Crushers Bring Home USSSA Crown

After a long winter break the Virginia Crushers ’99 Fastpitch Softball team was anxious to return to competition.  After the disappointment of seeing their first tournament canceled due to unplayable fields, the girls returned in strong form at the 2010 USSSA Kickoff Classic in Glen Bernie, Md.  With all games pushed until Sunday for the rain-shortened tournament, the Crushers swept to a 4-0 record, outscoring the opposition 33-1 to claim the championship.  Amanda Beane led the offense, driving in 5 runs while going 7 for 9, posting a .778 average.  Emily Weatherholtz drove in 7 runs and Leah Shipp added 6 RBIs to power the Crusher hitters.  Morgan Blot and Julia Sinnett chipped in 4 RBIs each.  The defense was solid throughout as the Crushers gave up only 1 run through 4 games.  Shipp and Weatherholtz combined for 34 strikeouts while only giving up 3 walks and 5 hits.  The Crushers next play in the 2010 Cherry Blossom Tournament in Vienna, Va.  Follow the Crushers at www.99vacrushers.com.