On Saturday at the Patriot Games in Windsor, Col., the Athletics – Mercado organization took two of the three titles: at 14U and 18U (the Texas Bombers Gold – Serie team won the 16U trophy).

The 18U game finished with the Athletics – Mercado/Smith squad beating the Texas Bombers – Smith team 7-3, but the biggest blow came when Ki’ele Ho-Ching, whom I ranked No. 2 in the Class of 2026, showed why she’s such a highly-touted prospect as the Long Beach, Calif. standout slugged a grand slam early in the game which proved to be the difference.

Here’s the middle infielder/outfielder, who will play in the PGF All-American Games later this summer, as she circles the bases after smacking her round-tripper:

I interviewed her after the championship win and here’s what she had to say:

Ki’ele’s older sister, Tiare Ho-Ching, plays on the same Athletics team and is also a great player. She’s a  graduated senior who will be a freshman at Arizona State this season and is also a highly ranked MIF/OF; I ranked her No. 14 in her class and we’ll have a video interview with her that will be published within the week.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball