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Here’s our TFP for Friday, July 5, 2024:

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PATRIOT GAMES REPORT

The Patriot Games featured some of the top programs in the country from June 27-29 in Windsor, CO. Athletics Mercado-Smith, Texas Bombers Gold-Serie and Athletics Mercado 09-Tidd won the 18U, 16U and 14U titles, respectively. We talked to coaches in the various age groups to get their thoughts on the prestigious tournament. Here’s what they had to say:

TAYLOR TAYLOR (Aces Fastpitch Club 16U)

What was your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? The Patriot Games are one of my favorite events because you’re playing the best clubs/teams in the country. It better prepares our players for what’s next and the recruiting is by far the best I’ve seen.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (2026 RHP) Addison Burdorf threw 16 innings and had a WHIP of 0.980 and 11 Ks.

(2026 C/3B) Gracie Britton batted .467 with 3 HRs and 8 RBIs. Big-time three-run HR against Impact Gold-Jazz to help secure that win.

Which team most impressed you and why? Texas Glory-Shelton or Impact Gold-Jazz. They can pitch and hit. Fun teams to play against because of the competitive environment

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? (2026 3B/SS) Alexa Yarger from Rogue FC-Mabrey.

KRISTI MALPASS (Texas Bombers Gold-Malpass 14U)

What was your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? This event is probably the second-most hardest event when it comes to competition after Alliance national championship/PGF. The IDT/Sparkler are strong too, but you see top teams once you get toward (the) end of event. You play top teams right away there are no warm-up games. We faced top-level teams every game, which helps to grow and prepare us for the national events late (this) summer. The other huge thing is the amount of TOP level college coaches that are at this event. I have yet to see an event with so many top level coaches in one place. We had Flordia, UCLA, OSU, Texas, Texas A&M, FSU, Oregon State, Tennesse, LSU and I could continue to go on all at one game. That’s a rare siting, but so good for young athletes to get that type of exposure.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (2027 P/1B) Morgan Sanchez not only had a .412 batting average with 7 hits and multiple RBIs, but after not pitching for over 3 months, she was asked to help her team, (which) was low on pitchers, out and she came out and was big for her team. She took on Athletics Mercado, only giving up one earned run with (an) ERA of (1.40). Another big arm for us, who stood out, was (2026 P/1B) Jessica Hinnant with 14 innings pitched, facing 60 batters (with) 11 strikeouts and (2.00) ERA. She had a huge win in the semifinals game against Athletic Mercado-Hovermale.

Do you have an uncommitted player/players we should highlight, that people around the country should know about? Texas Bombers Gold 14U has a stacked team of strong athletes.

(2028 MIF) Ashlynn Kennedy and (2028 MIF/CF) Michaela Landers led the team in batting average with .533 for both and combined 16 hits 6 RBIs and 11 runs scored. Other standouts were (2027 C/OF) Aubrey Garza with (a) .429 batting average with 6 hits and 5 RBIs and scoring 6 times.

(2027 MIF) Annelise Torres (had a) .412 (batting average) with 7 hits, 8 RBIs and a big walk-off win and HR in bracket play.

(2027 MIF) Nia De Luna (had a) .389 batting average with 7 hits, 5 RBIs and scoring 8 times with two huge HRs, a grand slam vs. Iowa Premier and a big HR in (a) semifinal game vs. Athletic Mercado-Hovermale.

(2027 2B/3B) Ari Lugo (had a) .333 batting average with 10 RBIs and 2 HRs, both (on) Saturday, one against Thunderbolts, then a huge one in semifinal game vs. Athletic Mercado-Hovermale.

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? Impact Gold National-Seigel (2027) shortstop (Olivia Frias) was a very impressive defender and stood out making top-level plays the entire game.

Which team most impressed you and why? Athletics Mercado-Tidd was (the) most impressive team as they were the strongest team we faced. The lineup is one of the toughest we have faced all season and can hit, they have power, speed and top-level defenders and are (a) very well-coached team.

BOB TURNER (Top Gun National 18U)

What’s your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? The competition was elite. Every game was an opportunity for my kids to get better and we appreciate that a great deal. Scott Smith and the Prospect Wire Softball staff did a tremendous job in hosting and bringing this all together for everyone.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (Mississippi State-bound OF) Taylor Troutman and (Stanford-bound 3B/SS) Sydney Boulaphinh combined for 4 home runs and 16 RBIs. Our pitching staff — North Florida-bound LHP Macie Hunolt, Ohio State-bound P/1B/3B Lorin Boutte and Kansas-bound RHP Kennedy Diggs – Kansas — combined for 35 Ks and only 9 BBs.

Do you have an uncommitted player we should highlight? (2026 C) Gianni Torres. She only played one game with us, as she is catching in the TCIC with Team Cuba. She’s hitting .375 with a double, 2 RBIs and 2 runs while handling catching duties for the undefeated 18U Team Cuba squad.

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? (Tennessee-bound OF) Saviya Morgan of Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier — one of the toughest outs in the country. Elite speed, handles bat at a high level and high softball IQ. (Fllorida-bound RHP_ Katelynn Oxley of Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier — commands the zone with multiple pitches, really digs in during key situations and loves to challenge hitters.

Which team most impressed you and why? Have to give the nod to Athletics Mercado-Smith, while we didn’t face them in the event, that squad was sharp in all facets (from) what I saw this weekend. Pitch it, catch it and swing it all at a high level. I’d say they have to be the favorites at Alliance Nationals next month.

That being said, so many outstanding groups on the fields this weekend. First class event, top to bottom.

My BESTIE from the East Coast! My USA Junior Women’s National Teammate @A2026Anabela
I love and missed you!!@USASoftballJWNT pic.twitter.com/P4yvpkHtih

— Sofia Hernandez (@Sofia_Hdz2026) June 28, 2024

SCOTT SMITH (Texas Bombers Gold-Smith 18U)

What’s your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? The competition at this event is that absolute toughest collection of teams and organizations in the country.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament?
(2026 SS) Anabela Abdullah (batted) .615, .732 OBP, .769 SLG and 6 SBs.

Which team most impressed you and why? Mine 🙂 Texas Bombers Gold 18U
(Seeing how we were missing two of our top players that were at the USA training camp — Tennessee-committed 2025 C/SS/CF Elsa Morrison and Florida-bound OF Townsen Thomas).

Our outfield was on lockdown at the Patriot Games! Loved contributing to our No Fly Zone with two diving catches and a robbed home run! 🏔️ @CoachMFrezzotti @heather_gelbard @jordynrudd63 @JoRichwood pic.twitter.com/aHiDzNbol1

— Kate Sarago (@KateSarago) July 1, 2024

STACY TAMBORRA (Athletics Gold Tamborra 16U)

What was your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? Patriot Games is absolutely loaded with elite teams. This year they added a few more teams, but we still played some of the best teams in the country every game. That’s why we like the event.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (2026 OF) Laci Martinez (batted) .526 with 4 HRs, 8 RBIs and was incredible in the outfield. (2025 SS/P) Leah Byrd (batted) .418 with 5 HRs (and) 7 RBIs. (2026 3B/P) Aubrey Moore (bated) .353 with 2 (doubles and) 2 HRs, (2026 C/OF) Grace Welicky (batted) .333 (with) 2 HRs (and) 5 RBIs, (2026 IF) Dawson Blue (batted) .312 (with) 2H Rs. (2026 OF) Alexis Evans was incredible on defense and (2025 P) Brooke Beam led our pitching staff for the weekend, throwing 18 innings (with) 16 Ks (and a) .125 BAA. (2025 OF) Kate Sarago had some game-changing catches in the OF.

(2026 C) Shea Chatham caught 20 innings, allowing no PB and no SB. A pitcher’s best friend, who loves to compete. Very solid, consistently at the plate.

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? Well, there were a lot of amazing athletes, but the (2026) 3B (Kennedy “KB” Bradley) for Texas Glory-Shelton really stood out to me. She carried herself with such a love for the game and was so quick to respond to the short game. She was very impressive.

Which team most impressed you and why? The most complete team we played was Texas Glory-Shelton. Combination of speed and power and knowledge of the game at a high level. Very disciplined and well coached.

RYAN TAYLOR (Aces Fastpitch Club 18U)

What was your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? Patriot Games for us is a great opportunity to play top competition. (We) see good pitching and hitters to prepare for our next steps. I hope in the future the structure doesn’t change and get outside of the initial idea.

We came away with a good plan on the things we have been doing well and the adjustments needed moving forward.

Which player/players made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? Two biggest impacts — (2026 OF) Abreya Perry, who Brentt (Eads) had ranked #2 in the 2026 class, was incredible, hitting .615 with a .667 OBP. Impactful play in the outfield. Abreya is a 2026 that will be a LHH coaches won’t want to miss. On Deck laser time 2.54 H-1B.

Another uncommitted player to highlight is 2025 (P/1B/OF) Reagan Vokoun, who has stepped into a big role on our pitching staff. She is left handed with good late break that keeps pitchers guessing. She can also swing the bat well.

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? (Missouri-bound Sophie) Smith from Impact Gold-(Jackson) committed to Missouri swings the bat well.

Which team most impressed you and why? Overall, I thought Athletics Mercado(-Smith) swung the bat up and down the lineup well.

OLIVIA PAZ (Iowa Premier National-Paz 14U)

What’s your biggest take away from the Patriot Games? My biggest take away from the Patriot Games was seeing the level of competition that it brought to us. It was able to prepare my girls for the competition in which they are getting ready to see in the Sparkler National Power Pool.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (2027 C/3B) Lively Hanawalt. Hanawalt has stayed consistent for her team throughout our time at the Patriot Games. She is our 3-hole hitter and batted a .467 with 4 RBIs on the tournament. Hanawalt also spends majority of her time behind the plate. She did a phenomenal job trying to center our pitchers and worked to produce more strike calls for them.

Do you have an uncommitted player we should highlight, that people around the country should know about? (2027 OF/UT) Kate Sandvick. Sandvick is a tone setter for the top of our lineup. Throughout the spring and summer seasons, Sandvick has batted an impressive .557 with an OPS of 1.299, all while only having one strikeout in 38 games played. Defensively, Sandvick is our starting center fielder and does an exceptional job communicating and controlling the outfield. She is consistent at her position with only one error in her spring and summer season.

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? (2027 CF) Emree Massaad of Strykers National-Williams 14U. Massaad was one of our hardest outs all tournament. She consistently had quality at-bats, was fast down the line and did a great job trying to put pressure on the defense.

Which team impressed you the most and why? Impact Gold National-Siegel. We had played Siegel in the fall and enjoyed being able to face them again. It was impressive to see the adjustments they have been able to make since last facing them and seeing the team chemistry they have. They’re a well-coached team and I always appreciate going head-to-head with that staff and group.

DALE SERIE (Texas Bombers Gold-Serie 16U)

What’s your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? Patriot Games is designed for your team to play some of the best teams in the country while allowing your players to be recruited by over 200 college coaches. I think the Patriot Games gives you a clear indication where your team matches up against some of the best teams in the country. College coaches get to see your athletes compete against other top athletes.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? I would say offensively (Tarleton State-committed 2025 OF/P) Mikayla Wilson, (who batted) .647 (with a) .727 OBP (and) 11 hits. Defensively, (2026 P) Riese Flood (had) 15.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 16 Ks, 4 hits, 1 BB and .078 BAA.

Do you have an uncommitted player we should highlight (with stats)? Offensively, (2026 CF/LF/OF) Josie Busceme (who batted) .667 (with a) 10 hits (and a) .688 OBP. Defensively, (2026 P/OF) Eva Lantagne (who had) 11.1 IP, .1.85 ERA, 1 BB, 5 Ks and .200 BAA. (2026 P) Jordyn Thibodeaux (had) 7 IP, 1.16 ERA, 7 Ks, 2 BBs and .227 BAA.

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? Iowa Premier National-Dickel/James (2025 OF/3B/2B Lianna Hull). Extremely athletic player with great barrel control. Her ability to use the entire field with her speed and power.

Which team most impressed you and why? Athletic Gold Tamborra. Well-coached team with a great combination of speed and power offensively.

KELLI JACOBY (Bombers Gold-Jacoby 18U)

What was your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? My biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games this year is getting to play the top teams in the nation and play teams outside of your state right before Colorado. My other takeaway is being able to put my kids in front of so many college coaches at one time.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (Lamar-committed 2025 OF/C) Ariel Flores (batted) .533 with 9 RBIs and 1 HR. (She) caught an over-the-fence HR to help secure the win against Impact Gold-Jackson in single elimination (on) Saturday.

(Oklahoma State-committed 2025 C/UT) Gabby Castillo (batted) .500 (with a) 1.422 OPS.

(Oklahoma State-bound IF/C/MIF) Tara Vandewater (batted) .429 (with) 1 home run.

(Sam Houston State-committed 2025 OF/C) Sophia Lundstrom (batted) .400 (with 1 home run.

(Oklahoma State-committed 2025 P) Makala Smith (had a) 2.41 ERA (with) 17.1 IP, 18 Ks and .172 BAA.

(Sam Houston State-committed 2025 LHP) Cassie Marshall (had a) 0.00 ERA, 6.1 IP and 4 Ks.

Which team most impressed you and why? The team that impressed me most was the Birmingham Thunderbolts. we played them and it was a really close, hard-going game by both teams. We ended up winning, 3-0.

(2026 SS Katie King) and (Tennessee-bound LF Saviya Morgan) from the Birmingham Thunderbolts were both impressive on the field and in the box. They both were super speedy and we knew if they got on, they would score, so we had to keep them off the bases to win.

SEAN BRASHEAR (Firecrackers Select-Rico/Brashear 18U)

What’s your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? Great Competition!!

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (2025 1B/RF) Mia Gomez (went) 9 for 15 over seven games with 2 home runs 5 RBIs.

Do you have an uncommitted player we should highlight? 2025 P Charlie Duran (pitched) 14.1 IP (with) 4 ER (and) 20 Ks.

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? Leadoff hitter (2026 OF Abreya Perry) from Aces. (She) plays CF.

Which team most impressed you and why? The obvious is the obvious typically with this stuff, so (I) would say Colorado Batbusters (National-Smith), who won their pool.

LANE GALLOWAY (Hotshots National-Galloway 16U)

What’s your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? High-level teams and players.

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (2027 SS/3B) Bayleigh Taylor (batted) .533 (with) 4 HRs, 2 doubles and 11 RBIs.

(2026 OF/1B) Ariel Arambula (had) 3 HRs (and) 9 RBIs.

(2026 C/OF Isabella) “Bella” Dzialo (batted) .692 (with) 1 HR and 3 doubles.

MIKE BAGROSE (EC Bullets Gold-Schnute 18U)

What was your biggest takeaway from the Patriot Games? Biggest takeaway was the visibility and presence of MANY college coaches in a centralized location was (an) exceptional experience for all teams and families. Competition was elite across all games with many players having bright futures ahead at the biggest and most successful college programs!

Which player made the biggest impact on your team for the tournament? (Jacksonville State-bound IF/OF) Jaci Underwood (batted) .333 with 2 HRs. (She played) lockdown defense at 3B with 16 assists and 8 putouts.

Do you have an uncommitted player we should highlight, that people around the country should know about? (2026 RHP/OF) Victoria Na really showed up with a total of 11 innings pitched with total of 10 Ks, a complete game 6-inning win over OC Batbusters, overall a 1.26 WHIP.

Which player (from another team) most impressed you and why? The leadoff hitter for Arizona storm (2026 1B/OF Sydnee Williams) was impressive on both sides of ball, hitting for power and could run well.