< Video Highlights – Game 3 >

< Click to Watch Anita’s Photos — Game 1 >

Well, the girls had a lot going on this weekend.  First, we had our final weekend of basketball…The girls entered the final weekend undefeated and had a double-header on tap.  The second team didn’t show, but in the first game, 6 SLAM! girls played hard and outscored the Crush.  This was a very unique game — somehow we ended up with a 5th quarter ( confusion with the scorebook ) and the other team had a girl bombing 3 pointers from 6 feet beyond the arc.  In the end, the SLAM! prevailed led by Maddie’s 18 points and Claire’s 12 points.  Breanna had like a BILLION rebounds and Analee + LeAnna distributed the ball probably both reaching double-digits in assists.  Faith had some sweet blocked shots and tons of good rebounds.

And then they went to sleep…Because on Sunday, we had a QUADRUPLE HEADER.

The games were treated as practice games, but it was great to see the girls competitive juices flowing.  Claire entered the dive club with a diving catch at 2b and Nicole absolutely CRANKED a home run to join the home run club.  The girls played, with the exception of one inning, a very good brand of SLAM! ball with very few errors.  The team hitting was much improved which was good to see.

Next up is the Skyhawks Invite in Bucknell park in Lacey,WA.

The SLAM! and 6 other teams will be getting together for a “Low-Budget” practice tournament this weekend on Sunday at Steven J Underwood Park in Des Moines, WA.  The weather looks promising and each team will get 4 games to hone their skills and work on the competitive lineups as we head into tournament season!   Midway through the tournament, 2 girls from each team will represent their team in a skills competition.  Let’s hope for dry weather and a whole lot of fun.

The SLAM!’s own screen printing company, SLAM! Printing will be selling SLAM! Invite sweatshirts for $20 and will be selling Peace/Love/Fastpitch shirts in a variety of team colors for $12.00.

Here is the schedule for the Sunday event!

The SLAM! girls played 2 with the Acers on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  The bats were relatively quiet for both teams with the exception of a HUGE monster hit by Faith where she touched them all.  The SLAM!’s pitching staff continued to impress with great pitching from all 4 hurlers.

Next up is a QUADRUPLE header next Sunday in Des Moines with team from all over the place.  It should be a great time.  Keep working hard on your swings, girls.  Those bats need to be awakened.

What a wonderful day of ball!  The SLAM! played the Phoenix for a double-header today and the weather was fantastic.  We had 3 girls take the mound and pitch great, we had the girls making plays at their new positions and we had Analee make the “home run club.”  Coach Walt made his first appearance on the coaching staff relieving Coach Terey at 1st.

All in all, the girls had a little rust but played very well.  The bats were alive, the sun was shining and the balls were whistling in the air as they came out of our pitcher’s hands.  It was a great day.

Next up for our girls — a double-header versus the Acers next weekend.  Let’s hope for great weather.

Thanks, Mechelle for organizing the potluck!

< Click here to watch video highlights ( LOW DEF )>

The SLAM! used a BLISTERING fast break and tenacious defense to beat Level 22 for their 6th straight win.  Point guard play was very, very impressive with Analee, Rocky and LeAnna each distributing the ball as the girls flied up the court on the break.  Post play was strong as well with 10 points from Courtney, 10 from Maddie and some serious rebounding by Breanna.  Faith got a nice bucket and had numerous steals and Claire filled up the hoop with 9 points including a 3-pointer.  2 more games for the SLAM! and the season is done.  Great job, ladies.

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The SLAM! played the SOL at the Renton Community Center.  What a wonderful facility!  A nice “grippy” floor, great officiating and a group of scrappy girls with good sportsmanship to play.  The SLAM! led the whole way, keeping the Sol just out of reach.  Claire’s took a nasty spill but not before being pretty much unstoppable with the ball in her hands.  Breanna had a season-high 12 points, Courtney blocked at least 10 shots, Rocky and LeAnna did a great job running the point and creating MAYHEM on the court.  Faith played solid defense and had some shots come “oh so close!”  Maddie finished the game with a violent collision with another player.  All in all, the girls were a joy to watch.

Next up — a big game against Level 22…a solid team!

FOCUS
INTENSITY
DETERMINATION

It starts in practice and carries over into games.  As your coach, I can’t wait to see you hit the field.  You’ve worked so hard over the winter and it will pay off.  Let’s push hard for the next month and come out strong in Lacey for the Skyhawks tournament.

The SLAM! had the honor of having our newest sponsor at practice today, MittMate.  Jessica Jobes, inventor and founder of the company was at practice to give the girls their MittMates and also to lead the girls through some of her favorite drills.  Jessica played softball for Drake University.

The MittMate device is a neoprene sleeve secured to the mitt via a velcro enclosure.  It allows players to quickly identify their mitts and it gives the mitts a nice bit of personalization as well.  As a coach, when practice is over and a Mitt is left behind, I’ll know who it is.  MittMates are legal in all associations as well.

Thanks again to MittMate for working with the SLAM! and sponsoring our team!  We are very gracious for your support.