. Additionally, a 10-U team, known then as Toxic, went undefeated at national tourney in 2008 to secure the league’s first title.<\/p>\n

\n\tYet the road to the national title, and even the national tourney, is no easy task or small feat.<\/p>\n

\n\tIn order to qualify, West Grove finished in fifth at the States Championship, where the top eight teams advanced to nationals.  This year’s other notable West Grove results include three straight tourney titles – at La Mirada, Chino Hills and Moreno Valley – as well as a runner-up finish – behind San Clemente – at the Central District tournament, the first qualifying leg of the all-star season.<\/p>\n

\n\tIn all, West Grove accumulated a whopping 27-6 overall record. Even more impressive, it’s one of only two teams that will represent Orange County this year at the national tourney.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe other OC school\/representative will be Huntington Beach, which competed in the same Central District tourney as West Grove.<\/p>\n

\n\t“It’s so great and exciting,” said Hhana Haro, one of four returners. “I’ve never been to anything like this (Western National) or played in Oregon before.”<\/p>\n

\n\t“Me too,” said Isabella Ramirez, another returner.<\/p>\n

\n\t“I think nobody from this team has been there before, and I’m pretty sure about that” said Haro, who then smiled, ear to ear, before dropping her voice two octaves to add. “We could really be national champions – so exciting.”<\/p>\n

\n\tWest Grove showcases a 15-man roster and every player attends a school in the Garden Grove School District. Some might even eventually join the Pacifica High softball program, which dominated the national rankings this year and always fields a powerhouse club.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe team will be lead by Smalley and assistant coach Jaime Ramirez, who joined the league as a coach six years ago. Both like West Grove’s chances in Salem, primarily due to its standout performances in the district and states.<\/p>\n

\n\t“I think we definitely got a chance,” said Smalley, whose team will play at least two games at nationals due to the double elimination format. “I really do. We have a lot of talent.”<\/p>\n

\n\tAdditionally, West Grove’s a deep team, so much so that Smalley and Ramirez refused to acknowledge a star player or ace pitcher. They opted to praise the entire squad – and its cohesiveness – instead, with Ramirez adding that everyone on this team manages to contribute.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe coaching staff did credit their strong pitching staff and explosive offense lineup as primary reasons for the team’s consistency and domination, which includes a handful of shutouts and mercy-rule victories in tournaments.<\/p>\n

\n\tOn the rubber, pitchers Taylor Whalen, Mariah Coday and Ashley Pilatos form the starting rotation. The coaching staff actually considers each member of the trio as a starter with the talent to always go the distance, with catcher Isabella Ramirez serving as the battery mate for all three right-handers.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe West Grove infield, on the other hand, consists of shortstop Breanna Ortiz and second baseman Jillian Smalley as well as third baseman Haro and first baseman Alyssa Burt.<\/p>\n

\n\tMost of the others rotate from position to position in the outfield, where all seven outfielders routinely switch off to provide each player with some playing time. That list includes Julie Delgado, Eliza Sandoval, Camryn Blake, Kayla Pemasa, Alexis Keller, Christy Kelly and Mariyah Sandoval.<\/p>\n

\n\t“Everyone on this team seems to be about equal (in ability),” Smalley said.<\/p>\n

\n\tEach member of the team, whether taking batting practice or posing for a team photo, always looks comfortable with the rest of the team, too, which stems from old friendships that date back to their T-Ball days.<\/p>\n

\n\t“I first started at age 7,” Haro said. “I’ve known everyone here a long time.”<\/p>\n

\n\t“I have too, and I started at 7, too,” said Ramirez, who fact-checked her statement with her mother. “Everyone on this team is now friends. It’s like my second family.” <\/p>\n

\n\tTo donate to the league’s travel and expense fund, visit https:\/\/www.wepay.com\/donations\/west-grove-softball-all-star-fundraiser<\/a>, and to learn more about the Western National Championships, visit www.softballcityusa.com<\/a> and click on the Western National option.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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