MEADVILLE —
The French Creek Valley American 9-and-10 Year Old softball team has it all figured out.
At such a young age, the girls are all about having fun. But at the same time, they have intentions of winning.
“We want to have fun and be serious when we need to be,” FCVA third baseman Megan Walsh said during practice on Tuesday.
Finding that perfect balance is exactly what has carried the team toward its biggest test to date — the 9-and-10 Year Old state tournament, which begins today in Greensburg.
“It is about having fun. The girls have a lot of fun,” FCVA head coach Mike Young said. “But I don’t think we can fool ourselves and say these girls don’t want to go down there and win. ... I think we’re excited about just the opportunity to compete. I think that’s more exciting than just the winning aspect.”
FCVA has lost just once this All-Star season during its District 1 and Section 1 championship runs. That includes four consecutive victories since beating Cochranton 10-6 in the District 1 if-necessary title game.
FCVA swept the Section 1 tournament in its hometown of Saegertown. The team beat DuBois 12-0 in four innings, Franklin (by a 2-1 score) and DuBois again (4-2).
Coach Young said that FCVA’s only loss, a 6-4 defeat to Cochranton in the district championship game, was a great wakeup call.
“You have to know how to lose just as well as you need to know how to win,” he said. “It never hurts to lose a game — to learn how to lose and bounce back from it. It matters that your back’s against the wall. But sometimes it’s a good thing.”
A big reason why FCVA has been successful is its dynamic duo of pitchers — Katelyn Young and Courtney Hess.
Young and Hess were dominant in the circle during the Section 1 tournament. They did not allow an earned run during 16 innings and struck out 33. Young and Hess walked six batters and surrendered just three hits at sectionals.
Most teams have just one strong pitcher. In effect, FCVA has two aces.
“I think having two quality pitchers is a real bonus,” coach Young said. “They both are determined and they both have the drive that it takes. When you start playing back-to-back, you need the day’s rest. Having two quality pitchers definitely helps.”
As for the rest of the pitching staff?
“There are other pitchers on the team ... but those are the two we plan on going with,” he said.
FCVA, which is competing out of the West Pool, starts its run toward a state title against Section 2 champion and tournament host West Point. FCVA plays West Point today at 1 p.m., Section 3 winner Milton on Thursday at 3 p.m. and Section 4 champ Mount Union on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
West Point is among the teams that has a rich history of softball success. Its Little League team, for example, advanced to the state tournament for the fourth consecutive year this summer.
“I’m sure there will be good teams there, quality teams there,” coach Young said. “It’s the state championships. I don’t expect anything else.”
In East Pool are Bob Horlacher (Section 5), Warrington-Warrick (Section 6), West Side (Section 7) and Horsham (Section 8).
On Saturday, the West champ and East runner-up face off at 1 p.m., and the East champ and West runner-up play at 3. The championship game will follow on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Coach Young said that all the girls know their role and where they can contribute. Now, it’s all about getting on the field seeing how everything plays out.
“I think we’ve had some strengths in some areas and I think we’ve been really trying to let the girls know the team concept,” Young said. “From the top to the bottom, everybody needs to contribute. Whether it’s pitching or in the field or at the plate or running the bases, everyone’s been doing what they’ve been asked to do.
“I think we’re ready to go,” he said. “We’re going to put our best foot forward and the outcome will take care of itself.”
Local Sports
FCVA keeps on winning while having fun
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