Blaze having all-star showing at tourney

Coulter pitches well against New Zealand national team

COLORADO — Moses Lake Blaze pitcher Heather Coulter looked strong against Olympic-caliber competition in the Sparkler Tournament in Colorado Wednesday. In front of a crowd of more than 2,000 people, Coulter took the mound against the New Zealand national team, striking out one in one inning of work.

Heather Coulter pitched against New Zealand national team, throwing one inning and striking out one batter. "She had a really good experience," said head coach Alan Coulter. But she is just one of many softballers faring well in the tournament. "We were well represented at all-stars. All of our kids did a really good job."

The Blaze split in Tuesday's action. They first beat Fort Collins, Colo. 5-0. Jennie Harp was 2 for 3 with a double, Jayme Albrandt was 1 for 2 and Kirstin Gamboa and Coulter were both 1 for 3. Coulter pitched six innings, allowing only two hits and striking out six.

"We played good defense and took advantage of some of the Fort Collins errors for the win," Alan Coulter said.

The Blaze were shut out 7-0 by Moline, Ill. in the second game. Harp and Coulter provided the only two hits and the back-to-back Illinois state champion capitalized on six Blaze miscues.

"If it wouldn't have been for the errors, we would have been right with them," Alan Coulter said.

Hard times continued Wednesday, as the Blaze dropped two, first to the Red Sticks of Louisiana 6-0 and to the Arizona Pride 8-3. Coulter and Gamboa provided some pop in the second game, both going 2 for 3 and netting all of the Blaze's RBIs.

Individual standouts are highlighting the tournament for the Blaze. Five players have been selected to appear in All-Star showcases, and all have done well. Playing for the Northwest Blues, representing the graduating class of 2006, Harp played strong third base and reached base on a fielder's choice. Coulter pitched two innings and had two strikeouts. She was 1 for 1 from plate and scored a run.

Playing for the graduating classes of 2007 and 2008, Shayla May and Gamboa shined. May played second base and was 1 for 2. Gamboa played centerfield and was 2 for 2, including the game-winning RBI.

In the 2005 All-Star game of players already committed to a college, Kelly Martinez pitched and played third base.

The Blaze continue team play Friday, facing off against Utah.

— Staff report