Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS) is July 24-31 at Westfield/Kokomo, IN (All rankings are Line Drive’s Club National Rankings):

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In 14U Tier 1 National Championship Series:

#2 Texas Bombers Gold-Malpass came back to win back-to-back games against #21 Athletics Mercado 2029-Christie/Zito in the national championship series after losing Game 1 to claim the 14U Tier 1 Alliance national championship on Friday at Kokomo High Stadium in Indiana.

Bombers-Malpass won Game 2 and 3, 8-0 and 4-3, respectively, on Friday to clinch the national title. Bombers-Malpass won their third consecutive 14U Tier 1 Alliance national championship and fourth in five years.

“It wasn’t easy,” Bombers coach Kristi Malpass said. “We faced an outstanding Athletics Mercado team. They’re from Texas and Texas softball is tough. They are talented, competitive and made us earn every single out.

“I’m so proud of this group. On the last day together, they left everything they had on that field. That was the goal from the beginning — go to work, trust the process and give everything for each other. We trained for moments like this. They understood what was required, embraced the standard and competed until the final out.”

2029 MIF Brooklyn Cline went 3 for 3 with a double and a solo homer and 2029 RHP Brynli Reynolds pitched 5.0 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out three in Game 2 and 2029 1B/C Jillian Gonzlaes went 2 for 3 with a solo homer in Game 3 to lead the Bombers.

“Three years in a row,” Malpass said. “National Champions. What an incredible way to finish this journey together.”

Athletics Mercado 2029-Christie/Zito was making its first appearance in the national championship series.

“I don’t want to sound cocky and say we expected it, but we did set a goal back in August, came up with a plan to prepare and diligently worked that plan,” Athletics Mercado coach Christie Chapman said. “We had some bumps along the way, but these girls persevered. We have a ton of talent, but I cannot say enough about the mentality our players possess and continue to develop. The run — once we got into the loser’s side of Elite 8 — was pure heart, focus and determination!”

— Carlos Arias, Line Drive Media (Follow Carlos on Instagram @los_stuff)