The Cupertino Courier

Sports

Onishi, Young lead Inferno to NorCal title

By Mike Barnhart

Paced by the precision pitching of Alanna Onishi and the power hitting of Justine Young, the Cupertino Inferno captured first place at the recent Northern California ASA 12-under B tournament and earned an opportunity to compete for the Western States championship, Aug. 1-5 at Las Cruces, N. M.

The Inferno, a talented team of middle school girls from the Cupertino Girls Softball League, won four straight games to capture the 20-team NorCal event, June 22-24 at Twin Creeks Sports Complex in Sunnyvale. After romping 15-0 over Carmel in the first game, the Inferno fought hard to earn victories in the next three.

Kylie Page's base hit in the bottom of the sixth inning chased home Julia Peters with the winning run in the Inferno's 3-2 triumph over San Carlos.

In the semifinals, the Quicksilver Red of South San Jose jumped out to an early 2-1 lead and threatened to do more damage. Inferno center fielder Andie Stager halted the rally, though, by throwing out a runner at third base, and the club roared back to win 9-3. Young highlighted the comeback with a three-run home run.

The Inferno also fell behind in the championship game against the Half Moon Bay Wave. With the Wave leading 4-3 entering the Inferno's half of the fifth, catcher Carolyn McGuire tripled home Page to tie the game. Young then followed with another homer, a two-run clout that provided the Inferno's final margin of 6-4.

Onishi, who pitched all four games, had terrific control. "She was unbelievable," praised head coach Jim Farmer. "She only gave up one or two walks in the entire tournament."

Other contributions were turned in by Clarissa Wells, Anna von Schell, Caity Prada, Hannah Montalban, Keshaila Chang and Theresa Wong. Joining Farmer on the coaching staff are Eric von Schell, Pat McGuire, Larry Wong and Steve Peters. Karen Stager is the team manager.

Players and coaches of the Inferno began working together in May, after competing for six different teams during the CGSL's recreational season in the spring. Tournaments at Aptos and Tracy prepared the Inferno for the NorCal championship. After winning the NorCal title, the Inferno tried to stay sharp with tournaments at Carmel and Pleasanton.

Hoping to defray some of the heavy travel and lodging expenses for the Western States event in New Mexico, the Inferno seeks funding and support from local businesses. To make a donation, call Karen Stager at 408.343.1074 or 408.219.3595.