The East County Hot Shots girls fast pitch softball teams are truly living up to their name, having assembled a series of championship wins and second-place finishes throughout the spring 2007 United States Specialty Sports Association softball season.

The organization, which boasts 10U, 12U and 14U teams, is not even a year old but is already seeing success at all three levels.

The 14U Hot Shots team took first place in the USSSA Sacramento Softball Shootout softball qualifier, going 4-1 throughout the weekend, scoring an amazing 50 runs while allowing only 13. The following week, the team placed second at the USSSA qualifier in Manteca.

"The 14-year-old team has improved tremendously since fall ball," said team manager and organization founder Ken Rodgers. "The pitchers have practiced hard at every practice and have increased their speed and accuracy. All the girls on this team should be proud of their progress and their great 'can-do' work effort."

Photo courtesy of Christine Jones

- Contributed by Christine Jones