Pennsylvania Women’s D Challenge Cup

It was an easy and unanimous decision this year when selecting our MVP. Every member of the team was in agreement on who deserved the honor.

We are proud to recognize Natalya Smarra, third baseman for Team PA, as this year’s MVP. Her outstanding performance included a remarkable .722 batting average throughout the week and exceptional defensive performance at third base. Beyond her stats her positivity, leadership, and ability to elevate the players around her set the standard for what it means to be a true teammate. Natalya brought energy, commitment, and excellence to every moment of the event.

Congrats Tal on earning this well-deserved MVP honor!!!

Michael Roy Media 📸

Next up, time to showcase some of the stellar DEFENSIVE performances from PA women’s challenge cup this year!

Choosing girls who shined on defense was a tough one because this was one of the best defensive lineups we have ever had. That being said here are our top 3 choices for outstanding defensive performance.

Ashley Bangert- LC
“Bang-a-rang” played every inning of the event locking down left center field. There was never any reason to move her. She tracks a ball better than anyone, gets the ball in quick, and communicates well out there. She took charge in leading the outfield for the entire event with high energy!

Natalya Smarra- 3rd Base
“Tal” was a brick wall on the hot corner. She didn’t get much hit to her after her opponents realized they were not getting a ball through. She did not leave third base the duration of the event due to her performance. Not only did she have a smooth glove, there was also no way to outrun that cannon of an arm!

Tess Frelick- RF/Pitcher (utility)
Tess joined Team PA as a utility player, with the intent to split her time between infield and outfield. When one of our pitchers went down with injury it was Tess who stepped in to keep us afloat in bracket play and pitch some gems for us. Pitching is not an easy gig and she did a great job, adding a few strikeouts to her resume, and snapped off a few batters. Before she took the mound she also played well in the outfield. She was willing to do whatever the team needed and was solid everywhere on the diamond.

Congrats to these 3 for leading their team on the defensive side of the ball!

Michael Roy Media 📸

Time to showcase some of the stellar performances from PA women’s challenge cup this year!

We will start with some of the offensive leaders of the team. Consistency at the plate is such an important part of the game. Strategic hitting, adjusting your swing, and knowing how to hit the gaps are three things these 5 ladies did all week long.

First baseman Shannon Ehrhart leading the team in OBP

Third baseman Natalya Smarra right behind her!

Followed by utility Audra Cranston; catcher Rachelle Warnock; infielder Jayme Richardson

Way to shine at the plate and get the job done!!

Michael Roy Media 📸

Check out this cool sequence shot by Michael Roy Media of Pennsylvania infielder Jayme Richardson making the quick barehand play! Pretty cool to see the play by play!

Since we have had a lot of questions regarding 2 things

Team photos and video were handled by Michael Roy Media who did a wonderful job. He was working his butt off all week!

Jerseys were done by Dreamworn Sports this year. We got so many compliments on all 3 jerseys we wore. Kudos to them for always following our vision!

Pennsylvania women dropped a heartbreaker to Indiana this morning. Wish it had gone a different way for us but 7th place with only 11 girls (3 of which were dealing with significant injuries) is such a huge accomplishment. It’s hard to get a group of ladies together who don’t know each other from all over the state that mesh as well as they all did.

4-2 on the weekend. Wins against New Mexico, Alabama, and Florida Pan

Close losses to Idaho and Indiana (both in the top 4 currently)

PA wins a big one over Georgia 16-3 tonight!!! It’s 1am and we go back at it at 8am. Red Wilson vs Indiana.

Way to bounce back after a loss ladies! Wake up and go to work!

Our photo is blurry because we are exhausted and it’s past our bedtime!

PA takes their first loss of the tournament against Idaho 11-16

Next up on Red Wilson 10:05 pm against the winner of Georgia and New Mexico

Let’s do some work!

PA wins a nailbiter 10-8 against Alabama. Next game 7:55pm Red Wilson vs Idaho!

Notable performances by Shannon Ehrhart who was 4/4 at the plate and made some great plays at first base. Also Natalya Smarra who was 3/4 at the plate and equally impressive locking down third base!

Keep rolling ladies!

Your PA ladies put on a show in pool play. They run ruled New Mexico 10-0 in a shutout win, and then run ruled Florida Pan Handle 13-3. Next up 2:30pm vs Alabama on Red Wilson for the start of bracket play!

Notable performances by Tess Frelick and Ashley Roebuck on the mound! Excellent defense by every single player, and 7 girls batting over .600!