Tournament Summary
Ron Bickel - Manager
Emily Becher
Audrey Bickel
Lindsay Brandner
Katelyn Chovanec
Melissa Dumezich
Brandi Heidler
Marisa Meneghetti
Elizabeth Monell
Ashley Moore
Alexis Paz
Kate Rone
NSA “A” Division Super World Series tournament
Top Row, L-R: Ron Bickel, Milo Dumezich, Noel Monell, Jeff Rone
Middle Row, L-R: Lindsay Brandner, Audrey Bickel, Kate Chovanec, Emily Becher
Front Row, Left to right: Kate Rone, Lizzie Monell, Ashley Moore, Mel Dumezich, Alexis Paz, Brandi Heidler
CONGRATULATIONS
The 12 and under Munster Magic completed their highly successful 2003 season by finishing in a tie for second place
at the NSA “A” Division Super World Series tournament held over Labor Day Weekend. Only top teams from across the U.S. and Canada were invited to play in the tournament, which, unfortunately was halted in the semi-final game when the fields became unplayable due to the heavy rains. The Magic was up 3-0 on the Virginia NSA, ASA, and USSSA state champions when the foul weather caused the field conditions to deteriorate. Although the team was disappointed not being able to finish the tournament, even the weather couldn’t dampen their spirits after finishing the season with over 50 wins including nine top three finishes and three tournament championship trophies.
The Magic are now looking forward to next season as most of the team will move up to play at the 14 and under level.
2003 Tournaments:
Date: June 6-8
Tournament: Hidden Lake Classic
The Magic uncharacteristically had a few problems on defense as they lost a two run lead in the last inning and fell to the Frankfort Flames. Their hopes for getting to the championship game for a fourth consecutive tournament were dashed when a speedy Flames team bunted their way past the Magic in an exciting finish. The winning run scored on a close play at home plate when one of the Flames laid down a great drag bunt on the first base line. With four victories before that game the Magic ran their record to 30 wins with just 6 losses.
Date: May 24-25, 2003
Tournament: Michigan City Memorial Classic
The Magic successfully defended their Michigan City title as they went 6-0 while getting their offense in gear to score 49 runs in the first 5 games. With their pitchers working hard that was a tough combination to beat. The championship game featured the Magic against another tough team from the Indianapolis area-the Indy Dreams. Once again several great plays on defense by the Magic kept the opposition from scoring and they went on the win the championship game 2-0.
Date: May 16-18, 2003
Tournament: Crown Point Early Qualifier
The Magic took second place to the Indy Diamond Chix in what seems to be becoming quite a hard fought rivalry. In the Hidden Lake tournament last year the Chix edged the Magic in an international tie-breaker that went 9 innings with both teams making spectacular plays on defense to keep it a low scoring game. This year’s game was no different as the lead went back and forth with the Chix in front as time expired by a few seconds on the umpires watch and the Magic wishing for one more at bat. The Chix and Magic will meet once again in Merrillville where they are paired in pool play as well as hoping to meet again in bracket play late in the tournament.
Date: May 3-4, 2003
Tournament: NSA Super World Series Nat’l Invitational
The Magic went undefeated while overcoming below freezing wind chills, strep throat and a dislocated finger. The team was even unfazed after hitting into a bizarre triple play in the championship game in which a run scored during the play making it even more strange. The championship game again saw the Magic up against local rival Crete Quest in a well played game considering the cold temperatures. Winning this tournament qualifies the team for the NSA “A” World Series in Charlotte, N.C. in July, and the Super World Series in Peoria, IL in August. The Super World Series pits 12 qualifying teams from across the country to compete for the championship. Congratulations Magic.
Date: Oct. 4-5, 2002 Tournament: NSA Fall Classic The 2003 Munster Magic won their first tournament as a team by combining strong pitching, a stellar defense and team speed on offense to outscore their opponents by a combined 23-1 in four games in bracket play on Sunday. The Championship game pitted the Magic against the Crete Quest but several sparkling plays on defense kept the Quest from scoring any runs early in the contest and the Magic prevailed 8-1. Congratulations to the Magic; 2003 looks to be an exciting season.
Munster Girls Softball
The Fastest Game in Town!