Sharks wins USSSA World berth

The Carson Sharks 14 and under softball team walked through a field of nine of the top California teams to earn its second berth to the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) World Championship to be held July 22-29 in Orlando, Fla.

Although the Sharks have built a reputation as one of the toughest defensive teams to beat, it was their offensive attack that led them through the tournament. The Sharks hit .523 as a team with 22 doubles, four triples and three home runs in their six games over the weekend. The Sharks were led by Emily Collins, who hit .579 with two doubles, one home run and eight RBI; Breann Perry, who hit .571 with four doubles and six RBI; Marissa Lucido, who hit .571; Ashley Saarem, who hit .533 with five RBI; Lisa Yamamoto, who hit .533 with five RBI; Elayna Shine, who hit .500 with two doubles, one triple; Morgan Kliene, who hit .500 with three stolen bases; Lindsey Ashbaugh, who hit .462 with two doubles, two triples and six RBI; Taylor-Rae Canfield, who hit .429; Elizabeth Cagle, who .400 with three doubles; and K.C. Withrow, who hit two of the team's three home runs and had five RBI.

The Sharks pitching staff kept their teammates out of the blistering sun by making quick work of the opposing hitters. Ashbaugh, who was 4-0 on the mound with 29 strikeouts, while throwing 23 innings over five games, dominated the Sacramento Yardsharks (currently the USSSA's No. 4 ranked team in California) to pick up the win in the championship game. Withrow, the Sharks catcher, added support on the mound throwing seven innings, striking out three and walking one while picking up a win for the Sharks.

The 2006 defending State Champion Sharks will compete in the 2007 National Softball Association (NSA) State Tournament June 29-July 1 in Reno. The Sharks have compiled a 25-10 record during their 2007 season.

Although qualifying for both the 2007 USSSA and NSA World Championship Tournaments, the Sharks will not be attending either event. The Sharks will be returning all but one of their players for their 2008 14 and under roster and their focus will be competing in the 2008 World Tournaments. The Sharks are coached by Tammy Navarro, Kayla Dunn and Joel Dunn.