The Junior Aces are not only the best girls fast-pitch softball team in Utah in the 12-and-under division, they are the ninth-best such team in the entire United States.
After winning the state title in Orem last July, the team headed to Broken Arrow, Okla., in August for the ASA Junior Olympic Nationals for 12 and under girls fast pitch softball.Some 14,000 teams competed nationwide to become one of just 52 fast-pitch softball teams representing their state and age group at the nationals. The Junior Aces prepared themselves for the national competition by playing older teams.
They ended the season undefeated in their age group, finishing with an overall record of 30 and 8. The Jr. Aces' national finish was the best ever recorded for a girls fast-pitch softball team in Utah.
Team members are, front row, from left to right: Mindy Pearce, Tonya Bangert, Heather Olsen, Sandy Rhea, Kristel Hales, Debbie Bilbao, Chantelle Clegg.
Back row, from left to right: Camie Hales, Tina Burton, Head Coach Ron Bangert, Connie Aragon, Amanda Holmes, Sherrie Holmes, Coach Bill Bilbao, Heidi Olsen and Christy Vincent. Not pictured is Stacy Holmes.