Wave rolls on to take tournament

The Tropic Wave 12U fast pitch softball team outplayed 29 teams to win the first place trophy in their division Saturday, June 17, at the Dorie Locklear Memorial Tournament in Sarasota.

They played the Jupiter Seahawks in the final game, with Hannah Klopf pitching for the Tropic Wave.

Submitted photo

The Tropic Wave 12U team includes Natalie Applebaum, Katey Blummer, Kelly Brown, Kristin Brown, Caitie Hogue, Hannah Klopf, Jessica McElroy, Gabi Pozo, Maria Reyes, Jenah Tracy, Alissa Valdez, Lauren Wilhelm, and is coached by George Blummer, Bob Brown, and Don Tracy.

"Hannah pitched a great game," head coach George Blummer said, adding that she pitched both the semi-final and final games in the tournament.

The highlight of the game was a double play in the bottom of the fifth, when Jessica McElroy hit a two-run double that brought the team up to seven. The game ended 7-3, when catcher Katie Blummer caught a pop-up foul ball behind home plate.

Tropic Wave 12 and Under was formed just four months ago by George Blummer and Bob Brown, who wanted to provide local girls an opportunity to play travel level softball. The team adopted their name from Mike Morgan's Tropic Wave 18U team, at Morgan's suggestion that they carry on the well-known Naples tradition of highly competitive fast pitch softball.

It seems that the Tropic Wave 12U is doing just that. Since February, the team has competed in eight tournaments throughout Florida, bringing home three second place trophies and this latest first place victory.

"What makes this team successful is their spirit and enthusiasm for the game. Many of them have played in other leagues, but haven't gotten to shine before. Everyone gets a fair shot at positions, and they are excited to play," said Kelly Blummer, team mom and wife of coach George Blummer.

Blummer said that positions are chosen on a weekly basis, based on performance in practice and games. This encourages a positive attitude and enthusiasm on the practice field and during games.

"The team is fun-spirited. There is no negative energy; it's always upbeat and positive," McElroy said.

Of the coaching, McElroy said, "The coaches are very cool. They are very supportive." Their style of coaching focuses on fundamentals in a positive and instructive way." The team is now preparing for the Florida ISA State Tournament being held in Polk County this weekend, June 23–25.