The Peninsula Breakers – a 14U girls team in the Peninsula Youth Softball Association – won the Cool Breeze All Star Softball Tournament championship on Sunday, June 5 for the first time.
The tournament was held at Robb Field in Ocean Beach, where teams from across San Diego County competed against each other in a two-day tournament. On Saturday, June 4 Peninsula Breakers defeated Navajo 9-4 and La Costa 11-2. On Sunday they beat Lakeside 6-2, and defeated Alpine 2-0 in the championship game.
“Most of our team has been playing together since they were 7 years old,” said Peninsula Breakers coach Mike Hastings. “It was the first time our team has ever won.” Their victories were due in part to the great effort by pitcher Katie Austin and catcher Kylie Hastings, who worked together the entire tournament. They were backed up with outstanding plays from first baseman Alexia Stroud, second baseman Riley Wilkenson, third baseman Kayla Hansen, and shortstop Gen Hope. The outfield also held a strong presence, with Chloe Owens, Lennon Moore, and Carmen Corliss. Also, Allie Eastman and Lea Robinson were key runners who contributed to the team’s outstanding tournament. According to Hastings, who is also the Point Loma High football coach, the team used a combination of timely bunts and some key hits, as well as amazing teamwork to push through the tournament and win the championship match.