In their last tune-up before the National Softball Association (NSA) Western World Series, the Nevada Comets 16-and-under softball team was dominant this past weekend at the Star Spangled Invitational in Modesto, Calif.
The Comets won five straight games and outscored their opponents 49-4 along the way during the tournament played at Rainbow Fields. The team will take a 31-3 summer record into the NSA Western World Series, which begins July 22 in Plano, Texas.
"We're playing very well right now," Comets coach Jim Puzey said. "For us to go down to Central California and tag people as hard as we did this weekend was pretty good."
The Comets finished fifth at the NSA tournament last year in Modesto. This time, Puzey says the goal is to finish on top of a bracket that is expected to number at least 49 teams.
"I think we're stronger now," Puzey said. "Truthfully, I feel we have a chance to win this whole thing if we can stay healthy and catch some breaks."
The Comets only needed one inning to win their final on Sunday against Rock 'N Fire from Stockton, Calif. Ashley Arneson scored on a close -- and controversial -- play to give the Comets a 5-0 lead in the first inning. The opposing manager was ejected at that point and then pulled his team off the field, giving the Comets a forfeit victory, according to Puzey.
Earlier in the day, the Comets beat California Blitz from Sacramento 6-0 in the semifinals. Kayla Dunn hit 2-for-2 with two RBIs and Tasha McCann 2-for-2 to lead the Comets offensively. Brittany Puzey pitched a three-hitter, struck out nine and walked none to earn the win.
On Saturday, the Comets beat the Manteca, Calif., Rebels 17-0 as Dunn went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs, Ashley Hartley 2-for-2 with two doubles and four RBIs, Kaycee Wilcks 2-for-3 with one RBI, Sarah Hunt 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs and Puzey 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Dunn pitched a no-hitter to beat California Lookout from Stockton, 11-0. Dunn also hit 2-for-2 with a home run, double and three RBIs.
In their tournament opener, the Comets were 10-4 winners against the Porterville, Calif., Magic. Andrea Lazzari hit 3-for-3 with a double and two RBIs, Calli Fisher 2-for-2 with a double, triple and two RBIs and McCann 2-for-2 with two RBIs. Puzey pitched a three-hitter, struck out eight and walked none to pick up the complete game victory.
As a team, the Comets hit 49-for-99 in five games (.495) with 11 doubles, two triples and four home runs, according to coach Puzey.