Cottonwood girls all stars win one at Eureka tourney

WARMING UP: Kylee Rose of Cottonwood warms up her arm with her partner at Wednesday nights practice at the Cottonwood Little League field.

The Cottonwood Little League All Stars team spent the past month playing in tournaments. They traveled to Eureka to play at the Section 2 level July 16 to 20. With one week to raise funds for the trip, the girls received more than $2,000 to help with expenses.

The Cottonwood team won their first game 9-0, advancing to the next bracket. They then lost their next game 8-9 against Eel River, putting them in the next bracket down. Saturday's game against Oro Linda was also a loss, 13-0. The Cottonwood All Stars Team for 9 and 10 year olds are now done for the season.

During a previous tournament in Red Bluff July 11-12, the girls earned a first-place finish with a 3-0 record, 43 runs scored and 6 allowed runs.

The Cottonwood All Stars Little League Team roster was determined by coaches following conclusion of the regular season. There are 13 girls on the team. Six were chosen from the Majors division while the other seven were from the Minor Division teams.

"The girls have been very aggressive from day one on bases, hitting, defense and pitching. The minor girls have jumped so much in their playing abilities that they are playing on an even keel with the majors," stated team manager Dave Porter. "We urge the girls to be aggressive on bases and to always take the opportunity to score or advance to the next base."

The team's coaches have a combined total of 18 years of experience provided by Dave Porter, Woody Clendenen and Randy Sandifer of Cottonwood. The team also has two practice coaches, Frank Fales and Roy George.

"We would not be playing at the level we are without the help of our practice coaches. They work hard with the girls and help with all of the drills," said Porter.

"This is my first trip to the championships as a player," said right fielder Kylee Rose said before the trip. "I am really excited."