By Dave Utnik


Forney, TX. --- It was something that had to be witnessed to truly comprehend. And even those who took part in one of the most remarkable rallies in fastpitch softball this season still marvel at what The Fastpitch School (TFS) Texas accomplished by winning the 16U VTD World Series championship. "You can't do anything but shake your head and


smile," Tom Lach admitted. And he'd know better than just about anyone since his last game as a softball coach will undoubtedly rate among the most sensational in his team's history. Down by eight runs with barely 30 minutes remaining, Lach is still somewhat awed by how his team managed to comeback to defeat the Freeze, 11-10, to capture perhaps the organization's most significant first-place trophy ever. "The victory over the Freeze was simply amazing. Many


parents and fans who were there have consistently said it was the most unbelievable comeback win they had ever seen," Lach said. The initial goal was to place among the top three -- an achievable feat for a squad that had previously captured the Keller Spring 16U Warm-up and placed second at the Memorial Weekend Invitational. But two days into the competition, TFS Texas decided it wanted something more. "Our players began to realize that our solid play might


carry us to the championship," said Lach, who was assisted this season by Roger Morin. Bob Bratcher and Kelly Bratcher. "Our confidence soared with each win, and after defeating the Dallas Tigers in our semifinal matchup, it was clear the team would not be satisfied with anything less than a first place finish." The Freeze did everything it could to prevent that


from happening - claiming a winner's bracket showdown 9-2 and then jumping out to another


huge advantage in the "if" game. But closer Chelsea Herndon never stopped believing


her team would prevail. She led TFS Texas in on-base percentage and runs scored before scoring the deciding run in the climactic finale. "Chelsea was definitely our tournament MVP,"


Lach said. Taking home the first-place trophy would definitely be a team effort with game-changing contributions from 13 players, including shortstop Victoria Bratcher, who came through with a two-out, two-run double to beat the Dallas Tigers, 3-1, in the semifinals. There was Tess Eby, who sparked the championship rally with a two-run homer, and Jessica Taylor, who tripled to drive in the only run in a shutout win over Legends Gold. "Our team actually struggled most of the summer


hitting and scoring runs. We would have some good games at the plate, but nothing like the consistent hitting our girls demonstrated during the World Series tournament," Lach said. "We found throughout the season that hitting was contagious...either they all hit


or they didn't; a real roller coaster." When it mattered most, TFS Texas hit. Leadoff batter Riley Dillion, third baseman Megan


Lach, star bunter Taylor Davis, power-hitting first baseman Calin Sims, speedster Emily Kemins and lefty hurler Shayne Starke played pivotal roles in the championship performance. So did slugger Hailey Morin, veteran Carly Randall and versatile Lauren Heintzelman, who played three positions and led the team in total hits. By capturing the season-ending VTD World Series, TFS


Texas transformed itself from a one-time recreational squad into a legitimate travel team contender. Teaming up with former Team USA and Chinese National Team coach Michael Bastian brought instant credibility and a huge spike in attendance for tryouts. "We added several key players to our team," Lach


said. "The increased level of discipline, training and expectations coach Bastian instilled in our players has made the team what it is today. Our girls have worked very hard this past season, partly due to the expectations set by our coaching staff and coach Bastian, and partly due to their athletic skills, passion for the game of softball, and competitiveness." That was reflected in the pitching performances alone. Starke, a lefty, started every game and Herndon, a right-hander, finished, giving TFS Texas a dominating duo that limited opposing teams to 16 runs in eight games. "Our pitching was very solid all season, but especially outstanding throughout the World Series. We shortened up the rotation for the World Series, only pitching Shayne Starkey and Chelsea Herndon," Lach said. "The different pitching styles of these two really kept the opposition off balance." TFS Texas won six consecutive games to reach the


finals against the Freeze. Then, they did something fans in Texas will be talking and shaking their heads about for years to come. "Overall, winning the championship means so much


Team TFS Texas (Lach) use dramatic come back to capture 16U VTD 18U World Series.


to our returning players, and to the organization as a whole," Lach said. "We just finished our fall season tryouts and many of the new players who came to tryouts did so because of our World Series success."


15


Softball Today • August 2011


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