Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027 was so close once again to garnering the highly prestigious Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) National Championship however for the second year in a row, they fell short after leaving it all on the field, earning Finalist Nationals Runner-up.
Head Coach Fredrick Alford’s Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027 team made another huge run this past weekend at PGF Nationals in the 14u Platinum Division. In the summer of 2022, they finished runner-up and were hoping to make another great run. Ultimately, they fell just shy of their goal losing 2-3.
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027 with Owner Richard Shea
Alford’s superbly coached team came out on fire with on-point pitching, stellar defense, and timely hits. They held teams to 3 or less runs each game. They had 3 shutouts, 1 no-hitter and 4 run ruled games.
The championship game was a battle and timely hits just weren’t made and did not end the way this hardened and extremely talented team had hoped. They had big hits, solid defense, and great pitching only giving up 6 hits to their 11 but just not at the exact moment when needed.
Bolts coaching staff including Richard Shea, Rock Thompson, Shane Cahalan, Giselle “G” Juarez, Fredrick Alford, Joe McHenry, Amy Sevier
"Every Kid on the team played their part this tournament and truly fought for each other. I hate that we made it this far and were unable to finish but I am super proud of this group of girls and this growth over the past few months. It is difficult coming into a jam-packed schedule straight out of school ball and not much time to prepare. There are moments when we showed our lack of preparation but ultimately we were able to put all the pieces together and compete at one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. I believe that it really says a lot about this team and this organization being able to come out here 2 years in a row and advancing to the championship game undefeated. Rock trains and prepares us for these moments, but it is up to the girls to capitalize on the opportunities that they make for themselves."
--- Head Coach Fredrick Alford
Everyone played a huge role at PGF Nationals and this team was very enjoyable to watch. The future is extremely bright for their prep days and beyond into college.
Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027
#14 Ansley “Gator” Brown who hit an impressive .500 AVG with a .576 OBP and turned 3 double plays.
#7 Asher Thompson SS/C with an impressive .567 AVG and .629 OBP with 2 homeruns. This nationally elite short stop locked down her position the entire tournament!
#44 Paige Welch UTL hit .484 AVG and .543 OBP. Leading the team with 6 stolen bases.
#15 Ellie Mitchell a catcher/utility went .370 AVG .485 OBP with 5 stolen bases. Going 3 for 3 in the championship game! Not allowing a passed ball in 18 innings of work.
#12 “KC” Kennedy Cuthbert 3B/1B batting .345 and on base of .457. Making huge plays at third the entire game.
#2 Madison McHenry 1B/3B Batting .375 on base of .459 leading the team with 5 extra base hits.
#22 Madison Kokoska: UTL making a huge diving catch in the championship game in right field. Throwing a no hitter and only giving up 2 earned runs the entire tournament.
#3 Abbigail “Bear” Raciborski: C- catching 45 innings with only 2 passed balls allowed!
#33 Autymn Hollon: OF showing off her power at the plate with 2 timely triples.
#00 Brooke McGowin: OF – had a good eye at the plate buying a lot of walks and hit by pitches getting runners on base and made no errors in the field.
#24 Sasha Campbell: utilized her speed on the base path and at the plate.
#6 Savannah Sevier: OF had no strikeouts on the week.
#10 Brynlee Alford: RHP - Only allowed 4 hits in championship game and 1 extra base hit the entire tournament in 28 innings of work. Only allowed 3 earned runs in 28 IP.
#42 Bryanna Williams RHP- unfortunately, had a knee injury in one of the semifinal games were she was unable to finish playing the next two games. She is getting her knee evaluated and will continue to rest and be back stronger! She threw 16 innings with 17 Ks!
Throughout the interview, it was very evident that Alford is a very grateful gentleman coach and is appreciative of the hardwork, dedication, commitment, and support his players, parents, and coaching staff gave during this successful season. A very humble coach that consistently praises and boasts about his players.
Alford stated, "Lastly, I am very grateful for the support of the Shea family, Rock and his staff for the opportunity and we will be back ready to compete once again next year. I feel that this organization offers the absolute best opportunity for kids in the southeast to be successful at the highest level and am proud to be a small part of it."
Alford is now preparing his fall roster and will be playing in top showcase tournaments. Then plans to make another impressive run at PGF Nationals again next year!
Contact Information:
Email: bolts09fba@gmail.com
Phone: 256-397-4401
Recruiting Link: https://t.co/U9HkzF57qV
Please Follow us on Twitter:
Legacy & Legends Softball
@LegacyLegendsS1
Published by Elizabeth Perez, Legacy & Legends Softball, August 11, 2023
www.legacyandlegendssoftball.com
Comentarios