CLEARLAKE — Teams from Clearlake”s adult co-ed softball league showed support for breast cancer awareness on Sunday at Redbud Ballpark.
Team Pink Ambition”s inaugural softball tournament was a blazing success ? and thanks to the scorching sun, everyone was a little pink by day”s end.
Five teams, including a squad representing Pink Ambition, joined the competition. When all was said and done, Mutiny walked away glorious, championship trophy in hand.
Mutiny showed strength on the field from the gate, putting 27 runs on the board in the first game of the day. The win knocked Smalley Construction out of the competition and secured a championship berth for Mutiny.
Pink Ambition saw the next win in the tournament, knocking Conrad Hydroponics off the grid. However, Pine Dell, the reigning league champion, proved to be too much for the pink squad to handle.
Pine Dell”s victory over Pink Ambition moved the team to the championship bout. The final game of the day was reminiscent of last season”s championship battle. Both Mutiny and Pine Dell exerted great ball-playing skill, offensively and defensively. Mutiny gained a comfortable lead early in the game putting pressure on the Pine Dell squad. Pine Dell fell just short in its attempt to gain control, dropping the decision 13-11 to Mutiny.
Mutiny”s winning squad consisted of Ed Mattson, Shannon Chrisp, Kathy Crist, Chris Kjos, Cristie Cash, Emma Bounty, Nikki Ogulin, Bruce Erckenbrack, Maryanne Reed, Latoya Scott and Megan and Roger Saraiba.
“Everybody had a great time,” said Shelly Key of Team Pink Ambition. “We had fun, played some ball and raised money for breast cancer awareness all at the same time. We look forward to doing it again next summer and we might even hold another tournament this summer before the walk in September.”
Officiating the day”s events were volunteer umpires Bill Wood, Rick Smith and Ethan Massey. Team T-shirts were provided by Lake County Screen Printing and the championship trophy was donated by Kevin Ness Jewelers. Four Corners Builder Supply also contributed to the event, donating use of a barbecue pit, tables and chairs. In the spirit of the event L”il Acorns Pre-School students decorated bras that were strategically worn by members of the Pine Dell team.
Proceeds from the tournament netted Team Pink Ambition a total of $545. Originally, the team has aspired to raise a total of $12,000 for five team members to participate in the 60 mile, three-day walk in San Francisco. Because fund raising efforts have fallen short, the team expects to send two walkers instead of five. Becky Wheeler and Ashley Hansen are currently training for the event.
“We”ve raised about $3600 so far but we”re going to need the community”s help to raise the remaining $800,” Key said.
Other fund-raising efforts are currently underway including a raffle for a beautiful, hand-stitched quilt crafted by a breast cancer survivor. The quilt can be viewed at Wild About Books on Olympic Drive in Clearlake. Tickets are priced at $1 apiece or six for $5.
Another raffle opportunity for a Wii game station is ongoing. Tickets are priced at $5 apiece or three for $10, 500 tickets will be sold. Winning tickets for both raffle prizes will be drawn at Team Pink Ambition”s booth on the last day of the Lake County Fair.
Team Pink Ambition will hold a bake sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 at Wal-Mart.
To learn how you can help get Team Pink Ambition to San Francisco for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure three-day walk, contact Shelly Key at 277-7772; PinkAmbitionClearlake@yahoo.com; or send contributions directly to: PO Box 523, Clearlake, Calif. 95422. Anyone interested in participating in a second softball tournament should also call Key at the number above.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
