In the final tournament of the 2017 season, the Flame Black 04 14U fastpitch squad rose to the occasion against one of their biggest rivals.
The Flame Black 04 14U team, which is based out of Bellevue, earned a 6-4 win against the Bellevue Blast in the Ghost and Goblins tournament championship game on Oct. 22 in Chehalis. The tournament, which was originally scheduled to be played in Everett, was moved to an indoor facility in Chehalis due to inclement weather conditions. The Flame Black 04 14U team compiled a 4-0-1 overall record at the tournament.
Flame co-coach Jack Worthington said winning the title wouldn’t had been possible without a sensational defensive play by Mak Taylor in the title game.
“Our shortstop made a game-saving diving play late in the championship. That was pretty awesome,” Worthington said.
Flame hurlers Rachel Treves and Kailee Kores dominated the tournament in the pitching circle.
“They are our best two pitchers. They pitched all the games on Sunday, (final day of the tournament) which is elimination day. They just did a great job,” Worthington said. “The key really for us playing well is pitching and defense. When we pitch well and when we play good defense we’re going to be very successful because we’re always going to hit and we’re always going to score runs.”
The Flame won’t compete in another tournament until they make the 1,110 mile trek to Vegas in February of 2018.
“This (Ghost and Goblins tournament) was the last tournament for the fall. From now on it is just basically indoor practices through the winter,” Worthington said. “Winning this last one was awesome. There is no other feeling like it. We work really hard and practice three times a week. To have this kind of success, it is just great.”
Members of the championship roster included Cam Davidson, Izzy Neville, Marissa Tremblay, Mayzie Smith, Olivia George, Mya Michel, Cate Menting, Chasey Fledderman, Lily Sahagian, Kiara Kamimae, Treves, Kores and Taylor. The team was coached by Alex Usher, Kenny Morrison and Worthington.
