Get on board with Line Drive Media’s regular feature, The Final Pitch!

We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.

To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at carlos.arias@linedrivemedia.com, DM at @los_stuff on Twitter or text (949) 606-3602.

Here’s our TFP for Monday, June 16, 2025:

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THE FINAL PITCH: ALI EVANS

Uncommitted 2028 LHP/OF Ali Evans, #34 in the 2028 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about NW Bullets-Dawson/Muir, PGF Nationals, Washington players, winning the recent 16U PGF June Premier Invitational, becoming a more well-rounded pitcher, Athletics Mercado, supportive family, athletic family, future college, college camps, engineering, math and chemistry, Kobe Bryant, “The Hunger Games,” NF, college softball, “Twilight” series and juggling.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Ali Evans

Hometown: Richland, WA

High School: Richland High

Club Team: NW Bullets Premier-Dawson/Muir 16u

Graduation Year: 2028

Height: 5-9

Position/s: LHP/OF

Nickname: My teammate, Tenley Jukkala, calls me “Allison” (my real name is just Ali). My dad calls me “Bugs” ( when I was a baby, a sweet lady told him I was as cute as a bug). My Papa calls me “Sweet Pea.”

Social Media: @alievans_13 on Instagram

Honors: #34 in the 2028 Line Drive Hot 100 and two-time 12U USA Softball All-American.

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: Hitting — .407 AVG, .473 OBP, 5 HR; Pitching — 102 IP, 21-3, 135 Ks, 1.276 WHIP, .234 BAA.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: Pitching — 45 IP, 57 Ks, 0.618 ERA, 0.926 WHIP, .143 BAA.

High School Spring 2025 Stats: Hitting — .592 AVG, .667 OBP, 1.548 OPS; Pitching — 76 IP, 109 Ks, 1.46 ERA, 0.900 WHIP, .166 BAA.

Travel Ball Summer 2025 Stats (So Far): Hitting — .545 AVG, .667 OBP, 1.667 OPS; Pitching — 26 IP, 41 Ks, 2 BBs, 0.525 ERA, 0.488 WHIP, .112 BAA.

Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? The NW Bullets have really brought in some amazing softball players throughout the years. I really admire the high standards that the Bullets organization uphold. The caliber of players that they retain throughout the years is the best in the Northwest without a doubt. I’m honored to be a part of it all.

Tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals? Playing PGF Nationals last year was my first real experience at being with a team that would do anything to support each other. When we lost our first bracket game, the whole team came together and decided we were going to win at all costs. What followed were some of the best games of my life and we ended up winning several extra-inning tiebreakers in a row to place 12th in the Premier bracket. I can’t thank my family, coaches and especially teammates enough for pulling through in every little moment to give us the victory.

What makes players from the state of Washington special? Players from Washington are often overlooked when it comes to scouting and recognition, so players from this area have to work twice as hard to reach their goals. Also, the weather on the West side is very rainy and turbulent, so players have to make do with the couple (of) months we do get to play, as opposed to those who have nice enough weather to play all year round. We figure out ways to make things happen and although there might be extra challenges associated with being a Washingtonian, I think it makes us better able to deal with imperfect circumstances. We find ways to stay competitive. I personally was very fortunate to have found a team that does come to play in big tournaments like this one and vow never to take a moment for granted, knowing that there are many in my area who would kill to have just a shot at one of these prestigious tournaments.

Can you talk about helping your team win the 16U title at the recent PGF June Premier Invitational? The reason that we were able to pull through with the win this tournament, to me, was because of how well everyone played their role this weekend. There was no way I would have been able to pitch this entire tournament and Sierra Murray was quite literally on fire, winning us the semifinal game and punching our ticket to the championship. Our lineup was also amazing at producing runs, from the speedsters that stole too many bases to count to our amazing power hitters, who drove in the win for us. My coaches were critical to my success on the mound as they were able to utilize my pitches at exactly the right moments. And last but definitely not least, my catcher, Tenley Jukkala, who caught me in the championship game, helped me the entire way, from stealing strikes to giving me a pep talk before that final pitch. She keeps me focused and I feel confident that she will handle whatever I throw at her.

What was your highlight of the fall? What have you been focusing on this offseason? My highlight this fall was definitely in my pitching and more particularly throwing an effective dropball. This offseason, me, my parents, coaches and Papa have been working on making me a more well-rounded player through gaining speed, strengthening my overhand throw, practicing laddering the drop and much more. My training with Reign Sports Performance and Mirielle Reyes has also kept me healthy, strong and mobile all season long.

Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? This team has faced many tough opponents, but the Athletics Mercado team we played in the championship game was a big test for us. Their team was solid and they made it very difficult to get that last out. I’m sure we will face them again and (I) am excited to see who will step up.

What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? I have had a very blessed life. My family has not only been very supportive of my goals, but have also given me the guidance to make the most of my opportunities. My Papa (Kelly Richards) has been a softball coach for over 30 years and has given me so much insight into the game of softball. My parents, as former D1 players, have also given me so much knowledge of what it means to play at the highest level. I have been given a lot and I know a lot is expected from me.

Do you have any family members/siblings that are athletes? Ashley Richards, mom, softball C/3B at the University of Oregon; and Joel Evans, dad, baseball P at Texas Tech and Oregon State.

What are you looking for in a future college? My dream college is one that could provide a good academic education in the engineering field, as well as have a supportive and competitive softball team at the highest level for myself. My goal through sports has always been to graduate without debt and it would be a priority for me to be able to give back to my family in that way.

What college camps have you attended and are you planning to attend and why? I have attended several college camps in the past year, including ones hosted by UW, Oregon, Stanford and UCSB, just to name a few. I am very attracted to schools where the current team has obvious chemistry and works well together. I feel so lucky to have time on my side as well, being an incoming sophomore and still live with the mentality that anything is possible.

What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? For the past few years, I have become very interested in the engineering fields, especially Nuclear, Biomedical and Mechanical engineering. This is because I have always loved creating new things that help the world and I hope that being in this profession would allow me to help many people.

What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? My favorite subjects in school are Math and Chemistry because I love being able to connect them to real life. With those subjects there is a definitive answer, but I also love using that base knowledge to be creative.

Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is Kobe Bryant because not only was he one of the best NBA players, but the “Mamba Mentality” he shared is a perfect example of how I try to lead my life and training for this sport. I never consider a loss a failure, there’s always something to learn from it. I genuinely love the process and learning and growing is my main objective.

What’s your favorite book to read and why? My favorite book is “The Hunger Games” (by Suzanne Collins) for many reasons, but mostly because it is a story about determination to survive. It also goes to show that the strongest doesn’t always win, but the person with the most will to succeed will always beat the player next to them, no matter how good they are.

What’s the best hype song and why? My favorite hype songs: “Hope” by NF; “Godzilla” by Eminem; (and) “Underworld” by Unaverage Gang. When I listen to these songs, I visualize what will happen in that next game/tournament. This way, I can walk into the stadium already knowing and manifesting what is going to happen before the other team can see it coming.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I love watching college softball! It helps me learn so much about the game and is a dream of mine to be on someday.

What’s your favorite movie and why? My favorite movie, right now, is the “Twilight” series. I love the complexity of the storyline and watching fictional movies.

Do you have a secret talent/skill? I can juggle, as well as almost the entirety of my high school team. We have also learned how to pass a ball in between each other mid-juggle and (we) are working on other tricks as well. I can also solve a Rubik’s cube.

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NEWS & NOTES

***Triple Crown Brashear Summer Invitational was held June 14-15 in La Habra/Whittier/Garden Grove/Mission Viejo/Lake Elsinore, CA (All rankings are Line Drive Hot 50 Club National Rankings):

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18U: ATHLETICS MERCADO-SMITH 0, FIRECRACKERS SELECT-RICO/BRASHEAR 0

#1 Athletics Mercado-Smith and #22 Firecrackers Select-Rico/Brashear both decided not to play the 18U championship game on Sunday at La Bonita Park.

Boise State-bound LHP/1B Loula-Rae McNamara (2-0, 14 IP, 2 ER), Boise State-bound RHP Charley Duran (2-0, shutout in semifinals), 2027 MIF Sadie Burroughs (5 hits, 2-run HR) and Arizona-committed 2026 OF Gabbie Nevarez (2 or 3 with 2 RBIs in semifinals) were some of the Firecrackers’ leaders for the tournament.

“(It) was a very good weekend playing against some very good teams,” Firecrackers coach Sean Brashear said. “These are great opportunities to build towards playing our best softball at the most important time.”

Uncommitted 2026 OF/2B Avery Gehrke led the team in batting, uncommitted 2027 C Hollynn Gentry led the team in extra-base hits and threw out 3-4 runners from behind the plate and uncommitted 2027 RHP Coral Williams led the pitching staff all weekend for Athletics Mercado.

“Always a nice Father’s Day weekend with good games,” Athletics Mercado coach Mark Smith said, “something we attend every year.”

Athletics Mercado defeated OC Batbusters-Stith/Maroon, 5-4, Empire Fastpitch, 13-2, and DNP’d Firecrackers Select-Rico/Brashear on championship Sunday.

Firecrackers Select-Rico/Brashear defeated OC Batbusters-Stith/Black, 2-0, OC Batbusters-Stith, 3-0, and DNP’d Athletics Mercado-Smith on championship Sunday.

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16U: ATHLETICS MERCADO-HOVERMALE/TIDD 0, ATHLETICS MERCADO-HOVERMALE 0

#1 Athletics Mercado-Hovermale/Tidd and #17 Athletics Mercado-Hovermale both decided not to play the championship game and shared the 16U title on Sunday at Rosetta Canyon.

2027 MIF/OF Tiffany Villegas (.625 AVG), 2028 OF Teuli Jaelynn Etiaki (.600 AVG), 2027 MIF Jenna Caldera (.500 AVG), 2027 C/1B Charlize Masingale (.500 AVG) and 2027 SS/3B Leighton Gray (.500 AVG) were some of the leaders for AM-Hovermale/Tidd.

“Good weekend with good competition playing 7-inning games to prepare us for Colorado and Nationals,” AM-Hovermale/Tidd coach Brian Tidd said. “(It was a) successful weekend having three of our teams in the Final 4.”

2026 SS Soleil Luna hit .500 with two home runs and five RBIs, 2027 1B/OF Savannah Gonzalez hit .500 with three doubles, a triple and four RBIs, 2027 UT Macai Johnson hit .417 with two home runs and four RBIs, 2027 P Peyton Moya and 2027 P/1B/3B Gianna Torres both had two wins to lead AM-Hovermale.

AM-Hovermale/Tidd defeated Lady Magic Munoz-Asia, 7-2, AM 2010-Tidd, 6-5, and DNP’d AM-Hovermale on championship Sunday.

AM-Hovermale defeated Corona Angels-Slye, 4-3, Corona Angels-FTS, 5-3, and DNP’s AM-Hovermale/Tidd on championship Sunday.

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14U: OC BATBUSTERS-K. STITH 4, CORONA ANGLES-TYSON 3

OC Batbusters-K. Stith knocked off #6 Corona Angels-Tyson, 4-3, in the 14U championship game on Sunday at Birdsall.

2029 1B Rylee Thurmond (.600 AVG), 2029 MIF Jenna Valladares (.538 AVG), 2030 P/SS Lola Braun (.529 AVG) and 2029 2B/P Julia Horton (.462 AVG, MVP, 13 IP, 1.05 ERA, 13 Ks) were some of the leaders for Batbusters-K. Stith.

“It was a good weekend, progressing offensively,” Batbusters coach Katie Stith said. “(It) was good to see strong competition. Just getting going though, a long summer ahead of us.”

Batbusters-K. Stith defeated Team San Diego-Baca, 8-2, Lady Magic-Allen, 6-0, and Corona Angels-Tyson, 4-3, on championship Sunday.

Corona Angels-Tyson defeated Firecrackers Brashear-Thornburg, 11-0, OC Batbusters-Stith/AG, 9-2 and lost to Batbusters-K. Stith, 4-3, on championship Sunday.

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12U: OC BATBUSTERS-STITH/BYRD 6, LADY MAGIC-BIGLEY 1

OCBatbusters-Stith/Byrd, the reigning 12U Alliance national champion, cruised to a 6-1 victory over Lady Magic-Bigley in the 12U championship game on Sunday at William Craycraft.

“We are very excited to win the Brashear Invitational championship,” Batbusters coach Jeff Byrd said. “OC Batbusters has a great relationship with the Firecrackers organization and Sean Brashear and we want to thank them for the invite.”

2030 IF/OF Logan Fong who batted .583 with a .688 OBP while also locking down 2B was the MVP for the weekend. 2030 C/IF Abby Vallin also exploded this weekend with three HRs and an average of .562. 2030 OF/P Makynna Byrd, 2030 UT Kaydence Gordon and 2030 IF/OF/P Tenley Ragan also shined at the plate with each finishing the tournament with a .500 batting average.

As always, 2030 P/IF/OF Taylor Goodwin shined again in the championship game with 11Ks and 0 walks to help lead her team to a perfect 6-0 record this weekend and another championship. Batbusters Stith/Byrd is now 89-2 on the season.

Batbusters-Stith/Byrd defeated Explosion-Kim/Okamoto, 14-1, Corona Angels 2012-McCullough, 10-0, Lady Magic-Bigley, 6-1, on championship Sunday.

Lady Magic-Bigley defeated Explosion-Kim/Barreras, 13-0, Appire Softball Academy, 6-0, Corona Angels 2012-Tyson, 7-1, and lost to Batbusters-Stith/Byrd, 6-1, on championship Sunday.

***Top Club Nationals are June 19-22 at Choctaw, OK. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

***Scenic City Summer Top 25 is June 19-22 in Chattanooga, TN. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

***TFL Summer Championship is June 20-22 in North Texas. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS

Hildie Dempsey (2025, LHP/OF, GTS Elite/Jefferson High, WI, Central Florida)

GKCO! https://t.co/TIEXTGGBUz

— Hildie Dempsey (@hildie_dempsey) November 13, 2024

Kendall Trimm (2025, 1B, Tennessee Mojo-Ramsey/Fisher/Moody High, AL, Central Florida)

LETS GO!!!⚔️⚔️ https://t.co/D7uCDh9wT9

— kendall trimm (@KendallTrimm) November 13, 2024

Maliyah Warren (2025, IF/OF, Aces Fastpitch Club/Olathe West High, KS, Central Florida)

🖊️ #NationalSigningDay2024
✍️ Maliyah Warren
🏡 Olathe, Kan.
🥎 INF/OF

Welcome to Orlando, @WarrenMaliyah! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/k6zOq6xUt1

— UCF Softball (@UCF_Softball) November 13, 2024

Ava Stuewe (2025, RHP, Bombers Gold American/Fredericksburg High, TX, Central Florida)

#GKCO Can’t wait to be a Knight! https://t.co/eUEKBCCCUc

— Ava Stuewe (@AvaStuewe) November 13, 2024

Reagan Vokoun (LHP/IF, Aces Fastpitch Club/Lincoln Southwest High, NE, Central Florida)

GO KNIGHTS!! CHARGE ON⚔️ pic.twitter.com/XD945c6Qul

— Reagan Vokoun (@ReaganVokoun) July 16, 2024

Tori Payne (2025, RHP, Louisville Lady Sluggers-Wathen/Wellington High, FL, Central Florida)

So excited for the future! 💛⚔️🖤 https://t.co/1gtfrnccIx

— Tori Payne (@ToriPayne07) November 13, 2024

Ayala Durant (2025, OF, LLG DPS-Corn/Fuquay-Varina High, NC, Central Florida)

2025 Outfielder Ayala Durant has committed to UCF.

Congrats @A1Durant!!! pic.twitter.com/ryNgv1jY4A

— Sidelines - College Softball 🥎 (@SSN_Softball) October 8, 2023

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HSOTD

Today’s Hype Song of the Day is …

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BTITW

Today’s Best Thing In The World is …

At DH and on the mound, Shohei Ohtani.

Tonight's #Dodgers lineup vs. Padres: pic.twitter.com/AvXvZTWDG4

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 16, 2025

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