Houston played host this year for the 2007 Girl’s 18 and under “Gold” Sector 3 Qualifier hosted by the Amateur Softball Association. Friday kicked off this annual event and more than 54 teams were in attendance at Dyess Park.

The nation’s premier teams participated in a double elimination tournament and the action was fast-paced and very competitive. One of the many advantages for players in this tournament is the attendance of college recruiter from all across the country.

Georgia Tech, McNeese State, Cal, Tulsa, Delta State, UNT, UH and Trinity were just a few of many universities on the scene checking out the talent pool.

“Houston does a good job of putting on tournaments,” a Division I assistant coach said. “There is very good talent here and some great teams.”

This showcase allows the recruiters to view several potential athletes at one arena, which is a plus. As far as for each club team, this is the opportunity to play the best ball you can.

Katy Heat coach Kalum Haack, also the coach at Katy High School, is one of many coaches who know the importance of tournaments of this magnitude.

“These tournaments are good because the kids get to see and play against the best,” Haack said. “The girls get so excited. Look out here. You can’t walk anywhere without seeing a college coach.

“That is good for them and I like the fact that I can tell the girls what it will take to get there.”

Haack is speaking in terms to his connection to college athletics. Before taking the job at Katy, he spent 18 years coaching at the Division I level.

“I coached at Sam Houston, Nebraska, Kansas, and Alabama,” Haack said.

With more than eight games going on simultaneously, the Athlete’s Connection was able to catch a few. At 5 p.m., the Katy Heat faced off against the Arizona Hotshots.

According to Haack, this is one of the toughest teams in the state of Arizona. Both teams played a tough game and the game remained scoreless for several innings.

The Hotshots broke the stalemate with an RBI double to take a 1-0 lead. In the end, it was this score that stood and the Hotshots advanced further into the championship bracket.

Another 5 p.m. game featured the Cy Fair Intruders and the Round Rock Blaze Gold. With tough defense for both teams, a 0-0 game forced sudden death extra innings. In ASA games, each team advances a runner to second base initially.

After more than at-bats for each team, the Intruders took control in the seventh inning scoring four runs. The Blaze girls fought back, but only scored one run. Cy Fair won the game 4-1.

Other dominant teams noticed at press time were:  the Texas Hawks, Austin Storm, and the Houston Power. Stay tuned as we continue coverage of the ASA Softball Championships this weekend.
 

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