After a long and exciting week of action, the stage is set for the PGF Nationals 16U Premier Championship game Saturday between Beverly Bandits 16U-Conroy and Georgia Impact Caymol.

Coming into the 2022 PGF Premier Nationals, Beverly Bandits 16U coach Bill Conroy had every reason to feel confident about his team’s chances. The pitching staff boasts three ace-caliber players in Audrey Lowry (uncommitted), Sage Mardjetko (South Carolina) and Kami Kamzik (Notre Dame). 

Many of the players have been together for five seasons, including a third-place finish at last year’s PGF. This summer, the Bandits captured titles in the IDT and Easton Rawlings tournaments. Their only blemish was a third-place finish at Show Me the Money in Florida, but four key players were missing due to high school state playoff commitments.

After nearly a week of PGF action, the Bandits have made it clear they are on a mission: to be the first to win IDT, Easton Rawlings and PGF in the same summer.

“They had a goal all year,” Conroy said. 

“They’ve been pretty self-focused. Makes my job real easy.”

The Bandits are unbeaten heading into the championship game. Their toughest contest came against LTG in the first game of pool play, trailing 4-0 before scoring nine unanswered runs for a 9-4 victory. But the pitching came through the rest of the tournament, particularly on the last day of bracket play. The Bandits beat Grapettes Mc-Nair and Birmingham Thunderbolts-Kaplan by identical scores of 8-0. Lowry started both contests, with Mardjetko following and Kamzik pitching the final inning of the second game.

The offense was a balanced attack, with Gabi Comia, Addie DeLong, Eileen Donahue and AnnaLea Adams all contributing big hits.

“Addie and Gabi were the ones who really set the table for us,” Conroy said. 

“(They) caused some havoc on the bases and not only got on base but stole bases and scored runs.” 

these are the moments you dream of! WE ARE NATTY BOUND! LETS WIN THIS THING. this one is for you papa! i know you’re cheering loud from heaven. LETS GOOOO!!! @gaimpactcaymol @PGFnetwork pic.twitter.com/sgdsKt6csh

— Taylor Pipkins (@TaylorPipkins) July 29, 2022

Georgia Impact Caymol made it to the championship game by way of a 2-0 victory over the 5 Star Playmakers and a 4-1 triumph over LTG in the final day of bracket play. The day before, they scored a 4-1 win over Texas Sudden Impact and a 6-5 nail-biter over Tennessee Mojo ’23.

The Bandits and Impact Caymol met earlier this year at the Show Me the Money Tournament, with the Bandits coming out on top 5-4. Impact Caymol had a 4-1 lead until the last two innings before the Bandits stormed back for the victory.

That was the same tournament the Bandits were missing four players. 

Now, the scene is set for a championship matchup with everyone on board. The game can be seen on FloSoftball at 9 am PST Saturday.