The core of players on The Next Level’s 16-under team were part of a top-10 and top-five finish in Amateur Softball Association tournaments in the two age groups below. After this week’s developments in the ASA national tournament in Chattanooga, it can now be said The Next Level has taken it to the next level.
The team based in Southern California defeated coach Sonja Strother’s Georgia Impact 5-3 and 3-0 in Sunday’s championship at Frost Stadium.
Working with batterymate Molly Hutchison, Rachel Nasland was the winning pitcher in the last game. Her three-hitter included one walk and 10 strikeouts.
Lani Vanta made a diving backhanded catch in left-center field for the first out in the final inning. The catch was made more important when the next batter reached base.
“That was a huge play,” Nasland said. “That kind of determined the rest of the inning. I know I have strong defense behind me, from outfield to infield to my catcher. They’re amazing.”