Crushers compete at Western Regionals

SANDPOINT — There were a few things the Sandpoint Crushers U14 softball team wasn’t used to at the Western Regional tournament recently in Marana, Ariz.

Tarantulas walking around by the fields, 116 degree heat, and some of the best teams in the West, most of which boasted far more experience.

Sandpoint played well for stretches in two losses against Arizona and Montana, with each game close for a few innings before the other teams put things away.

Despite the two losses, it was an eye-opening experience for the group of Sandpoint, Priest River and Cusick players, who were one and sometimes two years younger than their opponents.

“Most of these girls play 20 games a month, and some of our girls have only played 20 games,” said assistant coach Junior Williams. “It was a competition they weren’t used to yet. They got to see what they need to do from there. It lit a fire under their butt.”

Many of the girls began practicing upon their return to Sandpoint, and are hoping to win districts again next year and make another trip to the tournament.

Manager Mike Golden knew the competition would be stiff, drawing Arizona, one of the top teams in the nation, in the first round.

“We knew these other teams play 11 months out of the year,” he said. “It was a learning experience more than anything.”