The Valley Stompers placed second in the Western World Series 16 & Under Softball in St. George, Utah, from July 16-23, with Coach Sal Mignano, Jordan Mauldin, Christina Mignano, Sarah Lawrence, Rachael Martinez, Coach Monica Spina-Forni and Coach Mitch Harpel; Jackie Forsythe, Jamie Manzano and Jacqueline Forni; Colleen Garrehy, Sierra Sargent, Bianca Harpel and Nikki Frieberg. The Valley Stompers are a summer travel team that participates in fast pitch softball tournaments in the Western United States. The players – from Monte Vista High School, California High, Carondelet High and Deer Valley High – have been playing softball since the age of 6 in the San Ramon Valley Girls Athletic League. Shortly before the summer season began, Manager Gina Harpel was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy, rendering her unable to attend games all season. At the Western World Series, the Valley Stompers performed well despite this, and the 115-degree heat, in which players from many teams had to be hospitalized. The Valley Stompers beat out 15 other teams to compete in the World Series against the Pegasus of Utah.
–Amanda Wight
