14U Rage take fourth at NAFA Summer Nationals

NEWBERG, Ore. — The 14U Washington Rage took fourth at last weekend’s North American Fastpitch Association Summer Nationals tournament in Newberg, Ore., closing out the summer season with some hardware.

“The girls struggled a little bit at first adapting to (the weather), but this team this year has learned to fight back — I would call us a comeback team,” head coach Brooke Richardson said. “They knew that the bats needed to come alive.”

Pool play began Thursday, with the Rage splitting their two games; a 9-1 win over the Vancouver Patriots was followed by a 9-8 loss to Diamond Fastpitch later in the day. 

“I believe, at first, the girls were pressing too hard,” Richardson said. “They weren’t enjoying themselves; all they could think about was winning and making sure that they were doing the right thing. Once we told them to have fun and relax, do what your body’s used to doing and what your body knows how to do, everything will start to come together.”

Friday, the first day of bracket play, began with a 2-1 win over West Salem, advancing the Rage to the next round. After falling 9-7 to Cougars Fastpitch in the quarterfinals of the winner’s bracket, the Rage dropped into the loser’s bracket, still able to advance on in the tournament.  

Washington bested Vancouver 11-0, Rampage Rippers 10-4 and CC Storm 12-4 in the loser’s bracket, setting up a matchup against Aftershock in the quarterfinals of the loser’s bracket. The Rage held a 4-3 advantage entering the final inning, but a walk-off single sealed the win for Aftershock. 

“We did leave quite a few runners stranded — the pitching was a little bit different than what we’re used to, it’s a lot slower than the pitcher before,” Richardson said. “... This was their eighth game that they had played on the weekend, so that’s a lot of games for these girls.” 

With the loss to Aftershock, the Rage finished in fourth place of the tournament.

“I’m proud of the girls for making it that far,” Richardson said. “They had so much grit in them. We were there, we had it, but some simple errors and mistakes are what cost us that game.”

NAFA Summer Nationals was the final tournament of the summer season for the 14U Rage, who will come back in the fall as a 16U squad.  

“I think (this tournament) lets them see for themselves that they can compete, that they do have the potential to be a really good team,” Richardson said. “Knowing that we’re going to add some more experienced players to our bunch allows even more confidence for them.” 

Two Rage players received all-tournament honors; pitcher Malorie Lane and catcher Allie Jensen. 

“That was good for them to be recognized for all the hard work they put in,” Richardson said. 

    Players and coaches for the 14U Washington Rage huddle up before a game at last weekend’s NAFA Summer Nationals in Newberg, Oregon.