The Lionville Lightning 12U Gold took 5th place out of 24 teams participating in the USSSA Black Eyed Susan Tournament 12U C Division, played in Laurel, MD, on May 20-21, 2017.  

In Saturday pool play, the Lightning started off the tournament fast with a dominating 6-2 win over the Hickory Lady Hornets 12U with Megan Smith pitching her 2nd no-hitter of the season and recording 9 strikeouts over 3 innings.  Molly Delio led the way on offense with 2 hits and 2 RBI.  In the second game, the Lightning won in dramatic fashion with a 6-5 walk off victory over the Southern Maryland Velocity 12.  Alexis Allen pitched a complete game and also chipped in with 2 hits and 1 RBI.  The offensive was a total team effort with all 11 players either getting on base or driving in a run, led again by Molly Delio's 2 hits and 2 RBI.  The walk off victory in the bottom of the 4th inning was highlighted by Kayla Williams' sacrifice fly scoring Alexis Allen to tie the game followed by the game winning 2 out hit by Alexa Bojko scoring Mavica Mendez to win the game.  As a result, the Lightning finished 6th in Pool Play and earned a birth into the Championship Bracket for the top 10 teams in Sunday play, as well as earning a bye.

On Sunday after the bye, the Lightning's run was ended by a very good Delaware Storm team (9-3; ranked 12th out of 709 12U C teams in the Nation by USSSA power rankings).  Despite the disappointing loss, the Lightning had another successful tournament finishing 5th out of 24 teams.       

Based on the Lightning's strong play against high level competition over the last 2 tournaments in DE and MD, the Lightning 12U Gold were ranked 1st (out of 33 teams) in PA and 29th (out of 709 teams) in the Nation for the 12U C division by USSSA power ratings post tournament.  

Congratulations to the Lionville Lightning 12U Gold who look to continue their successful season at the USSSA 2017 C State Championships PA on June 3-4!!

The Lionville Lightning 12U Gold took 3rd pace out of 11 teams participating in the USSSA Heat at the Beach I Tournament 12U C division, played in Rehoboth, DE, on May 6-7, 2017.  

In Saturday pool play, the Lightning started off the tournament with a convincing win 9-4 over McLean Magic (5-9; ranked 15th in the VA 12U C division by USSSA power rankings) after a slow first inning start spotting the Magic all 4 of its runs.  The Lightning then shut out the Magic over the next 4 innings.  In the second game, the Lightning had a dominating 7-2 victory over Anne Arundel Heat (18-9; ranked 6th out of 33 team in the MD 12U C division by USSSA power rankings).  As a result, the Lightning won their Pool and were awarded a first round bye in Sunday's Championship play,

On Sunday, the Lightning overcame a 5 run first inning deficit to win 10-7 against the VA Explosion 2005 (12-11; ranked 11th out of 23 teams in the VA 12U C division by USSSA power rankings) in 5 innings as time expired.  The game was highlighted by the Lightning's 7 runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to come from behind and put the game away as time expired.       

The Lightning then advanced to the Semis to face the Lady Warriors (14-2 ; ranked 1st out of 30 teams in the MD 12U C division by USSSA power rankings).  In a very exciting and well played back-and-forth game, the Lightning fell 4-3 to the Warriors in 7 innings, which went on to beat Anne Arundel Heat (who the Lightning beat in pool play) in the Final.  

The Lightning 12U Gold are now ranked 4th (out of 33 teams) in the PA 12U C division by USSSA power ratings.  USSSA creates a power rating for each team for ranking purposes based upon multiple factors, including winning %, record of teams beaten, teams beaten winning %, records of teams lost to, teams lost to winning percentage, average runs, runs allowed and average differential. 

Congratulations to the Lionville Lightning 12U Gold on the 3rd place finish and 4th place ranking!!