Simi softball team qualifies for Nationals

HERE WE COME- The U-10 Gold All-Star team from Simi Valley Girls Softball will travel to Las Vegas this weekend for the Western National Championship. The tournament begins Tuesday.

With 34 victories to its credit and a winning percentage of .829, the Simi Valley Girls Softball U-10 Gold All-Star team will battle for the Western National Championship in Las Vegas from July 29 through August 3.

The girls earned a berth in the prestigious tournament by finishing fifth at the California State Games in San Diego, losing only to Placentia/Yorba Linda and Bonita Valley, the eventual first- and second-place finishers.

In fact, Placentia/Yorba Linda's only loss in the State Games came at the hands of Simi Valley earlier in the tournament.

Simi manager Pat Cheek is optimistic about his team's chances in Las Vegas.

"We've had a great run and have a very good chance at Nationals," Cheek said.

"Our record against the first four state finishers is 7-3."

With a hardworking coaching staff that features Lisa Vigo, Ray Reynolds, Danny Lorenz, Jeff Simonds and Tony Ferracone, the All-Stars have put together an overall record of 3452, including three tournament championships and two second-place finishes.

Team members include Breanna Burke, Leila Bolton, Emily Chandler, Haley Cheek, Taylor Ginther, Alexis Hoff, Amanda Lorenz, Melissa Miller, Rylee Reynolds, Kassidy Simons, Jules Trombley and Audrey Vigo.

To help support its trip to Las Vegas, the team is seeking donations.

Contact Coach Cheek at (323) 855-1192 for contribution information.