Coyote 60's softball hits way to SSUSA tournament title

The Lincoln Hills Coyote 60's AAA team played in the Senior Softball USA Western Nationals Tournament at Maidu Park in Roseville from July 30 through Aug. 1 going 6-0 to win the tournament. The Coyotes competed in a 12-team group. Lincoln Hills went 2-0 on the Friday round and were seeded first in their bracket. The Coyotes rolled through the winners bracket defeating teams from Oregon, Texas, Arizona and Washington. The team had a batting average of .625, averaging more than 15 runs per game while holding their opponents to an average of eight runs per game. The offense was led by Curt Clawson who hit .870 for the tournament, Pat Sabia who belted two home runs, and LeRoy Weighall who provided two ground-rule doubles. Weighall anchored the defense in the outfield, making several outstanding catches from his position in left center. Clawson and Paul Josse provided exceptional defense on the infield, starting several double plays from their positions at shortstop and third base. Clawson, Sabia, Weighall, and Josse were all named to the All Tournament Team. The Coyotes also won the Northern California Senior Softball Association Classic tournament in Manteca in early July with a perfect 4-0 record. They were rated to a higher level after winning two earlier Northern California Senior Softball Association tournaments and had to give runs to three of their four opponents. In that tournament, the opposing teams were held to an average of less than 14 runs per game. Outstanding defense was led by outfielder Darrell Rinde and infielders Charlie Pennes and Joe Bellah, while Jim Stapleton pitched and hit the team to two of the four victories. The Coyotes 70's finished second in the Northern California Senior Softball Association Classic with four wins and one loss. Their only loss was by one run to the eventual champions. Behind solid defense, the Coyotes featured consistent hitting and scored 15 or more runs in each game. The Coyotes will finish their season hosting the Coyote Invitational on Sept.17 to 18.