Sports

Ashburn Shooting Stars win Fastpitch Softball World Series

And the year-long record for these young players? 72-23-4

By Karen Graham

Champions are among us.

Recently, the 10U Ashburn Shooting Stars Gold travel Fastpitch softball team won the 10U United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Eastern World Series held in Salisbury, Md. 

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The five-day World Series featured 19 teams from Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware.  

The 10U Shooting Stars posted an 8-1-1 record while outscoring opponents 79-24. 

Find out what's happening in Ashburnwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 “I told these young ladies from day one; effort, hustle, work ethic, and passion for the game will make you a great player," coach Paul Crouch said.  “It was totally remarkable to watch them each grow individually and as a team unit. I'm thrilled they were able to compete and take home the 10 and under USSSA World Series title.”

In addition to winning the World Series title, ace pitcher Olivia Valbak was awarded the Tournament MVP Award, Malaka Belser the Offensive MVP Award, and Ainsley Keyser the Sportsmanship Award.

It might've surprised those watching to learn the members of the newly-formed team for 2012-2013 had never played travel ball. 

The Stars trained and played hard all season, amassing several tournament wins. This young team of athletes has posted a 72-23-4 record over the past year. 

The Shooting Stars won five tournaments this season, as well as being runner up in four, and earning seven total top five finishes.

The 10U Shooting Stars Gold players are: Lauren Halpern, Malaka Belser, Hayley Dillenseger, Brooke Crouch, Sydney Bednoski, Emma Enright, Ainsley Keyser, Sara Kelly, Abby Schaub, Ella Adam, Olivia Valbak, and Tori Womack.  The 10U Coaches are Head Coach Paul Crouch, and Assistant Coaches Stephanie St. Peter, Ashley Crouch, and Tim Enright.

Want to join in on the funOpen Tryouts for all positions for the 10U Ashburn Shooting Stars Gold 2013-2014 fast pitch travel softball team will be held August  the 4th from 5-7 p.m. and the 6th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  (Rain date of 8/10, from 5-7PM if needed), at Trailside Park, Field # 1, 20375 Claiborne Parkway, Ashburn, VA 20147.

Please contact Coach Paul Crouch at pckcacbc@verizon.net  for more information.


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