The Cooper Armstrong girls fastpitch program stood out at the recent state tournament.

The U12 Gold team qualified for the ASA Class A Northern Nationals in Springfield, Mo. The U12 Silver team qualified for ASA Class B Nationals in Midland, Texas. Plus, the U14 Class C team earned the fourth-place trophy at the state tournament.

A fourth-place finish in the MSF state tournament earned the Gold team a trip to Springfield July 31 to Aug. 5.

"Our goal going into the season was to qualify for a national tournament," said head coach Paul Roberts. "The competition is tough at this classification, and we struggled early in the season against some great teams. Despite the challenges, the kids kept working toward their goal and earned a spot in one of the top tournaments in the country."

Roberts said a key factor was the team's outfield play. Anna Harris has made some "incredible" catches at center field. Jenni Crandall has been chasing down long fly balls in right field all year. Samantha Poferl has made some acrobatic catches at left field.

"At the state tournament, Poferl scooped up a line drive and fired a rocket into the catcher's glove to beat the runner to home," Roberts said. "It was incredible."

The team has played more than 50 games since the season opener in early May, including several tournament. A season highlight came Ringneck International Invitational Tournament in Sioux Falls, S.D., where they tied for third in the B bracket.

"The team stepped up their level of play at Sioux Falls," Roberts said. "We were behind against a good South Dakota team when Nicole Rodgers hit one off the fence to start a rally. I've never seen a ball hit like that at 12 and under. That sparked the team and we came back from a five-run deficit to win."

Other offensive leaders were leadoff hitter Nathalee Boissiere and cleanup hitter Emily Schiro. The pair accounted for several home runs hit during the regular season.

Utility players are Rachel Swenson, who plays second base and right field, designated hitter Shannon Peterson, who also rotates in at left field and Beverly Roberts, who fills in at second base and right field.

"It's a luxury having these skilled players able to fill any role I ask," said Roberts. "I can make adjustments in the lineup, and with these players, there are no weak spots."

Pitcher Allison Roberts keeps hitters off balance with a combination of fastballs, drop balls and changeups.

"In a division where hitters are accustomed to teeing off on speed pitchers, Allison throws a mix that often leaves batters shaking their heads," Roberts said.

The defensive anchor is catcher Bre' Anne Johnson, whose experience is needed to catch the movement pitches.

The coaching staff includes Tina Zeller and Nick Reed.

"Our program has a bright future," Roberts said. "We're building our numbers and we're having competitive success. It doesn't get any better than that."

The U14 team has Deb McGrath, Micki Pawluk, Lauren Peterson, Stephanie Ryan, Alysha Keck, Gabrielle Stern, Becca Duba, Jen Weeks, Meagan Brennan, Ajaa Oliver, Kayla Baker and Analise Adams. Coaches are Barry Stern, Michelle Baker, Cheryl Ryan and Todd Adams.

"In a division where hitters are accustomed to teeing off on speed pitchers, Allison throws a mix that often leaves batters shaking their heads," Roberts said.

The defensive anchor is catcher Bre' Anne Johnson, whose experience is needed to catch the movement pitches.

The coaching staff includes Tina Zeller and Nick Reed.

"Our program has a bright future," Roberts said. "We're building our numbers and we're having competitive success. It doesn't get any better than that."

The U14 team has Deb McGrath, Micki Pawluk, Lauren Peterson, Stephanie Ryan, Alysha Keck, Gabrielle Stern, Becca Duba, Jen Weeks, Meagan Brennan, Ajaa Oliver, Kayla Baker and Analise Adams. Coaches are Barry Stern, Michelle Baker, Cheryl Ryan and Todd Adams.