USA Softball Western Nationals coming to Roseville

Clutch hits, defensive gems and must-win games will highlight USA Softball's Western "B" National Championship 10-under girls tournament next week in Roseville, bringing about 2,500 athletes, coaches and fans to the area. The tournament will run from July 22-27 and includes nearly 40 teams, many from the Sacramento region. The first games start 9 a.m. Wednesday at Maidu Regional Park and Mahany Park and continue into the evening. The championship games will be held Sunday, July 27, at Maidu. The tournament will feature around 500 players ages 9-11. "You're going to see some very good softball," said Corey Chatman, manager of the Pocket Aces 10-under team. The team, located in southwest Sacramento, has been practicing since December and has compiled a 27-17 record this season. "The teams that are seeded at nationals are very sound. It's top tier." Teams are comprised of all-star players or are select teams, where girls try out for squads and practice and play together for several months. "They've worked so hard for this," said Fabi Michel, manager of Woodland Elite. The 13-player team has been practicing since January and started playing games in February. "They've learned to communicate with each other on the field and have grown as a team. They go on the field and play their hearts out." Placer County has hosted the Western Softball "B" Nationals for various age groups more than a dozen times since 2010, according to organizers. "It's a long-standing relationship that helps make the tournament go very smooth," said Karla Burket, tournament director for USA Softball of Sacramento. "Roseville has great fields, and all of the leagues in our association have such amazing volunteers." Placer Valley Tourism, which competes with other communities for the high-profile Western National tournaments, has made significant improvements to local fields the past few years. The effort has made Placer Valley a top destination for softball tournaments. "The Western Nationals is always a big hit with the community, from the athletes and their families to area businesses that enjoy the boost in revenue," said Kim Summers, CEO of Placer Valley Tourism. "Placer Valley's good quality fields combined with the area's amenities make it a great destination for the athletes and their families." Winning a championship is the goal, but building camaraderie and meeting new girls, especially during the opening ceremonies Tuesday morning, are also a huge part of the six-day tournament. Players will exchange pins and wear costumes – the outfits are a surprise until the event – as part of a long-standing opening ceremonies tradition. "It could be a groundbreaking moment, where they fall in love with the sport," Chatman said. "Western Nationals is going to be something they will remember forever."