Polson ASA kicking off summer with a ‘Splash’
courtesy photo
The Polson 10U Lil’ Lakers take first place in their age group. Kids are, front left, Elizabeth Scabbyrobe, Taylor Holm, Matty Holmes, Ashlynn DePoe, Gianna Fyant, Kallie Finkbeiner, Katelyne Druyvestein, Josie Caye, Alexys Orien and Lucy Violette. Back row are Coaches Bob Thiel, left, Ken Druyvestein, Ellie Thiel and Coach Art Caye.
Carrie Pichler
Allie Mock, 10U Ronan Rimrock
Carrie Pichler
Sarah Wood, Polson Purple Wave 12U
Carrie Pichler
Kyla Blixt, 14U Polson
Carrie Pichler
Gabby Wirz, 14U Ronan Maidens
Carrie Pichler
Kaylin Smith, 16U Polson Purple Rain
Carrie Pichler
Polson 10U pitcher
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POLSON – Dugouts full of girls cheering in unison, cars packing the Polson softball parking lot, and the smell of hamburgers lingering in the air – all signs that ASA summer league softball has come alive in the valley, and what better way to start the summer than a good old fashioned “giant” tournament.
With 31 teams of girls set into four groups, 16U, 14U, 12U, and 10U, you can bet Polson was abuzz with plenty of softball action and for Polson ASA, it’s greatly appreciated. The Splash Tournament is the only fundraiser for Polson ASA, and funds collected at the event go directly to the league. The players are not charged a players fee so it is important to the league to keep the tradition of the tournament going year after year.
Jerry Smith, head coach of the 16U team Polson Purple Rain, said the Splash event is their “big money maker” and couldn’t be able to make it work without the support of the parent volunteers.
“There is a great group of parents that volunteer,” he said. “We’ve created a big softball family.”
For the athletes, summer ASA is a chance to show their chops. Not just anybody can join and there is a handpicked selection process to qualify.
“It is very competitive,” Smith said. “Spring ball is for everyone while this program is for serious players readying for high school and then college.”
Out of this year’s Polson high school graduates that continued into high school softball, three started with ASA summer ball at the 10U level and worked their way up, sticking with the program.
Smith said a lot may start but only a small percentage actually make it all the way through the program. Although every level is a fun experience for fans, Smith believes the “younger ones” steal the show, referring to the 10U level.
“They are a lot of fun,” he said. “They just have so much enthusiasm.”
The 10U Lil’ Lakers had something to cheer about after placing first in their division, going 6-0 in tournament play, a feat that second year head Coach Ken Druyvestein said hasn’t happened since 2008. While the Lil’ Lakers went into the seventh inning against the Montana Avalanche tied 5-5, according to Druyvestein, Katelyne Druyvestein’s base hit set her up as the winning run on base while Josie Caye secured the Lil’ Laker’s 6-5 victory, smacking a game winning home run.
“They’re a bunch of great little kids,” Coach Druyvestein said about their big win. “Should be exciting to see where they’re going this year.”
Polson’s 14U Lakers placed fourth in their division while the 16U and 12U were eliminated early on in Sunday’s bracket play.
Each year that goes by, Polson ASA finds success with the Splash event. Coach Smith said he “can’t remember the year but it’s been going a long time,” but appreciates the support they have received from the community, including the fans.
“It’s an amazing tournament,” he said. “A lot of great softball being played and it’s supporting a great cause.”
