The stage is set and the weather nearly perfect for all out war at 12U PGF Premier Nationals. From July 25-27, 12U PGF Premier Nationals will stream LIVE on FloSoftball from Harvard Park (Fields 3-6 only) in Irvine, California.



Club softball fans would admit that 12U is their favorite division to watch because the level of savagery you will witness from these young players on field is insane. Last year, we saw Texas Sudden Impact - Falterman run away with the title knocking off then No. 1 Power Surge Satchell.

Without question, the teams out of the south are growing stronger each year and it's quite possible that we'll see another Texas team raising the PGF Premier trophy on Friday.

What To Watch For At PGF Premier Nationals 12U

Diamond Sports Hotshots - Nelson

Winning is in their DNA. This year, they were USSSA state champs and USA Elite Select's World Fastpitch Champions. Last year, they finished ninth at PGF Nationals, and before that they won PGF Nationals. Depth and tremendous talent are their greatest strengths, especially in the circle with Kasidi Pickering, Emma Strood, and Savannah Geurin. Expect to see a cohesive offense with triple threats Kennedy Powell, Ashlyn Jones, and power-hitting catcher Maci Bergeron. Their lineup is stacked with an arsenal of weapons of speed, power, and primed situational hitters. When it comes to defense, the Hotshots will make difficult plays look routine. Middle infielders Cecilia Vasquez and Evany Gonzalez possess strong instincts on the field and are gifted with the glove and exceptional range.

OC Batbusters Mascarenas

Led by former Arizona Wildcat and softball Olympian Toni Mascarenas, the Batbusters may be young but they are a supremely talented team with skill-sets beyond their years. They were runner-up finishers at USA Select Elite's World Fastpitch Championship behind Diamond Sports Hotshots. One of the premier pitchers to watch in the 12U division is southpaw Ella Parker. Parker is backed by a versatile defense with Maya Bland, Giselle Alvarez, and Jaeya Butler. You may recognize a couple names Zaniah Puni and Tele Jennings who are younger sisters to Zaida Puni and Tiare Jennings both on Batbusters Campbell.

Beverly Bandits Premier - Pannell

Brandon Pannell's Bandits team has been playing together over the last few years and has been playing in national championships since 10U. The Bandits are led on the mound by Ella Whitney and Keagan Rothrock, who both come with big-game experience. One of the most well-rounded players you'll see is Taylor Pannell who has speed on the bases, can hit to all fields, and has the athleticism to play multiple positions. Grace Hollopeter is the general behind the plate. She is fundamentally sound behind the dish blocking and managing the game. Believe it or not, this team is attracting lots of interest from big DI programs.

Impact Gold National - Gold 12U

For these girls, this is their first year in the Impact Gold organization. Last year, they were Diamond Sports Hotshots South. The pitching staff is anchored by Halie Pappion, a big lefty from Lake Charles, Louisiana, who throws in 58-60 mph range with a knee-buckling changeup. Other pitchers include Reanna Nieman, Nana Castereno from San Antonio, and Averi Paden from Mississippi. One of the strengths of the team is the outfield. Gold 12U is among the fastest in the country and features Seleste Compian, Amiah Burgess, and Kayden Henry. All are left-handed hitters, and all are home to first in the 2.6-2.8 range.

Birmingham Thunderbolts - Flannery

Ted Flannery's Bolts were first-place finishers at Turf Wars, and now they are back in action in their first tournament of the summer. This '04 squad has the attention of several of the top teams out of the Southeastern Conference. Expect Alea Johnson and Samantha Roe to light it up this weekend as the battery. The pair along with outfielder Maia Townsend were selected to USA Elite Select first-team All-American. You can always expect a good balance of offense and defense from the Bolts. They won't have their entire roster, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on the Bolts.

Georgia Impact - Langston

Expect solid pitching and defense to take Georgia Impact far into the Atlanta Legacy Prospects tournament. Emma Langston and Kirsten Fleet are considered the 1-2 punch in the circle mixing fastballs, curves, and drops. Behind every great pitcher is a great catcher. Impact has two of them--Alana Crenshaw and Allie Farrow--who will be gunning runners out this weekend. On offense, they blend speed and power with slapper Taylor Malvin and power lefty Caydra Parker. This group is extremely versatile, so don't be surprised to see players playing multiple positions this weekend.

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