The fireworks started a little early in Aurora, Colorado, as Florida teams came out swinging on Day One of the 56th annual Fireworks Tournament, the 23rd edition of the Sparkler Tournament, where over 1,000 teams have descended on the Rockies for one of the biggest showcases in fastpitch softball. With numerous events happening simultaneously, it’s important to note that we’re focused here on the National Power Pool, the premier division that features the top competition. Let’s break down how the Sunshine State’s 14U, 16U, and 18U National Power Pool teams fared in their opening games.
Unity 14U Schultheis had a classic case of first-game jitters or maybe just ran into a buzzsaw in Athletics Mercado Walker, falling 14-4 to open their tournament. Despite the lopsided score, there were bright spots: Kabella Corning and Maddalyne Jones both went 2-for-2 at the plate, with Corning ripping a double and Jones driving in a run. Ella Fleming also made her one hit count, hammering a double that brought home two.
But give this group credit, they didn’t dwell on the loss. Unity regrouped and dominated the Louisville Lady Sluggers Velotta 9-0 in Game Two. The bats stayed hot, with Adrianna Thorne (2-for-3) and Corning (2-for-3) leading the charge. Peyton Clark was a spark plug, going 2-for-2 with both a double and a triple, while Ella Fleming kept driving in runs with 3 RBI. Kacie Riggan added a triple for good measure. The real story might have been in the circle, though, Unity pitchers allowed just two hits while racking up seven strikeouts. That’s the kind of response you want to see on Day One.
It was a mixed bag for Unity 16U Amsler/Johnson. They opened with a tough 5-2 loss to Top Gun National. Maddie Reed did her best to spark the offense, going 2-for-3, and the lineup managed hits from six other players, but they couldn’t string them together when it counted.
Game Two was a different story, a 14-10 slugfest win over Glory Atkins that felt more like a home run derby at times. Unity piled up six doubles and two homers in the offensive outburst. Jules Jackson led the hit parade with a 3-for-4 day that included a double. Reed kept swinging, going 2-for-4. Alexa Bertelsmann was clutch with two doubles and 2 RBI, while Brianna Noles and Caylee Barbe both left the yard, each driving in three runs. Zoey Kreinus, Lainie Keefer, and La’Breah Sands all chipped in as well. It wasn’t pretty in the field, but a win is a win.
The Miami Stingrays Gator also split their day. They started strong with a 6-4 victory over Explosion Kim. Ava Stevens set the tone with a 2-for-3 game that featured a triple and an RBI, while Leilani Gonzalas matched that 2-for-3 line. Sasha Siedel and Danbee Kim each doubled and drove in a run, and Jasmine Armenteros joined the extra-base party with a triple and an RBI.
Their second game was a heartbreaker, an action-packed 9-8 loss to Hotshots National Galloway. Gonzalas stayed hot, going 3-for-4 with a double and an RBI, while Siedel’s 2-for-2 day added 3 RBI to the cause. Chloe Coffe added a double and 3 RBI, but in the end, the Stingrays came up just short.
The Tampa Mustangs Rene-Pynes were the model of consistency, going 2-0 on the day. They kicked things off with a 4-1 win over Extreme Rios. Madison Rider was a catalyst, going 2-for-3 with a triple, and Emma Pynes launched a homer to drive in two. The pitching duo of Addison Allaire and Madison Kokoszka was stellar, allowing just two hits combined.
Game Two saw more power as the Mustangs downed Bombers Gold ArkLATex 6-3. Kamryn Potts and Allaire each homered, combining for 3 RBI. Pynes stayed locked in at the plate with a 2-for-3 performance featuring a triple, while Kokoszka doubled in two runs. The Mustangs showed balance in all phases, a good sign as the competition heats up.
The Tampa Mustangs Rene showed toughness on Day One, grabbing a 2-1 win over Firecrackers Select Rico/Brashear to start their tournament. Charley Butler was nails in the circle, going the distance while giving up just one run and striking out four. At the plate, Avery Bouquin delivered an RBI knock, and Abbie Dewaters went 2-for-2.
Game Two didn’t go their way as they fell 6-3 to Texas Bombers Gold, but Lexi Beldowicz gave the fans something to cheer about with a home run that drove in all three of the Mustangs’ runs.
If Day One taught us anything, it’s that these Florida teams aren’t here to just enjoy the mountain views. There’s power, speed, and grit up and down these rosters. The question now is who can string together consistency as bracket play nears. One thing is for sure, the fireworks are just getting started in Colorado.
