10U-Palazzo Wins Freeze Bullying Championship

Bracket play in the USSSA Freeze Bullying tournament 10U-C division was moved to Saturday ahead of Sunday’s forecasted rain, and Firebirds 10U-Palazzo took full advantage to claim the title. They jumped out to an 8-0 lead on the Virginia Unity after 3 innings, then held on to win the championship, 10-6. Marina P., Abby M., Caitlyn L., & Lauren H. each knocked in 2 runs. Megan B., Caitlyn L., & Mya C. each contributed from the circle, combining to strike out 8.

The Firebirds avenged a big Unity comeback in pool play that resulted in a 7-7 tie. They shut out the Stingrays, 7-0, in their second pool play game to capture the top seed moving into bracket play.

Clermont Park Master Plan Update

Thank you to everyone who submitted comments to the Fairfax County Park Authority urging them to include lighting the two softball fields at Clermont Park as part of a proposed master plan revision. (See our earlier post on this issue.) The Park Authority received tons of comments, including a lot from nearby residents opposing lights completely.

Given all of the comments, Jeff McKay, who represents Lee District on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, has convened a Clermont Park Task Force to further discuss the proposal. NVGSA and the Firebirds will be represented on the task force, which will begin meeting this month.

You can read the submitted comments, and see newly updated information on the project, at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/planning-development/clermont.

We will keep you updated on further developments. If you have any questions about the process or the proposal, please contact Jesse Ellis, NVGSA Vice President for Travel, at travel@nvgsa.org.

18U-Meyer Captures Madison Small Memorial Title

Firebirds 18U-Meyer won the USSSA Madison Small Memorial qualifier tournament this weekend in Sterling, outscoring their three opponents on Sunday (in back-to-back-to-back games) by a combined 24-4.

In the semifinals, they avenged a pool play loss to the Revolution by earning a 7-0 shutout. Cara Martin struck out 6 while giving up just 1 hit over 5 innings, and Bridget Laychak and Lily Field each contributed multiple RBIs.

The championship game against the Shenandoah Valley Mavericks was an 11-1 rout. Ella Meyer held the Mavericks hitless and scoreless over 4 innings, striking out 8 and walking none. Bridget Laychak and Alli Stangl each had 2 RBI, and Sarah Wilsey smashed an RBI triple.

The team has won two of their last three tournaments. They next compete at the USSSA T1 and Done in Central Maryland on October 19 and 20.