Heat captures national berth

SARASOTA — Dana Hutchins stood in the middle of the infield in a stunned silence.

As her teammates rushed together in celebration, the Sarasota Heat 18U Gold and former Lakewood Ranch High third baseman took a minute to reflect on her team’s accomplishment.

Hutchins and her Sarasota Heat 18U Gold teammates had just outscored their opponents 37-15 through 30 innings of play to capture the Region 5 Gold Qualifier and earn a berth in the 2012 Amateur Softball Association 18 & Under Gold National Championships July 23 to July 29, in Oklahoma City.

“I wasn’t shocked, but just like speechless,” Hutchins said. “We’ve been working for this all of the time and to earn a berth in the first qualifier of the summer — it was like a weight had been lifted off of our shoulders. Now we can just focus on getting ready for nationals.”

The Heat, who earned their first berth in the national championships, are one of 64 teams from across the nation and one of three from Florida selected to compete in the tournament.

The top-five teams from last year’s national championships automatically earned a berth in this year’s tournament, while the remainder had to qualify.

“I was really excited when we won,” said Lakewood senior Taylor Newton, who has verbally committed to play softball for James Madison University in Virginia. “I got this pump of adrenaline. To be able to qualify in the first tournament was a really great and big accomplishment.

“I definitely thought we had a chance,” Newton said. “We have a lot of great seniors and juniors and sophomores who have stepped up and been clutch. It means a lot, and I’m really excited to see how far we’ll be able to go.”

Since qualifying for the national championships in late May, the Heat have competed in tournaments in New Jersey and Colorado in preparation for the final tournament of the summer in which the girls want to finish in the top five. The top-five teams will automatically qualify for next year’s national championships, which will be held in Clearwater.

“I would love top 10,” coach Mark Dover said. “Obviously, we all want to try to win it and get a return berth. If we make the top 10, then I’ll do backflips.”

The national championships will mark the final tournament for five players, including Hutchins, Lakewood’s Huntyre Elling, Sarasota High’s Jade Rhodes and Jordan Boone and Riverview High’s Corinne Jenkins, who have spent the past four years working toward this moment.

“I think it’s an honor,” Hutchins said. “It’s kind of amazing when we’re all at our best — no one can beat us. It’s a great feeling. It’s unforgettable. I’ll never forget this team of girls in particular.”

Sarasota Heat 18U Gold Roster
McKaleigh Goodale
Halie Roberson
Shea Fisher
Jackie Schoff
Dana Hutchins
Jenn Trotter
Corinne Jenkins
Jordan Boone
Rebecca Zimmerman
Kailee Sharp
Taylor Newton
Ashton Hill
Huntyre Elling