July 8, 2024
LOVELAND, Colo. — A grueling stretch of seven games within about 28 hours ended in pure elation for SoCal Athletics DK.
Playing on fumes and motivated by passion, the Athletics won four games on Sunday to clinch the Colorado Sparkler Junior 14u Supplemental Power Pool championship. After beating Buzz Gold, 7-3, in the title game, head coach Fernando Duenas praised his girls’ relentless will to win.
“You got to play with your heart and your mind because your body's tired — everybody's tired,” Duenas said. “It comes down to your heart, playing with your heart. That's what I tell the girls. We're on the same level, but who wants it more?”
Athletics starting pitcher Kaylahni Duenas wanted every bit of the championship plaque her team ultimately earned at Loveland’s Barnes Softball Complex. The right-hander threw all seven innings against Buzz Gold, striking out four and allowing six hits.
“My adrenaline made me push through,” said Kaylahni, who also contributed two hits at the plate. “I'm glad I did it with them (my teammates).”
Kaylahni’s adrenaline helped her the most in high-pressure situations. Up one run in the sixth inning and faced with a bases-loaded jam, she struck out consecutive BuzzGold batters to end the threat.
“She's our No. 1 pitcher and she's always ready for the competition,” coach Duenas said. “I’m very proud of her.”
The Athletics won three games on Saturday to earn a spot in the championship bracket. There, SoCal worked past I-5 Ventura Premier 2027 (7-2), Nebraska Gold 13u-Michaelis (10-9) and Breakers Labs 14u Guzman/Bobby (9-5) before facing Buzz Gold.
In the championship game, the Athletics entered their half of the sixth up 3-2 before scoring four needed insurance runs. Melanie Vallin, Esme Soto and Hayden Hinchman each tallied an RBI during the rally.
“Everyone here has really good energy and we all get along,” Hinchman said. “There's no cliques and everyone's really friendly with each other.”
BuzzGold also put together spirited rallies in the final two innings but couldn’t push across the equalizer. Clara Becknauld, Kaitlyn Lowe, Taylor Kasten and catcher Rylee Little each had at least one knock on the afternoon.
“I'm really proud because we're a first-year 14u team and we fought until the end,” Becknauld said. “Our pitchers (Ambri Ramos and Lowe) did great, our team did great, and we just fought to the end.”
BuzzGold reached the championship game via Sunday wins over Hotshots Premier Nelson (7-2) and Athletics Mercado Carlone-Granillo (10-9).
