The GVGSA 12U Goleta Storm battled their way to the Father’s Day Swing Into Summer Tournament championship in Orcutt last weekend.
The Storm went 4-0 on the weekend, including several comeback victories in the biggest games of the tournament.
“For the second tournament in a row, we’ve faced some real adversity, and the girls are beginning to realize they’re never truly out of any game,” Goleta head coach Chris Anderson said.
“Our blood pressures were probably a little higher than we would have liked, but these ladies certainly made it a Father’s Day to remember.”
After two wins to begin the weekend and clinch a spot in the semifinals, Goleta fell behind 10-3 in the semifinal game. However, the Storm rallied from behind with eight runs in the final inning to secure an 11-10 comeback win.
The drama carried into the championship game, where the Storm surrendered two runs in the top of the last inning to fall behind 7-6.
However, Goleta answered right back with two runs in the bottom half to clinch the championship with an 8-7 walk-off victory.
“Harper (Read) hit an absolute missile to the gap to drive in the winning run,” Anderson said. “She’s been a leader for us all summer, and it was really great to see her have that moment. This team just never gives up, and today was a perfect example of that.”
The undefeated weekend for the Storm improved their summer-long record to 25-6. They will be back in Orcutt for another tournament this weekend.
The 12U Storm team consists of Ava Rodriguez, Ella Anderson, Giana Bautista, Gianna Brunner, Hailey Bravo, Harper Read, Juliana Jimenez, Makaela Muhr, Malaya Guilliams, Mia Tarka, Nyny Garcia and Ricci Ruiz.
The team is coached by Chris Anderson, Matt Guilliams, Jon Ramsdell, Erika Rodriguez, Beau Brunner and Javier Read.