After a wild summer packed with unbelievable softball, PGF is back with the Ultimate Challenge in Salinas, California from September 30 to October 2.

Top PGF National finishers So Cal Choppers, Birmingham Thunderbolts, Beverly Bandits, Grapettes, and OC Batbusters will be competing.



"It's early in the year. Ultimate Challenge has quality teams," Explosion 16U coach Greg Borzilleri said. "What makes this event great is that it's an actual tournament. We started with two commits at the beginning of the season and ended the season with 17. The hardest thing is to keep these kids competitive that's why we play in these tournaments."

After a third-place finish at PGF Nationals, the Birmingham Thunderbolts received an invitation to play in PGF Ultimate Challenge.

"We like to play a laid back tournament rather than a showcase," Thunderbolts coach Rocky Thompson said. "It's still competitive. Last year, we went to the PGF Shootout which was a great tournament. We went to Huntington Beach last year, but this is a great opportunity for our girls to go to a new venue and see another part of the country."

Grapettes coach Richard Guevara revels in last seasons 14U summer experience admitting, "I think the 14U level this past year was the best 14U division that I've seen in the last 20 years. And this tournament brings the So Cal Choppers and Suncats who are some of the Top 10 14U teams."

18U Teams to Watch

Who: So Cal Choppers Fausett (3rd Place PGF)

Why: When Taylor Dockins (Cal State Fullerton) went down after Colorado, Brooke Yanez (UC Davis) answered the call. She stepped up to lead the Choppers to a third place finish at PGF Nationals. The Choppers will have a very strong sophomore and junior class with Ally Shipman (Tennessee), Makenna Harper (ASU), and Isabella Dayton (Ole Miss). Sophia Medellin will be one to watch. She recently made the jump from 14U to 18U.
When: See Schedule

Who: No. 3 Birmingham Thunderbolts (3rd Place PGF)

Why: Most of the 99 team that finished 3rd in PGF moves up to the 18U team. It's a whole new group for the Bolts. "I expect us to compete. This is a new group I just want us to compete on a daily basis. It will be a challenge for us jumping on a plane and being ready to play," Thompson said. The Bolts will rely on veterans Shaye Bowden (Oregon), Jenna Ergle (Boston College), Chardonnay Harris (Auburn) to lead the way.
When: See Schedule

Who: So Cal Athletics Richardson (5th Place PGF)

Why: The A's lose some stellar players like pitcher Autumn Storms (Arkansas) and catcher Montana Dixon (Stanford) but still have Mikayla Alee (Tennessee), Hannah Martinez (Arizona), Ciara Briggs (LSU), Alyssa Kumiyama (South Carolina) and aces Maddy Dwyer (Stanford) and Ryan Denhart (Maryland) along with catcher Lauren Esplin, who recently committed to Cal.
When: See Schedule

Who: OC Batbusters Stith

Why: The Batbusters fell short at PGF, but do not expect Coach Mike Stith to repeat the same mistake twice. They now have the No. 1 and No. 3 Hot 100 2017 recruits Taylon Snow and Briana Perez. Fresh faces to Stith's team are No. 5 Hot 100 2019 Farrah Steffany (Arizona) No. 26 Maya Brady. "They're a great ball club. Always disciplined with a competitive group. Stith will be coaching them well," Thompson said.
When: See Schedule

16U Teams to Watch

Who: Cal Nuggets (5th Place PGF)

Why: The Nuggets flew under the radar this summer knocking Thunderbolts 99 into the loser's bracket. They lose ace Cameron Kondo but return a strong staff in Lauren Innerst (2018 - uncommitted), Sona Halajian (2019 - Cal), Mailey McLemore (2018 - UCSB). Halaajian has been clocked at 68mph. Innerst will be the one to watch this weekend. She was 24-1 this summer.
When: See Schedule

Who: No. 13 Explosion Greg (13th Place PGF)

Why: In September two pitchers committed to SEC Jenna Bloom (Arkansas) and Miranda Studdard (Kentucky). Bloom, 2019 throws 64 to all zones. She throws everything with a little wiggle but commands a dirty drop curve and a knuckle. Miranda Studdard is a north south pitcher who changes speed. The biggest pickup for Explosion is Val Pero, the No. 9 2019 Hot 100 recruit one of the best catchers in her class. This Explosion squad is versatile in every position with the deepest and arguably most talented staff in the country. Last weekend, Explosion only gave up four hits in four games to Marty's 14U Corona Angels, Athletics, and Firecrackers.
When: See Schedule

Who: So Cal Choppers - Ziese (17th PGF)

Why: Jim Ziese's team made it to the championship game last year in this tournament and had a strong summer, but will have to replace a half dozen key players who've moved up to the Choppers 18U Fausett team. Jordyn Gasper (Utah), Alyssa Nunez (Sac State) and Shea Graves are three key returners.
When: See Schedule

14U Teams to Watch

Who: OC Batbusters-Campbell (3rd Place PGF)

Why: Expect to see another year of gritty softball from Batbusters Campbell. They fell into the loser's bracket in PGF Nationals and won eight games straight to finish third. No. 2 Hott 100 2020 Zaida Puni is a beast and is the most dangerous hitter in the 2020 class. Tiare Jennings, 2020 shortstop recently committed to Oklahoma. Hot Morgan Smith No. 13 will be the pitcher to watch from the circle.
When: See Schedule

Who: No. 5 So Cal Choppers-Fausett (5th Place PGF)

Why: Jesse Fontes, the 2020 Arizona commit made headlines earlier this year when she verbaled in the spring. But Lauryn Carter will be the player you don't want to miss. Coaches are excited about her impact on offense and defense.
When: See Schedule

Who: CA Grapettes-Guevara (1st Place PGF Platinum)

Why: With five returners and nine new players, you're going to see an entirely different Grapettes team. Pitchers Jordan Carey and Haylee Bryant return. You will see Mikayla Ward and Isabella Pahulu up the middle. Outfielders Trystyn "Boo" Guevara and Avery Wilson will roam the outfield. They will still be speedy and maybe even quicker.
When: See Schedule