Category: ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch

Joan Joyce

Joan Joyce

The softball community in mourning the loss of National Softball Hall of Fame member and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Head Softball Coach, Joan Joyce, who passed away on Saturday, March 26, 2022. She was 81 years old.

Softball is a team sport. But Hall of Famer Joan Joyce dominated it if it was an individual sport during a 21-year career for the Orange, CA Lionettes and the Raybestos Brakettes, Stratford, CT. Born August 19, 1940, Joyce made her debut with the Brakettes in 1956 and played for them through 1963. From 1964-1966, she compiled a record of 80 wins and six losses pitching for the Orange, CA Lionettes. She re-joined the Brakettes in 1967 and remained until retiring after the 1975 season. As a Brakette, she won 429 games and lost 27 and struck out 5,677 batters in 3,397 innings. She hurled 105 no-hitters and 33 perfect games. Besides being a great hurler, Joyce also was one of the game’s all-time top hitters, finishing her career with a .327 batting average that included leading the Brakettes in batting times six times (1962, 1960, 1967-1969, 1973). Her highest single season average was .406 in 1973. She was a member of 12 national championship teams and 18 times was named an ASA All-America. Eight times she shared or won outright the MVP award in the Women’s National Championship. In 1974, Joan led the Brakettes to the world title in the third ISF Women’s World Championship. She was inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame in 1999. Named by Sports Illustrated that year as the 13th greatest sports figure in Connecticut history.

“Joan Joyce was one of those rare people to enjoy success as both a player and a coach. After concluding an illustrious playing career that spanned parts of four decades in numerous sports, Joyce was named Head Softball Coach at FAU in 1994. The 2022 season was her 28th with the Owls. She was the only FAU softball head coach in program history, racking up 1,002 wins and eight Conference Coach of the Year titles in three different conferences along the way. Under Joyce, the program’s accomplishments are unparalleled: eight-consecutive Conference Championships (1997-2004) – 12 in all (2006, 2007, 2016, 2018) – and eight straight NCAA Tournament appearances (1997-2004) – 11 in all (2006, 2015, 2016).”

Women’s Fastpitch Champions

Note: Tourney W-L record is included in Season W-L record as compiled by Patrick M. Premo (see “Thanks” below)

* – 2009: Women’s Major Softball (WMS) replaces USA Softball

Year Championship Team Tourney Record Season Record
1933 Great Northern Laundry Girls – Chicago, IL 3-0
1934 Hart Motor Girls – Chicago, IL (was Great Northern last year) 3-0 21-3
1935 Weaver-Wall Bloomer Girls – Cleveland, OH 4-0
1936 National Screw Mfg. – Cleveland, OH 5-0
1937 National Screw Mfg. – Cleveland, OH 5-0
1938 J.J. Krieg’s Haberdashers – Alameda, CA 5-0 48-0
1939 J.J. Krieg’s Haberdashers – Alameda, CA 5-0 54-2
1940 Arizona PBSW Ramblers – Phoenix, AZ 5-0 43-14
1941 Higgins Midgets – Tulsa, OK 5-0 64-6
1942 Jax Brewery Maids – New Orleans, LA 5-0 92-6
1943 Jax Brewery Maids – New Orleans, LA 5-0 68-7
1944 Lind & Pomeroy Florists – Portland, OR 5-0 66-7
1945 Jax Brewery Maids – New Orleans, LA 5-0 22-3
1946 Jax Brewery Maids – New Orleans, LA 5-0 56-0
1947 Jax Brewery Maids – New Orleans, LA 5-0 58-5
1948 Arizona PBSW Ramblers – Phoenix, AZ 6-1 61-17
1949 Arizona PBSW Ramblers – Phoenix, AZ 5-0 67-13
1950 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 5-1 67-9
1951 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 5-0 63-12
1952 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 6-1 65-14
1953 Betsy Ross Rockets – Fresno, CA 5-1 35-11
1954 Leach Motor Rockets – Fresno, CA 6-0 34-11
1955 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 5-0
1956 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 6-0
1957 Hacienda Rockets – Fresno, CA 5-0 33-12
1958 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 52-5
1959 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 56-7
1960 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 54-7
1961 Whittier Gold Sox – Whittier, CA 5-1 23-23
1962 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 8-1 41-11
1963 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 56-2
1964 Erv Lind Florists – Portland, OR 5-0 60-16-1
1965 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 5-0 50-4
1966 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-1 74-4
1967 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 67-2
1968 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 69-6
1969 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 5-0 61-10
1970 Orange Lionettes – Orange, CA 7-1 74-13
1971 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 5-0 57-0
1972 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 60-6
1973 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 8-1 61-7
1974 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 9-1 81-5
1975 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 67-3
1976 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 44-12
1977 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 7-1 52-8
1978 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 78-8
1979 Sun City Saints – Sun City, AZ 5-0 58-15
1980 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 5-1 60-11
1981 Orlando Rebels – Orlando, FL 6-1 78-8
1982 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-1 62-4
1983 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 10-1 58-6
1984 California Diamond Blazers – Los Angeles, CA 6-0 34-9
1985 Hi-Lo Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 66-3
1986 California Kirin Invasion – West Covina, CA 5-0 84-4
1987 Orange County Majestics – Orange, CA 6-0 35-10
1988 Hi-Lo Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 79-4
1989 Whittier Raiders – Whittier, CA 6-1 39-5
1990 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 65-5
1991 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 8-1 64-2
1992 Raybestos Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-1 51-1
1993 Redding Rebels – Redding, CA 8-1 37-4
1994 Redding Rebels – Redding, CA 9-1 34-8
1995 Redding Rebels – Redding, CA 7-1 38-4
1996 California Commotion – Woodland Hills, CA 6-1 15-3
1997 California Commotion – Woodland Hills, CA 6-0 37-6
1998 California Commotion – Woodland Hills, CA 6-0 40-3
1999 California Commotion – Woodland Hills, CA 6-0 35-5
2000 Phoenix Storm – Phoenix, AZ 8-1 17-6
2001 Phoenix Storm – Phoenix, AZ 7-1 16-8
2002 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 5-0 78-1
2003 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 5-0 65-5
2004 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-0 50-4
2005 California Schutt Hurricanes – Lake Forest, CA 5-0 25-11
2006 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 5-0 46-4
2007 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 2-0 56-5
2008 Southern California Hurricanes – Irving, CA 3-0 30-5
2009* New York City Havoc – New York, NY 5-0 17-9
2010 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-0 57-1
2011 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-0 63-0
2012 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-0 68-3
2013 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-0 68-0
2014 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-0 50-4
2015 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-0 44-6
2016 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-1 52-3
2017 St. Louis Saints – St. Louis, MO 4-0 26-7
2018 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 7-1 47-4
2019 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 6-0 46-1
2020 Stratford Brakettes – Stratford, CT 4-0 34-2

* Women’s Major Softball (WMS) replaces USA Softball

# Krieg’s won 175 straight games before losing in the 1940 ASA Tournament. What we don’t know is how those wins were divided each year.

Many people have been — and continue to be — very helpful in my quest to locate seasonal & tourney games won and lost. I appreciate all their help & patience. Alphabetically, many thanks to: Bob Baird (Brakettes), Rick Beach (former Phoenix Storm coach), Suzy Brazney (former Calfornia Hurricanes & California Majestics player), Phil Bruder (former California Invasion coach), Jeanne Contel (former Fresno Rockets player), Steve Dimitry (softballhistoryusa.com), Stormy Irwin (softball historian), Kelly Jackson (former Redding Rebel player), David Jerome (Mr. Bucketlist), Luann Madison (Softball Magazine), Lynn Mooney (former Sun City Saints Player), Becky Rice (former Sun City Saints player), Carol Spanks (former Orange Lionettes player), Kirk Walker (former California Commotion coach), and Erica Westly (FASTPITCH author).

Please send any corrections, additions, etc. to me at: pmpremo@gmail.com or 404-996-2192.

2008 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2008 held at Amherst, New York.

Champion – Southern California Hurricanes, Irving, CA
Runner Up – Western New York Extreme, Orchard Park, NY

The tournament was never completed, WNY Extreme lost winners bracket final and were supposed to play Brakettes, but the tournament was rained out and Southern Cal Hurricanes were awarded the championship as the only unbeaten team, WNY Extreme was awarded second and Brakettes third. Brakettes came into the tournament with a 52-1 record. After losing to the Extreme 2-1 in the 1st game, Brakettes won next 5 games by a 36-2 margin, before it was called. The Brakettes finished the year with a 59-2 record.

The Brakettes were very upset with the rainout decision, they stopped playing ASA National play and started an organization based out of Stratford, CT called the Women’s Major Softball. Other top teams were interested and the first WMS National Tournament had The Brakettes, WNY Etreme, St Louis Saints, and NY Freedom.

This decimated the ASA Major National Tournament in 2009, which was cancelled. In 2010, the WMS tournament included 2 more teams that played in that 2008 Women’s Major National; NYC Havoc and TC Tremers.

The ASA Women’s Major National Championship Tournament has not been held since 2008. Meanwhile the WMS has had 69 teams play in the 7 years that the WMS has been in existence, averaging about 10 teams per year.

Leslie Malerich, Stratford Brakettes had a 6 inning 8-0 one–hitter with 13 K and then pitched 2 games, 5 IP total in relief with 8 K’, including 2 wins – her totals were 3-0, 11 IP, 21 K.

Bailey Sanders of the Brakettes was 1-0, with a 1-0 five inning no hitter.

  • MVP – Megan Langenfeld, Southern California Hurricanes
  • HR Leader – Jess Serio, Stratford Brakettes – 2
  • HR Leader – Mandy Fishback, Stratford Brakettes – 2
  • Batting Leader – Jess Serio, Stratford Brakettes – .667
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Danielle Henderson, Stratford
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Rachel Clonick, West NY Extreme

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P –  Danielle Henderson, Brakettes (threw a 6 inning 9-1 victory with 12 K, then 5 inning 9-0 no hitter with 9 K, and finally a 5 inning 12-0 shutout with 12 more K). She finished up the tournament with a 3-0 record, 16 IP, 33 K, and 2 shutouts.
P – Brittany Stratton, WNY Xtreme
P – Megan Langenfeld, Southern California Hurricanes (threw a 1-hit shutout in the opening game to win 8-0)
C – Jessica Serio, Brakettes (8-12, .667)
IF – Melissa Sanchez, Southern California Hurricanes
IF – Keli Leong, NY Freedom
IF – Jennifer Griffin, Southern California Hurricanes
IF – Amanda Kotz, WNY Xtreme
OF – Kaitlin Cochran, Brakettes
OF – Danielle Miller, Southern California Hurricanes
OF – Amanda Clack, St. Louis Saints
OF – Jenna Baker, WNY Xtreme
UTIL – Rachel Clonick, WNY Xtreme
UTIL – Ashley Hall, St. Louis Saints
UTIL – Whitney Mollica, Brakettes

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Casey Hanks, Lady Explorers
P – Chelsea Plimpton, Williamsville South
P –  Brandice Balschmiter, Brakettes (0-1, 16 IP, 26 K and only gave up 3 hits)
C – Jessica Chatterton, Lady Explorers
IF – Candice Curtis, St. Louis Saints
IF – Katie Lancelotti, Amherst-Gold
IF – Ashley Gilson, Lady Explorers
IF – Samantha Thacker, Lady Explorers
OF – Kristin Haudoglous, NY Freedom
OF – Lynn Spezio, Topton VIP
OF – Denise Denis, Brakettes
OF – Claire Fridey, Williamsville South
UTIL – Dana Webb, Williamsville South
UTIL – Jessica Mouse, Brakettes
UTIL – Mandie Fishback, Brakettes

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Southern Cal Hurricanes, Irving, CA (3-0)
2. WNY Xtreme, Orchard Park, NY (3-1)
3. Brakettes, Stratford, CT (5-1)
4. Williamsville South, Amherst, NY (3-2)
5t. Lady Explorers, Midland, MI (2-2)
5t. St. Louis Saints, St. Louis, MO (2-2)
7t. NY Freedom, Babylon, NY (1-2)
7t. Amherst-Gold, Amherst, NY (1-2)
9t. Amherst Collision, Amherst, NY (1-2)
9t. Topton Vip, Hellerton, PA (1-2)
9t. TC Tremors, Endicott, NY (0-2)
9t. Amherst-Brooks, Amherst, NY (0-2)
13. Sandlot, Amherst, NY (0-2)

L-R, top row – Manager John Stratton, Coach Rich Roessner, Jessica Serio, Leslie Malerich, Bailey Sanders, Brandice Balschmiter, Danielle Henderson, Kaitlin Cochran, Scorer Steve Pavlich, Coach Jay Stratton. Middle row- Amber Radomski, Rachele Fico, Jessica Mouse, Laura Trout, Jill Cimminello, Whitney Mollica. Bottom row – Denise Denis, Ashley Waters, Jenna Lopez, Mandie Fishback. Missing – Killian Roessner.

2007 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2007 held at Stratford, Connecticut.

Champion – Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (56-5)
Runner Up – Southern California Sliders, Yorba Linda, California

The format of the tournament changed to pool play with teams being seeded into a double elimination bracket.

Tournament never completed, Brakettes and Sliders were both 2-0 and in the winners bracket finals, Brakettes were leading Sliders 2-0 in winners bracket final when rain washed away the game and remainder of the tournament. By virtue of fewest runs allowed in Winners Bracket (9-1, 4-0 for a total of 1 run allowed), Brakettes were awarded the Championship and Sliders second (3-1, 7-3 for a total of 4 runs allowed). Katie Burkhart of the Brakettes (2-0, 7 IP, shutout, 12 K) was pitching the last game when the rains came. She had her team up 2-0 in the 3rd giving up 1 hit and already struck out 5. Leslie Malerich (1-0) won the other game for the Brakettes as they finished 4-0. In the losers bracket final, the Carbondale Cougars and the So Cal Hurricanes game had just started before it was washed out.

  • MVP – Courtney Bures, Stratford Brakettes
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Batting Leader – Sarah Clynes, Carbondale Cougars (9-15) – .600
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Brandice Balschmiter, Stratford Brakettes
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Not awarded

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P –  Brandice Balschmiter, Stratford Brakettes (2-0, she hurled a 5 inning 10-0 no-hitter with 8 K and then came back and tossed a 6-0 one-hitter with 8 K). All total, she was 2-0, 12 IP, 16 K, 1 hit and 0 Runs.
P – Leslie Malerich, Stratford Brakettes
P – Angelica Seldon, California Sliders
C – Melissa Roth, South California Hurricanes
1B – Stephanie Denlinger, Topton VIP’s
2B – Amanda Fishback, Stratford Brakettes
3B – Michelle Armentrout, South California Hurricanes
SS – Courtney Bures, Stratford Brakettes (was 3-3 in the 9-1 win 2 doubles and 2 RBI; then in the final game, Bures laid down a perfect suicide squeeze which scored a run and then another runner scored on an error on the subsequent throw.). She played great defense from her shortstop position as well.
OF – Sarah Clynes, Carbondale Cougars
OF – Sari Jane Jenkins, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Danielle Kinley, California Sliders
OF – Lindsay Pickering, Carbondale Cougars
UTIL – Sarah Coppert, Indiana Slammers
UTIL – Samantha Marder, California Sliders
UTIL – Melissa Sanchez, California Sliders

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Megan Denny, Carbondale Cougars
P – Sarah Hoffman, New York Freedom
P – Helen Pena, South California Hurricanes
C – Abby Gross, Indiana Slammers
1B – Rachel Folden, South California Hurricanes
2B – Crista Cerrone, New York Freedom
3B – Candace Clark, Topton VIP’s
SS –  Courtney Martinez, South California Hurricanes
OF – Katie Gollhardt, South California Hurricanes
OF – Jenny Jacobs, Indiana Slammers
OF – Cambra Miranda, California Sliders
OF – Christina Novak, Impact Fastpitch
UTIL – Tonya Callahan, Carbondale Cougars
UTIL – Toni DeFillippo, Topton VIP’s
UTIL – Morgan Wheeler, Impact Fastpitch

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, CT (2-0)
2. California Sliders, Montclair, CA (2-0)
3. Carbondale Cougars, Carbondale, IL (2-2)
4. Southern Cal. Hurricanes, Lake Forest, CA (3-2)
5t. Topton VIP’s, Topton, PA (3-2)
5t. Indiana Slammers, Hobart, IN (2-2)
7t. New York Freedom, Babylon, NY (2-2)
7t. Impact Fastpitch, Churubsuco, IN (2-2)
9t. Midland Lady Explorers, Midland, MI (0-2)
9t. Bloomington Lady Hearts, Bloomington, IL (0-2)
9t. Saints, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
9t. KAM/Hooters, Portage, MI (0-2)


L-R, top row – Scorer Steve Pavlich, GM Bob Baird, Courtney Bures, Manager John Stratton, Whitney Mollica, Stephanie Hill, Amanda Morin, Brandice Balschmiter, Leslie Malerich, Killian Roessner, Katie Burkhart, Joanna Gail, Coach Rich Roessner, Coach Julie Brzezinski, Media Director Rob Baird. Bottom row – Allison Twarowski, Jill Cimminello, Amber Radomski, Beth Boden, Mandie Fishback, Sari-Jane Jenkins, Denise Denis. Missing – Candice Freel.

2006 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2006 held at Stratford, Connecticut.

Champion – Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (46-4)
Runner Up – Southern California Sliders, Yorba Linda, California

Finishing the year 44-4, the Brakettes advanced to the championship round after beating Storm USA 6-0 in the winner’s bracket final. The Brakettes scored four times in the third and added two more runs in the fourth to send the Storm into the loser’s bracket. The Storm then lost to the Sliders, 4-2, in the loser’s bracket final to be eliminated and finish 2-2 and in third place for the second year in a row.

The Sliders (5-2) advanced to the loser’s bracket final by eliminating the St. Louis Saints, 4-1, who finished finished fourth (4-2).

The Brakettes got two excellent pitching performances from Candice Baker, she fanned 12 and allowed one hit in the winner’s bracket final and hurled a five-hitter with nine strikeouts in the championship game. The Brakettes supported her with 19 hits in the two games. Baker was overpowering in the first five innings, fanning 11 of the first 16 batters she faced, including the first six in a row.

Darcy Wood started for the Storm before Casey Halloran replaced her in the third inning. Wood came back in the fourth and pitched the remainder of the game for the Storm. The Brakettes scored four times in the third inning on an RBI double by Baker and RBI singles by Jenna Macchi and Courtney Bures. The Brakettes tallied two more runs in the fourth inning on a two-run single by Whitney Mollica (2-4), Macchi also had a pair of hits (double and single) in four at-bats.

In the championship game, the Brakettes pounded out nine hits against three Sliders’ pitchers, scoring one in the third and three each in the fourth and sixth innings. The Sliders scored twice in the sixth inning on an RBI triple by Amanda Kamekona and a Brakette error. In the seventh the Sliders tallied their second and last run on a pinch hit RBI double by Bridgette Caron. The Brakettes took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third on an RBI triple by Hayle Guess and added three more in the fourth on a two-run single by Lovena Chaput and an RBI single by Chelsi Lake. Three more runs in the sixth closed out the scoring for the Brakettes who got RBI doubles from Macchi and Mollica and an RBI triple by Baker.

The Sliders used three hurlers with Lorilyn Wilson the loser, Christy Robitaille and Kia Fennell. In addition to her triple, Baker had singles in the fourth and fifth innings to finish with three hits in four at-bats.

Stratford Brakettes pitchers Dani Hofer went 3-0, with 2 shutouts and Brandice Balschmiter went 1-0, 12 K.

  • MVP – Candice Baker, Stratford Brakettes
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Batting Leader – Kaitlyn Cochran, Southern California Sliders – .533
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Lorilyn Wilson, Southern California Sliders
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Jenna Macchi, Stratford Brakettes

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Brooke Baker, St. Louis Saints (2-0, 21 K, also 3-4 with 3B and RBI in championship) – she also batted .411 for the tournament
P – Candice Baker, Stratford Brakettes
P – Lorilyn Ann Wilson, S. California Sliders
C – Crystal Krebs, Storm USA
1B – Kali Shirk, Storm USA
2B – Jenna Macchi, Stratford Brakettes
3B – Whitney Mollica, Stratford Brakettes
SS – Amanda Kamekona, S. California Sliders
OF – Lovena Chaput, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Gina Carbonatto, Storm USA
OF – Kaitlin Cochran, S. California Sliders (8-15, .533)
OF – Lisa Modglin, S. California Sliders
UTIL – Michelle Smith, S. California Sliders
UTIL – Natalie Peters, St. Louis Saints
UTIL – Killian Roessner, Stratford Brakettes

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Courtney Piar, Amherst Lightning-Kulwick
P – Stacey Denlinger, Topton VIP
P – Chrissy Owens, Stratford Brakettes (1-0, no hitter)
C – Tessa Paolini, Amherst Lightning-Kulwick
1B – Deann Young, S. California Sliders
2B – Christa Gammon, St. Louis Saints
3B – Dawn Setter, Amherst Lightning-Kulwick
SS – Toni DiFilipo, Topton VIP
OF – Hayle Guess, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Nicole Willats, Buffalo Bisons
OF – Kristie Morcrette, Topton VIP
OF – Elizabeth Gall, Topton VIP
UTIL – Erin Miranda, Amherst Lightning-Kulwick
UTIL – Jackie Marten, St. Louis Saints
UTIL – Nikki Thompson, Buffalo Bisons

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, CT (5-0)
2. Southern Cal Sliders, Yorba Linda, CA (4-2)
3. Storm USA, Corona, CA (2-2)
4. St. Louis Saints, Manchester, MO (4-2)
5t. Topton VIPs, Hellerton, PA (2-2)
5t. Amherst Lightning-Kulwick, Amherst, NY (3-2)
7t. Buffalo Bisons, Buffalo, NY (2-2)
7t. WNY Xtreme, Orchard Park, NY (1-2)
9t. Lanova, Kenmore, NY (1-2)
9t. New York Freedom, Babylon, NY (1-2)
9t. Maurer & Scott Blasters, Coopersburg, PA (1-2)
9t. Amherst Lightning-Brooks, Amherst, NY (0-2)
13t. Staten Island Saints, Staten Island, NY (0-2)
13t. WNY Stampede, Lancaster, NY (0-2)

2005 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2005 held at Stratford, Connecticut.

Champion – California/Schutt Hurricanes, Burbank, California
Runner Up – Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (51-17)

The format of the tournament switched to a three game guarantee bracket.

The Schutt Hurricanes came from behind in the championship game to defeat the Brakettes 3-2. This was Suzy Brazney’s last ASA National Championship Tournament and she ended her 26 year career as a winner. She was the Schutt Hurricanes Catcher and batted .333 in the tournament. Schutt went undefeated in the tournament (5-0). Ashley Herrera and Kim Gonzalez both had run scoring singles in the 7th inning to give the Hurricanes the 3-2 lead. That’s all Mowatt needed as she finished off the Brakettes in the bottom of the 7th.

Anne Wells and Kristen Brust, Storm USA combined for 21 RBI.

Leslie Malerich went 1-0. Kaci Clark went 1-0. Cat Osterman went 0-1, 8 IP, 11 K.

  • MVP – Ashley Herrera, Hurricanes
  • HR Leader – Becky Turi, Hurricanes – 2
  • HR Leader – Christie Lotti, CT Breakers – 2
  • HR Leader – Anne Wells, Storm USA – 2
  • HR Leader – Kristen Brust, Storm USA – 2
  • Batting Leader – Kristine Rochette, Connecticut Classics  – .500
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Taryne Mowatt, Hurricanes
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Jessica Brady, Storm USA

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Taryne Mowatt, California Hurricanes (3-0, 21 IP, 19 K, She had 14 K and beat the Brakettes Cat Osterman 1-0 in 8 innings in winners bracket final and also won the 3-2 final game over Sarah Pauley)
P – Monica Abbott, California Hurricanes (2-0)
P – Sarah Pauley, Stratford Brakettes (2-1 with shutout, 29 IP, 25 K)
C – Suzy Brazney, California Hurricanes
1B – Kristen Brust, Storm USA (6-17, .353, 2 HR)
2B – Ashley Herrera, California Hurricanes (8-19, .421) – RBI single in 7th inning tied score in final, walk off SF won WB final 1-0 in 8th
3B – Callie Piper, Stratford Brakettes
SS – Becky Turi, California Hurricanes
OF – Courtney Lewis, Storm USA
OF – Amanda Jensen, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Krista Colburn, California Hurricanes
OF – Denise Dennis, Stratford Brakettes
UTIL – Anne Wells, Storm USA (9-21, .429, 2 HR)
UTIL – Kristine Rochette, Connecticut Classics (6-12, .500)
UTIL – Jennifer Dykstra, Storm USA

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Lauren Anderson, Storm USA
P – Danielle Shields, Storm USA
P – Viveca Patterson, New Jersey Divas
C – Killian Rossner, Stratford Brakettes
1B – Christie Lotti, Stratford Breakers
2B – Erica Sobel, Stratford Brakettes
3B – Amy Hillel, Storm USA
SS – Lovena Chaput, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Jamie Dacey, Storm USA
OF – Linda Secka, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Jessica Brady, Storm USA
OF – Germaine Fairchild, Stratford Brakettes
UTIL – Kelly Ogden, Storm USA
UTIL – Brianna Hout, Buffalo Bisons
UTIL – Amanda Acompora, Connecticut Classics

FINAL STANDINGS

1. California Hurricanes, Lake Forest, CA (5-0)
2. Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, CT (4-2)
3. Storm USA, Corona, CA (4-2)
4. Buffalo Bisons, Buffalo, NY 3-3
5t. New Jersey Divas, Linden, NJ (3-2)
5t. Stratford Breakers, Stratford, CT (2-2)
7t. Connecticut Classics, New Haven, CT (2-2)
7t. Staten Island Saints, Staten Island, NY 1-3
9t. Connecticut Mirage, Canton, CT (1-2)
9t. Lehigh Valley Patriots, Lehigh Valley, PA 1-3
9t. New York Raiders, Suffern, NY 0-3
9t. St. Louis Saints, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
13. Stratford Seahawks, Stratford, CT (1-2)

L-R, top row – Killian Roessner, Julie Brooks, Leslie Malerich, Lovena Chaput, Callie Piper, Jen Owens, Sarah Pauly, Germaine Fairchild. Bottom row – Donna McLean, Amanda Jensen, Denise Denis, Kim Ovittore, Linda Secka, Jill Cimminello. Missing from photo- Kaci Clark, Robyn King, Cat Osterman, Erica Sobel, Kim Wendland.

2004 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2004 held at Auburn, Alabama.

Champion – Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (50-4)
Runner Up – Storm USA, Laguna Hills, California

Donna McLean, Stratford Brakettes – She ended the scoreless game in bottom of 7th inning with 2-out walk off single scoring Jen Pawol that won the championship game 1-0.

Megan Biddle, Brakettes (1-0) and Stephanie VanBrackle, Brakettes (1-0, including the 1-0 shutout in the final in which she had 9 K)

  • MVP – Michelle Green, Stratford Brakettes
  • HR Leader – Staci Ramsay, Bama Blast – 2
  • Batting Leader – Danielle Kaminaka, Schutt Hurricanes – .467
  • Batting Leader – Randy Berg, Schutt Hurricanes – .467
  • Batting Leader – Courtney Fossati, Schutt Hurricanes – .467
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Michelle Green, Stratford Brakettes
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Jennifer Doehring, Carbondale Cougars

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Michelle Green, Stratford Brakettes (2-0, 1 Save, 28 K, 17 IP, .300 batting average )
P – Megan Masser, Storm USA
P – Abby Johnson, Carbondale Cougars
C – Shannon McKeon, Carbondale Cougars
1B – Ricki Walker, Storm USA
2B – Ashley Herrera, Schutt Hurricanes
3B – Danielle Kamnaka, Schutt Hurricanes (7-15, .467)
SS – Gabrielle Rendon, Storm USA
OF – Courtney Fossatti, Schutt Hurricanes (7-15, .467)
OF – Donna McLean, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Jamie Dacey, Storm USA
UTIL – Callie Piper, Stratford Brakettes
UTIL – Stephanie Best, Stratford Brakettes
UTIL – Randi Berg, Schutt Hurricanes (7-15, .467)
UTIL – Candice Baker, Schutt Hurricanes

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Christine Doyle, Storm USA
P – Tammy Nielson, Carbondale Cougars
P –  Stephanie VanBrakle, Stratford Brakettes
C – Suzy Brazney, Schutt Hurricanes
1B – Lindsay Fossatti, Schutt Hurricanes
2B – Lindsay Pickering, Carbondale Cougars
3B – Jessica Merchant, Stratford Brakettes
SS – Jennifer Doehring, Carbondale Cougars
OF – Teri Rooney, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Courtney Lewis, Storm USA
OF – Bridget Fournie, St. Louis Saints
OF – Andrea Williams, Carbondale Cougars
UTIL – Staci Ramsey, Bama Blast
UTIL – Jennifer Mahoney, Storm USA
UTIL – Kerry Farrell, Storm USA

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, CT (4-0)
2. Storm USA, Lake Forest, CA (3-2)
3. Carbondale Cougars, Carbondale, IL (2-2)
4. Schutt Hurricanes, Burbank, CA (2-2)
5t. Bama Blast, Auburn, AL (1-2)
5t. St. Louis Saints, St. Louis, MO (0-2)
7. Allentown Patriots, Allentown, PA (0-2)

L-R, top row – Coach Patti Fernandes, Scorer Steve Pavlich, Frankie Spruce, Donna McLean, Meghan Doonan, Jess Merchant, Callie Piper, Stephanie Best, Megan Biddle, Erica Sobel, Stephanie VanBrakle, GM Bob Baird and Manager John Stratton. Bottom row – Killian Roessner, Amanda Jensen, Michelle Green, Ellen Sarosy, Teri Rooney, Kristine Botto and Jen Pawol.

2003 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2003 held at Pekin, Illinois.

Champion – Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (65-5)
Runner Up – Team Smith Inc., Placentia, California

The National Pro Fastpitch League conducted a draft in December after nationals and many players from this year’s championship were drafted. How this effects the top women’s fastpitch national championship is to be determined.

  • MVP – Kelly Kretschman, Stratford Brakettes
  • HR Leader – N/A
  • Batting Leader – Lyndsey Angus, Storm USA – .556
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Kaci Clark, Stratford Brakettes
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Lea Mishlan, Stratford Brakettes

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Kaci Clark, Stratford Brakettes (2-0, 14 IP, 21 K)
P – Danielle Henderson, Stratford Brakettes (3-0, 2 ER, 2 shutouts, including the one that in the championship game, 4-0)
P – Jodie Cox, Team Smith Inc
C – Mackenzie Vandergeest, Team Smith Inc
1B – Kellie Wilkerson, Stratford Brakettes
2B – Lyndsey Angus, Storm USA (10-18, .556)
3B – Gina Oaks, Team Smith Inc
SS – Lea Mishlan, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Kelly Kretschman, Stratford Brakettes (6-12, HR, 5 RBI – drove in 2 runs in 5-0 championship)
OF – Stephanie Ramos, Team Smith Inc
OF – Kristen Zaleski, Storm USA
OF – Germaine Fairchild, Stratford Brakettes
UTIL – Nicole Bohnenstiehl, St. Louis Saints
UTIL – Oli Keohohou, Team Smith Inc
UTIL – Lindsey Klein, Team Smith Inc

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Piper Marten, Storm USA
P – Crystal Draper, Team Smith Inc
P – Kirsten Voak, California Schutt Hurricanes
C – Suzy Brazney, California Schutt Hurricanes
1B – Emily Starkey, Bloomington Lady Hearts
2B – Cheryl Bolding, Storm USA
3B – Amiee Lonigro, East Peoria Avanti’s
SS – Natalie Peters, St. Louis Saints
OF – Bridget Fournie, St. Louis Saints
OF – Alicia Smith, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Erin Mobley, California Schutt Hurricanes
OF – Brooke Rutschman, California Schutt Hurricanes
UTIL – Andea Wirkus, St. Louis Saints
UTIL – Shae Wesley, Bloomington Lady Hearts
UTIL – Teri Goldberg, California Schutt Hurricanes

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, CT (5-0)
2. Team Smith Inc., Placentia, CA (4-2)
3. California Schutt Hurricanes, Riverside, CA (4-2)
4. St. Louis Saints, St. Louis, MO (4-2)
5t. Storm USA, Lake Forest, CA (4-2)
5t. Bloomington Lady Hearts, Bloomington, IL (2-2)
7t. East Peoria Avantis, East Peoria, IL (3-2)
7t. St. Louis Heat, St. Louis, MO (3-2)
9t. Allentown Patriots, Allentown, PA (2-2)
9t. Indiana Slammers, Hobart, IN (1-2)
9t. Amherst Lightning, Amherst, NY (1-2)
9t. East Peoria Lady Rage, East Peoria, IL (1-2)
13t. Cigs Sting, Decatur, IL (1-2)
13t. Elite Force, Palos Hills, IL (1-2)
13t. Celina Suns, Celina, OH (1-2)
13t. Carbondale Cougars, Carbondale, IL (1-2)
17t. Springfield Rockettes, Springfield, IL (0-2)
17t. Lisle Powerhouse, Lisle, IL (0-2)
17t. Peoria Outlaws, Peoria, IL (0-2)
17t. Pekin Lettes, Pekin, IL (0-2)

L-R, top row – Kelly Kretschman, Erica Sobel, Alicia Smith, Robyn King, Donna McLean, Kellie Wilkerson, Frankie Spruce, Germaine Fairchild, Danielle Henderson, Coach/Scorer Jeff Ellis, Leigh Ann Ellis, Keri (McCallum) Stratton, Karrie Rider, Manager John Stratton, Kaci Clark, GM Bob Baird, Coach Patti Fernandes. Bottom row – Lea Mishlan, Batgirl Katie, Sara Jewett, Heather Wright, young fan, Jen Smith, Batgirl Sam

2002 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2002 held at Stratford, Connecticut.

Champion – Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, Connecticut (78-1)
Runner Up – California Hurricanes, Perris, California

The Women’s Major Fast Pitch National Softball Tournament concluded here last night, with the host Brakettes edging the California Hurricanes 1-0 to win their 24th national title.

The tournament was bedeviled by a scheduling conflict that left the game’s 17 best players in San Diego preparing for an international tournament in Japan that begins next week. Those 17 players belong to the U.S. National Team, and six of them are members of last year’s champion.

With runners on second and third and two outs in the sixth inning, pinch hitter Robyn King singled to center driving in Michelle Gates with the game’s only run in the championship game. The Brakettes have now won their 24th national title since 1947.

  • MVP – Cat Osterman, Stratford Brakettes
  • HR Leader – Erica Martinez, Iowa Dynasty – 2
  • HR Leader – Kim Palmer, St. Louis Saints – 2
  • Batting Leader – Liz Dennis, Iowa Dynasty – .476
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Cat Osterman, Stratford Brakettes
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Liz Dennis, Iowa Dynasty

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Tia Bollinger, California Hurricanes
P – Kaci Clark, Stratford Brakettes (2-0, 2 shutouts, 24 K, 14 IP, 0 ER, 2 hits, no-hitter, won final game 1-0)
P – Cat Osterman, Stratford Brakettes (2-0, 32 K, 14 IP, 2 ER, 3 Hits, 1 Shutout)
C – Keri McCallum, Stratford Brakettes
1B – Diane Stowe, St. Louis Saints
2B – Beth Wade, St. Louis Saints
3B – Liz Dennis, Iowa Dynasty (10-21, .476, HR)
SS – Natalie Bennett, St. Louis Saints
OF – Kim Palmer, St. Louis Saints
OF – Brenda DeBlaise, Allentown Patriots
OF – Erin Mobley, California Hurricanes
OF – Bridget Fournie, St. Louis Saints
UTIL – Kellie Wilkerson, Stratford Brakettes
UTIL – Erin Rahn, California Hurricanes
UTIL – Adrianne Blackman, Iowa Dynasty

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Casey Hunter, St. Louis Saints
P – Nicole Bohnenstiehl, St. Louis Saints
P – Katie McFadden, Elite Force
C – Jessica Basher, Iowa Dynasty
1B – Lauren Schwendimann, Iowa Dynasty
2B – Carrie Leto, California Hurricanes
3B – Danielle Quiones, California Hurricanes
SS – Amanda Jensen, Elite Force
OF – Germaine Fairchild, Stratford Brakettes
OF – Erica Martinez, Iowa Dynasty
OF – Rachel Gensch, Elite Force
OF – Kristy Heyser, Topton VIP’s
UTIL – Kristin Johnson, Iowa Dynasty
UTIL – Michelle Gates, Stratford Brakettes
UTIL – Amy Fouts, Elite Force

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Stratford Brakettes, Stratford, CT (5-0)
2. California Hurricanes, Riverside, CA (4-2)
3. Iowa Dynasty, Iowa City, IA (4-2)
4. St. Louis Saints, St. Louis, MO (4-2)
5t. Allentown Patriots, Allentown, PA (2-2)
5t. Topton VIP’s, Topton, PA (2-2)
7t. New Jersey Divas, Linden, NJ (1-2)
7t. Elite Force, Palos Hills, IL (2-2)
9t. Stratford Breakers, Stratford, CT (0-2)
9t. Adirondack Ice, Albany, NY (0-2)
9t. Celina Suns, Celina, OH (1-2)
9t. Connecticut Classics, New Haven, CT (1-2)
13t. Hamden Eclipse, Hamden, CT (0-2)
13t. Stratford Seahawks, Stratford, CT (0-2)

L-R, top row – Coach Jay Stratton, Michelle Gates, Coach / Scorer Jeff Ellis, Kaci Clark, Alicia Smith, Frankie Spruce, Donna McLean, Robyn King, Sara Jewett, Keri McCallum, Erica Sobel, Karrie Rider, Coach Patti Fernandes, GM Bob Baird, Manager John Stratton. Bottom row – Batgirl Sam, Nikki Myers, Kellie Wilkerson, Jen Fisher, Cat Osterman, Danielle Henderson, Jen Smith, Lea Mishlan, Germaine Fairchild, Batgirl Katie.

2001 ASA Women’s Major Fast Pitch Nationals

2001 held in Phoenix, Arizona at Rose Medford Sports Complex.

Champion – Phoenix Storm, Phoenix, Arizona (16-8)
Runner Up – California Hurricanes, Perris, California

The way Erica Beach sees it, when the Phoenix Storm are having fun, they’re at their best. Saturday night, they were at their best.

“Honestly, out first goal was to have a good time,” Beach said. “We seem to play our best ball when we’re having fun.” The Storm came out of the loser’s bracket to win the Amateur Softball Association Women’s Major Fast itch National Championship for the second straight year, belting the Perris (Calif.) Hurricanes 8-0 in a six-inning, must-win game to force the decision championship game. The Storm won 2-0 in the championship game.

“Our mentality is if we’re going to be out here, we might as well win it all,” Nichole Thompson said. “We did the same thing last year. We lost and then had to win two in a row. So we knew what we had to do. The team that played this morning was not our real team.”

The Hurricanes beat the Storm 2-0 earlier in the day in the double-elimination tournament. Beach of Arizona State (ASU) tossed a two-hit shutout in the must win game. She walked two and struck out four. “Our team has always been a really relaxed team,” Beach said. “It’s kind of one of those things where our bats got on a roll.”

The Storm (16-8) pounded nine hits in the must-win game. Beach, Missy Nixon (ASU) and Katie Swan (ASU) each went 2 for 3 with an RBI in the game as the Storm scored three runs in the fourth inning to take a 6-0 lead. Thompson (ASU) was 1 for 4 with an RBI, and Jennie Finch (University of Arizona) drove in two runs.

In the title game, Thompson singled to right in the third inning with Lauren Bauer (Arizona) and Shelly Musser (Kansas) on base. The ball skirted past the Hurricanes right fielder, allowing both runners to score.

“Once we got runs across, that kind of sealed the deal,” Thompson said. “I knew with our pitching, we could hold ’em.”

Kiera Goerl (UCLA) pitched five innings, allowing one hit to pick up the win in the title game. Lori Harrigan, a U.S. Olympic gold medalist, went 3 2/3 innings, allowing no runs and one hit for the Hurricanes in the championship.

  • MVP – Keira Goerl, Phoenix Storm
  • HR Leader – Jaime Clark, Team Texas – 2
  • Batting Leader – Veronica Marmatt, East Peoria Avanti’s – .571
  • Bertha Tickey Pitching Award – Keira Goerl, Phoenix Storm
  • Erv Lind Defensive Award – Courtney Scott, Phoenix Storm

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Kristine Jacobson, California Hurricanes (2-1)
P – Lindsey Chouinard, California Hurricanes (2-1)
P – Keira Goerl, Phoenix Storm (4-0, 0.33 ERA, came in relief of the 8-0 first final and then started and won the championship game 2-0)
C – Suzy Brazney, California Hurricanes
1B – Germaine Fairchild, Brakettes
2B – Jodi Rathbun, Avantis
3B – Tairia Mims, Phoenix Storm
SS – Jaime Clark, Team Texas
OF – Mackenzie Vandergeest, Team Texas
OF – Keri McCallum, Brakettes
OF – Michelle Gates, Team Texas
OF – Lauren Bauer, Phoenix Storm
UTIL – Nina Lindenberg, Team Texas
UTIL – Natasha Watley, Smoke Worth
UTIL – Veronica Marmitt, Avantis (8-14, .571)

SECOND TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Catherine “Cat” Osterman, Brakettes (3-1, 2 Shutouts, 25 IP, 43 K)
P – Crystal Draper, ABCO Marketing
P – Jennie Finch, Phoenix Storm (2-0, 14 IP, 15 K, 2 shutouts, perfect game, gave up only 2 hits)
C – Carmen Farmer, CIGS Twister
1B – Brandi Cross, California Hurricanes
2B – Missy Hixon, Phoenix Storm
3B – Clare Burnum, ABCO Marketing
SS – Kara Brun, Phoenix Storm
OF – Chrissy Buck, CIGS Twister
OF – Sara Jewett, Brakettes
OF – Jodi Chmielewski, ABCO Marketing
OF – Erin Rahn, California Hurricanes
UTIL – Michelle Turner, Smoke Worth
UTIL – Erica Beach, Phoenix Storm (1-1)
UTIL – Cindy Ball, CIGS Twister

THIRD TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

P – Leslie Malerich, Brakettes (2-0, 22 IP, 28 K, no hitter)
P – Jenny Gladding, Team Texas
P – Alisha Arnold, Avantis
C – Courtney Scott, Phoenix Storm
1B – Katie Swan, Phoenix Storm
2B – Danielle Proctor, Condors
3B – Kim DePaul, Team Texas
SS – Shawna Feldt, ABCO Marketing
OF – Nichole Thompson, Phoenix Storm
OF – Autumn Champion, Smoke Worth
OF – Cathy Karr, California Hurricanes
OF – Martha Covington, Brakettes
UTIL – Tarrah Beyster, ABCO Marketing
UTIL – Brandy Chavez, California Hurricanes
UTIL – Sandra Durazo, Condors

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Phoenix Storm, Phoenix, AZ (7-1)
2. California Hurricanes, Perris, CA (4-2)
3. Brakettes, Stratford, CT (6-2)
4. ABCO Marketing, Portland, OR (6-2)
5t. Smoke Worth, Los Angeles, CA (3-2)
5t. CIGs Twister, Decatur, IL (3-2)
7t. Team Texas, Houston, TX (2-2)
7t. Avantis, Peoria, IL (2-2)
9t. Condors, Sylmar, CA (2-2)
9t. Worth Firecrackers, San Diego, CA (1-2)
9t. Shilo’s, Los Angeles, CA (1-2)
9t. Majestics, Montclaire, NJ (1-2)
13t. San Jose Strikkers, San Jose, CA (1-2)
13t. Hot Shots, Tempe, AZ (1-2)
13t. St. Louis Saints, St. Louis, MO (1-2)
13t. Michigan, MI (0-2)
17t. Vipers, Phoenix, AZ (0-2)
17t. Bloomington Lady Hearts, Bloomington, IL (0-2)
17t. Elite Force, Palos Hills, IL (0-2)
17t. Allentown Pates, Allentown, PA (0-2)
17t. Celina Sun, Celina, OH (0-2)
17t. Pekin Lettes, Pekin, IL (0-2)

L-R, top row – Manager John Stratton, Coach Jay Stratton, Scorer Jeff Ellis, Donna McLean, Frankie Spruce, Martha Covington, Leslie Malerich, Cat Osterman, Theresa Hornick, Kellie Wilkerson, Robyn King, Jen Fisher, Patrick Baird, Coach Patti Fernandes, GM Bob Baird. Bottom row – Jen Smith, Erica Sobel, Emily Robustelli, Lea Mishlan, Alicia Smith, Keri McCallum, Sara Jewett, Germaine Fairchild.