CV Softball to Play in State Games

Success in softball for youth teams out of the Crescenta Valley is not something new.

In fact, it isn’t even a new thing for some of the members of the Crescenta Sports Association 14-under all-star team.

Several members of the team will be making a return trip to the California State Games in San Diego, where CV will participate in the 16-team silver bracket. The tournament also includes a special opening ceremony for the girls inside Qualcomm Stadium, home of the NFL's San Diego Chargers.

“Most of us, it is our last chance, so we just want to have a lot of fun,” said pitcher Chloe Fairbrother, who will be a sophomore at Crescenta Valley High School next year. “We don’t have anywhere to go after this.”

Crescenta Valley qualified for the state games by finishing second in its district and then finishing second in its state regional.

“It takes five teams from Northern California, five teams from Central California, five teams from Southern California and one team from Las Vegas,” team manager Shon Wells said of the State Games tournament.

Crescenta Valley opens play Friday morning at 8 a.m. against the Ridgecrest Heat.

“I think we have a great chance,” Wells said. “I think this is one of the strongest teams CSA has had in 10 years. The core group of girls have been together for three years.”

Three members of the team – Sydnee Wells, Karina Moreno and Kendall Ebert – played in the 2008 version of the state games.

“This is our second time going, so I kind of know what to expect,” catcher Sydnee Wells said.

If CV wins its first round matchup and remains in the winners’ bracket, it could play three or even four games on Saturday in order to reach Sunday’s final.

But none of the players are concerned about the schedule, which will allow for few breaks.

“It has happened to us before,” outfielder Beth Blackwell said. “We’ve had it like this the past few tournaments.”