The Forks Spartans 12U team on June 24-25 traveled to Spanaway to compete in the annual USSSA Slamfest tournament.

Two days prior to the event, some of the 12U teams that were registered to play in the tournament backed out. So in order to be able to play in the tournament, the girls had to jump up to the 14U division.

The Spartans, which consists of mostly 12-year-olds and includes two 10U players, were confident and excited to play up a level in competition.

On Saturday, which is pool play, the Lady Spartans started off the day playing the Bothell Eagles.

The girls jumped off to a lead and held on for an 8-5 victory.

Up next were the Graham Eagles. This game was a back and forth battle with the Spartans winning by a razor thin margin of 10-9.

The final game of pool play was against the Mill Creek Mayhem. The Mayhem bats proved to be too much for the Spartans and took the game 8-2.

The Spartans finished the day 2-1 and owned the second seed going into tournament play.

The Spartans started Sunday’s tournament play in the semifinals against the Bothell Eagles.

This time the Eagles had their ace pitcher on the mound. The Eagles jumped out to a 4-1 lead and were coasting to a win until the Spartans scratched and clawed late in the game to come from behind and win 7-6 in the last inning to advance to the championship game.

The final match-up was against the very tough Mill Creek Mayhem.

The Spartans kept the game close 3-1 through the third inning. Then the talented Mayhem piled on the runs to win the game and tournament 13-3.

The Spartans finished the weekend 3-2 with a second-place finish and received a plaque for their efforts.

The girls were younger and much smaller but played with a ton of heart and were very competitive in the 14U division.

A big thanks to all the dedicated coaches, parents and generous sponsors for making this successful season possible.