14-U Nightmares Finally Open Regular Season at the USSSA Memorial Day Super NIT

The 14-U Smithfield Nightmares kicked off their 2016 tournament schedule with an uneven performance in the USSSA Memorial Day Super NIT tournament this past weekend. Over the course of three days, the team faced the adversity and frustrations of tournament play, but flashed the potential to grow into something special. For the tournament, the Nightmares finished 1-3-1.

In pool play, The Nightmares went 1-2-1. They opened the tournament with a 12-2 loss to Vipers East. SS Abbey Vance accounted for the two runs going 2-for-2 with the 2 RBI. Emma Bliss (1-for-3) and Reganne Anderson (0-for-2) scored the two runs.

The team opened Saturday pool play with a tremendous 10-7 come from behind victory against the Pittsburgh Phantoms. Pitcher Lauren Sperry (1-0) was solid after a shaky first inning scattering three hits over the final five innings. Offensively, the Nightmares got timely hits from multiple players. Madison Shreck (2-for-3, 3 RBI) got things rolling with a three run home run and the team followed with a solid performance up and down the line-up. Olivia Goodwin (2-for-3, 3 Runs), Kaelyn Dewar (3-for-3, 2 Runs, 2 RBI), Emma Bliss (2-for-3, 2 RBI), and Savannah Raymond (2-for-2, 2 Runs) all chipped in multiple hits with Jolene Mihalko (1-for-3, 2 RBI) chipping in two RBIs.

After pulling out that victory in the brutal 90 temperatures, the Nightmares fell back to Earth with a frustrating 8-4 loss to the Vipers. Sydney Petrowski pitched a solid game and also paced the Nightmares offensively three hits (3-for-3, 1 Run). Emma Bliss (2-for-3, 1 Run, 1 RBI), Savannah Raymond (2-for-2, 2 RBI) and Jolene Mihalko (2-for-3, 1 Run) all notched multiple hits in the game.

In the pool play finale, the Nightmares went toe to toe with the eventual tournament champions the Fauquier Freeze and played them to a thrilling 1-1 tie. Pitcher Madison Shreck worked six innings of seven hit ball to lead the Nightmares. Offensively, Emma Bliss scored the only run by seizing home on a throwing error on the Freeze. That was the only run allowed by the Freeze during pool play.

With pool play over, the Nightmares woke to face the number two seed from the A bracket, the North Hills Warpath. After starting quick, the bats quieted and the Nightmares were held to six hits and five runs in the 13-5 loss to the eventual fourth place finishers. Emma Bliss (2-for-3, 2 Runs, 2 RBI) and Madison Shreck (2-for-3, 2 RBI) paced the offence with multiple hits. Savannah Raymond (0-for-1, 2 Walks, 2 Runs) and Olivia Goodwin (1-for-2, 1 Run) scored for the Nightmares and Jolene Mihalko (0-for-2, 1 RBI) accounted for the final runs.

Next up for the 14-U Nightmares will be the North Fayette Summer Open on June 4-5, 2016.

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