Select Fastpitch and the Birmingham Thunderbolts have emerged from the bevy of outstanding clubs in the PGF National Championships 18U Premier division. 

Select Fastpitch conquered Bracket B, finalizing their title-round run with a pair of shutout wins. The Kansas City-based club opened the July 29 slate with a 2-0 defeat of the Northwest Bullets. 

A 5-1 loss to Lady Magic Munoz set up a sudden death rematch–and Select Fastpitch responded, leaving no doubt with a 6-0 win to solidify the team’s spot in the Championship Game. 

The two decisive shutouts continued the club’s impressive performances in the circle throughout the tournament, including a pair of Missouri Tigers commits. Sami Huck and Marissa McCann have both pitched brilliantly, McCann in particular delivered a 14-strikeout performance. 

HYPE ME UP!! 🤩🤩 have a game @marissamccann04 - 14 k’s!!!! love this team ❤️❤️ @ejonesrockchalk @PGFnetwork pic.twitter.com/TQMyoxveUc

— kylie brockman (@kyliebrock23) July 28, 2022

“Marissa McCann has flown under the radar except for those closest to her,” said Select Fastpitch coach Eric Jones in an email. 

“She’s won two state titles in Arizona (Surprise Willow Canyon High School) and has shut down some of the top teams in the country. She’s played in big moments for the past couple of years and I know she’s ready for this one.”

Birmingham Thunderbolts advanced through Bracket A with similar excellence from the circle. In bracket-play wins over USA Athletics Gold, Team North Carolina Hinde, Premier Fastpitch Paulson and Lady Magic Munoz, the Thunderbolts gave up a combined four runs. 

Capping it off was a fitting, 2-1 defeat of the Northwest Bullets. 

PGF Championship Game Saturday @ 1 pm PST pic.twitter.com/fHC2Js3eAg

— Birmingham Thunderbolts 18 Premier Team (@thunderbolts18p) July 30, 2022

Birmingham’s pitching staff is a who’s who of standout college recruits, including University of North Carolina-bound MaKenna-Raye Dark. 

The respective depth and arm talent on both clubs' staffs suggests a pitching duel to determine the 2022 PGF champion. Scratching out a run or two could be the difference. 

“Our offense is good enough to score in droves but our defense has kept us in games which allows us to get that big run when we need it to put teams away,” Jones said. 

“They feel they can beat anyone right now.”

Birmingham has its own proven ability to plate timely runs. PGF All-American honorees and a pair of Alabama Crimson Tide signees, Marlie Giles and Larissa Preuitt, are dangerous at the plate. Preuitt has a career batting average greater than .500 at the prep level, and her consistency translates just as well in club play.