Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, July 30, 2022

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Mountain Views-News Saturday, July 30, 2022 

SPORTS

SIERRA MADRE GIRLS SOFTBALL SPRING SEASON NEWS

July 22, 2022 –The stellar All Stars season run of 
Sierra Madre Girls Softball Association’s 8U Gold 
team “TNT” has finally come to an end. With far 
more ups than downs, this group of eight-and nine-
year old girls made it all the way from Sierra Madre’s 
Heasley Field to becoming one of the final “elite 8” 
teams at Regionals in San Diego. TNT beat teams 
from all over California and Nevada at Regionals, 
being the only “C” Division team among “B” Division 
competitors.

Coach Eddie Medrano and his coaching team were 
able to pull out the best from each one of the players. 
Only three girls on the team had prior All Stars 
experience, but every girl worked hard and soared 
with their dedication and love for the game. The 
girls dedicated hours to not just regular team practice, 
but also extra practice sessions dedicated solely 
on hitting and catching skills. The time paid off in 
both improved skills and deeper friendships that 
bonded the team and propelled them forward. The 
leadership of Olivia Medrano and CJ Hull and the 
unwavering solidity of Rylie McKenzie helped their 
teammates get over first year All Stars jitters, and 
they continued to lead as great examples throughout 
the season.

TNT’s kicked off their All Stars season with tournaments 
in San Clemente and Camarillo, where they 
faced some of the best B Division teams in Southern 
California. It was an eye opener but with their positive 
attitude and great training, the girls showed up 
and came away with a win and got runs off some 
tough teams. These early tournaments were the motivator 
that ignited their fighting spirit. 

TNT played in a few friendlies against Pasadena 
and La Verne All Stars teams, which helped prepare 
them for the District tournament in Glendora. 
Sierra Madre’s girls showed up ready to play hard. 
While they started with a close loss against #2 Diamond 
Bar, TNT went on to win three straight games 
and finished the tournament 3-2, with both their offense and 
defense coming together during the tournament. TNT showcased 
impressive defensive composure led by their catcher 
Sarah Bates and multiple defensive plays by first year All Star 
and 3rd baseman Petra Bragiel. Offensively, first year All Star 
Mikayla Tejeda drove in the tying runs in their come-from-
behind, nail biter victory over Chino Hills. Olivia Medrano led 
the team with 14 RBIs and a killer home run against one of the 
toughest pitchers in the Division. CJ Hull had an impressive 
11 runs. In addition, Marlo Gomez (5), Maddie Persell (3), 
Rylie McKenzie (2), and Kayley Wang (2) each had multiple 
hits during the weekend. The pitching performances of Olivia 
Medrano and CJ Hull kept the games close, with a combined 
37 strikeouts over 18 innings. With the help of amazing assistant 
coaches Tara Hull, Chris Bates, Amber McKenzie, Ethan 
Stearns, and Peter Bragiel, TNT came together and was poised 
to make a run in the State Championship. 

SMGSA 8U All Stars TNT were well-prepared to battle at the 
States Tournament over the July 4th Weekend. TNT kicked off 
the States Tournament with pitchers Olivia Medrano and CJ 
Hull working together to throw a no hitter against West Valley. 
Medrano and Hull then led the team to victory in what ended 
up being one of the most emotional games of the season, a 2-1 
win vs. Diamond Bar. Hull drove in the team's 2 winning runs 
and Medrano held Diamond Bar down to 2 hits, striking out 
9 and catching the game winning pop fly out. Overall, TNT 
exploded with 21 hits and 29 runs over the weekend. TNT finished 
in the top 8 at States with a 4-2 record, which qualified 
them to advance to Regionals in San Diego. TNT celebrated 
with extra explosive energy after returning from the tournament 
while marching in Sierra Madre’s 4th of July Parade. 

TNT’s epic season final was at Regionals in the California State Games in San Diego. TNT competed against the best teams in the region in both B and C Divisions. TNT won 3 of their 4 
games and finished in the top 8 of 30 teams, outperforming some strong teams that they had faced earlier in their All Stars season. Once again, TNT had outstanding pitching performances 
from Olivia Medrano (10 IP 21 Ks), CJ Hull (3.1 IP 8 Ks), and Maddie Persell (1.2 IP). Offensively, Marlo Gomez’s bat was on fire and she led the team with 6 hits. CJ Hull (3) and Olivia 
Medrano (3) came in clutch, and the team scored 24 runs over 4 games. The highlight of the week was when Rylie McKenzie singled home Maddie Persell with 2 outs in the bottom of the 
4th for a high anxiety walk off win vs. Hart to advance the girls to the top 8 of the tournament.

TNT concluded their All Stars 
season with a record of 10-5 in 
Championship play and solidified 
their status as one of the best 
teams in the region. Special thanks 
to the committed coaching staff 
led by All Stars Manager, Eddie 
Medrano, the supportive families, 
and the players who dug deep and 
played their hearts out. 

Want to get in on the action? Fall 
softball registration is open at 
smgsa.org. Fall is a perfect time for 
new players to learn the game and 
returning players to develop new 
skills and try different positions in 
a friendly environment focusing 
on growth and fun.

About SMGSA: Sierra Madre Girls 
Softball Association offers girls 
ages 5 to 14 from Sierra Madre, 
Arcadia, Monrovia, Pasadena, Altadena 
and surrounding communities 
the opportunity to develop 
softball skills and good sportsmanship 
in a positive environment. 
For more information, visit 
smgsa.org and follow SMGSA on 
Facebook @sierramadregirlssoftballassociation 
and Instagram @
smgsa.

CONTACT: 

Russ Meek, SM Girls Softball 
President 

626.827.5011 / sierramadregirlssoftball@
gmail.com


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com