Members of the IGSA team back row (from left) assistant coach Rich Song, assistant coach Casey Harris, Coach Jay Tamkoc, Coach Greg Sasaki and team parent Audra Heimann; middle row, Katelyn Park, Baylie Wong, Clarissa Stayrook, Ellie Daboub, Mia Tamkoc, Kiyomi Okamoto, Maddie Heimann and Payton Harris; and bottom row, Dylan Harris, Katie Liu, Carson Cruz, Abby Sasaki and Audrey Song.
The Irvine Girls Softball Association 10-and-under Gold all-stars placed third at the USA State Tournament this past weekend.
That finish ties the highest finish in IGSA history, last accomplished by the 2011 10-and-under Gold team.
The team, which recently captured the Orange County championship, participated in the USA State Championship Tournament and placed third overall out of 42 10-and under all-star teams from the state.
Coach Jay Tamkoc said, “It was 105 to 107 degrees during our three days in Lancaster and we used three different pitchers and three different catchers with multiple players rotating in the field positions to keep the girls safe but our depth allowed us to win games. ”
In the first game, the girls played Scripps Ranch and came away with a 8-1 victory. The game was highlighted by a no-hitter by Irvine pitcher Mia Tamkoc.
In the second game, the IGSA team defeated Huntington Beach, 8-5. Payton Harris had a big game with four RBI.
Irvine then took on La Mirada, who had defeated Irvine in the championship game on Memorial Day. This time, Irvine won, 5-1.
First baseman Ellie Daboub went 2-for-2 at the plate to help secure the win.
Coach Greg Sasaki said, “Ellie had a big hit for us in that La Mirada game to break it open and she had big hits for us all tournament long.”
Saturday’s last game was against Torrance and the Irvine girls fell To Torrance, 10-7. Torrance went on to win the state title.
Abby Sasaki led the offense against Torrance with two RBI.
On Sunday, Irvine met Camarillo. Kiyomi Okamoto led the Irvine team to a 7-2 victory. Mia Tamkoc and Katelyn Park both had multiple hits to pace the offense.
In the last game, the Irvine team faced Ventura and won, 7-2.
The winning pitcher was first year 10-and-under softball player Carson Cruz.
Irvine now moves on to the Western Nationals Champion Tournament in Camarillo beginning July 30 and running through Aug. 5.
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