4.13.24 Grand Diamonds vs. Sun City West
Grand 10 Sun City West Hot Flashes 24
The Grand Diamonds wrapped up the season with their last home game against Sun City West Hot Flashes. Unfortunately, it was not a happy ending to an otherwise exciting and successful season. The Hot Flashes were red hot scoring a total of 24 runs, 9 of them coming in the 7th inning. Yes, at the end of 6 innings the score was 15-10 but the Diamonds couldn't rally the bats in the last inning and went down in flames 24-10.
Defense struggled a bit but some of the highlights were a couple of nice catches by Sherry Westland at 2nd base and good stops by our outfield. Novice pitchers Denise Gibala and Laura Johnson shared duties on the mound, giving it their best. Offensively, the team had 22 hits with every player getting one or more hits and reaching base at least once. Left fielder Kat Melton had a single, double, triple and 4 RBIs to lead the team in hitting. Our right fielder/catcher Claire Lucas had a fabulous double (that some say may have been a homerun in her earlier years :) with 2 RBIs in the 6th to give us our only 4 run inning. Nice to see positive team attitudes and a good team effort throughout the game. So glad many of the SCW players could join the Diamonds for our annual end of season potluck following the game. Good food and fellowship was the perfect ending to a great season!
Special thanks to all of the volunteers who helped make today's game possible: Our usual guys up in the score tower Bob Cary, Mike Wunsch, and Roger Newman- always make the game more enjoyable; the grounds crew for dragging and lining the field; umpires Dave Michels and Troy Macqueen; bat boys Carson and Brody Wilkerson; base coaches Cheri Swinehart and Kandi Patrick; and Sherry Westland and Marilyn Leinberger for helping me manage the team today. I appreciate the opportunity to be involved with the women's team again. Thanks and see y'all next fall, Joan Casazza.
3.16.24 Grand Diamonds vs. Sun City Festival
Grand 4 Festival 3
The Sun City Grand Diamonds were victorious over the Festival Fireballs 4-3. It was a low scoring game defense on both teams make some great plays. Colleen Miller made a exciting catch in right field and completed it with a tuck and role! Kandi Patrick pitched a good game even with a broken finger! Thank you to our umpires as well as the announcers in the tower! A big thank you to our bat boys Brody and Carson Wilkerson! Thank you to our base coaches Chip Robertson and Claire Lucas as well as scorekeeper Yvonne Becker! Another thank you to Sherry Westland for the extra help as well.
3.25.2023 Grand Diamonds vs. Sun West Hot Flashes
Grand 9 West 16
The Grand Diamonds played the Sun City West Hot Flashes on Saturday, Mar. 25 at our Field of Dreams. It was a tough day for the Grand Diamonds as we lost the game 16-9. First: Thank you’s go out to: Mike Wunsch for announcing, Patti Bernhardt-Jones for keeping the scoreboard, Roger Neumann for his awesome music, Marilyn Leinberger for umpiring at home plate and Dave Michels for base umpiring, Howard Sumner for taking pictures, Laura Fenton for coaching 3rd base, our terrific Bat Boys, Brody and Carson Wilkerson, and a very special
Thank You to the fans who showed up to cheer us on. Becky Holliday went 4/4 with 2 RBIs. Ardy Robertson, Kim MacQueen, and Kandi Patrick all went 3/4 with 2 RBIs. Annie Lowe and Coral Estes made some great catches for outs. Some great outs were made by our infielders and Kandi Patrick had great pitches, but in the end the Hot Flashes’ bats were too hot scoring the maximum 4 runs in 4 of the 6 innings. The Diamonds held the Hot Flashes to no runs in only 2 innings.
After the game both teams, family, friends, etc. were invited to share in our “end of the season” pizza party. A huge thank you to Claire Lucas for providing lots of pizza, and several of our players who provided salads, chips and dip, cookies, and other munchies. It was much appreciated and enjoyed by all.
3.11.2023 Grand Diamonds vs. Pebble Creek Diamonds
Grand 14 Pebble Creek 16
SC Grand Diamonds played the Pebble Creek Desert Diamonds on Saturday, Mar. 11 at our Field of Dreams. It was a tough day for the Grand Diamonds as we lost the game 16-14 after leading until the 7th inning. In the top of the 7th inning our left center fielder was running to catch a fly ball and seriously injured herself. Paramedics were called. The game continued with Pebble Creek scoring 7 runs in the top of the 7th, but we were not able to answer those runs.
A big list of thank yous go out to: Marilyn Leinberger for home plate umpire and her prompt response to the injury in the outfield. Dave Michels for being our field umpire. Our terrific Bat Boys, Brody and Carson Wilkerson. A special thank you to Carson who volunteered to be the Pebble Creek bat boy for the day, Yvonne Becker for keeping the scorebook, Patti Jones-Bernhardt (scoreboard), Mike Wunsch (announcer) and Roger Neumann’s great music, and last, but not least, our great group of fans who showed up to cheer us on.
Kim MacQueen had a solid game going 4/4 with a triple in the 2nd inning and 2 RBIs. Lisa Pelletier also had a solid game going 4/4 with 2 RBIs. Arlene Weslosky had 2 hits and 3 scores. Ardy Robertson went 2/3 and made an awesome throw for the out to Sherry Westland at home. We had our first hot inning in #2 with Arlene Weslosky, Kim MacQueen, Karen Dewitt, and Laura Johnson all scoring. The second hot inning was #4 with Arlene Weslosky, Ardy Robertson, Kat Melton, and Becky Holliday all scoring. The Grand Diamonds all had some great defensive plays to hold Pebble Creek until the 7th inning.
A special thank you to Becky Holliday for stepping up to fill in as pitcher and went 2/4 batting. Thanks to our subs, Kat Melton (right field, went 2/4 and a 3 base hit) and Judy Muller (catcher).
We wish our player, Karen Dewitt, a speedy recovery from her injuries.
2.25.2023 Grand Diamonds vs. Sun City West Hot Flashes
Grand 5 Sun City West 9
The Grand Diamonds played the Sun City West Hot Flashes on Saturday, Feb. 25 at the SC West field. It was a tough day for the Grand Diamonds as we lost the game 9-5. The game was stopped in the middle of the 8th inning due to a serious facial injury to the right fielder. The ball hit by a Grand Diamond player bounced out of her glove and hit her in the mouth causing a badly split upper lip. 911 was called and she went to the hospital for stitches. News is that she is now healing.
Thank you to Marilyn Leinberger for coaching 1st base and her prompt response to the injury in right field. Also, thanks to Kandi Patrick for coaching 1st base. A special welcome and thank you to our brand new Bat Boys, Brody and Carson Wilkerson, great-grandsons of Diane Sugzda. Thank you also to the fans who showed up to cheer us on.
The players who went 2/3 were Ardy Robertson, Coral Estes, Becky Holliday, Laura Fenton, and Lisa Pelletier. Karen Dewitt went 2/2 and Sherry Westland was 1/2. Annie Lowe, Arlene Weslosky, Kim MacQueen, Laura Johnson, and Marjo McDougall all were 1/3. The Diamonds made some great catches, but the Hot Flashes had outstanding fielding and hot bats. The Grand Diamonds were coming on hard with the bases loaded when the injury occurred.
A special thank you to Pete and Marjo McDougall for providing adult beverages to the team after the game and Karen Olsen for providing potato chips.
Our next game is scheduled for March 11 here at our Field of Dreams against Pebble Creek any 2:30 or after the last Saturday league game. We would love to see a huge crowd attending to support us.
Judy McClendon, manager
2.11.2023 Pebble Creek Diamonds vs. Grand Diamonds
Pebble Creek 15 Grand 16
What a great game we had on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. The Grand Diamonds overcame the Pebble Creek Diamonds 16-15 in a closely contested game. I want to thank all the fans who came out to cheer us on! Thank you to our commish, Judy Muller, for her continued support. Thanks to Howard Sumner for his photographic prowess on the field. Thank you to the score tower, especially Barney Armstrong for jumping in to keep the scoreboard. Thanks to Marilyn Leinberger and Dave Michel for umping an exciting game and to Yvonne Becker for keeping the scorebook. We appreciate you all for your support!
We started out being tied with Pebble Creek for the first 2 innings. The lead went back and forth throughout the entire game until the Grand Diamonds pulled ahead for the win in the bottom of the 7th inning. In all the Grand Diamonds had 23 hits. Claire Lucas did a great job in her first start as pitcher.
Becky Holliday led all batters with 4/4 and 3 RBIs. Dorothy Mazur was 3/4 with 1 RBI. Sue Cary and Annie Lowe each went 2/2. Kim MacQueen, Karen Dewitt, Kat Melton, and Marjo McDougall each were 2/3.
I would like to thank all the ladies who played yesterday: Ardy Robertson, Dorothy Mazur, Sue Cary, Becky Holliday, Denise Gibala, Sherry Westland, Annie Lowe, Kim MacQueen, Karen Dewitt, Marjo McDougall, Claire Lucas, Kat Melton, and Tammie Songer. Debby Kanouse was a terrific bat girl and all around support for our team.
Judy McClendon, Manager
1.14.2023 Pebble Creek Diamonds vs. Grand Diamonds
Pebble Creek 5 Grand Diamonds 14
What a terrific day the Grand Diamonds had at the Field of Dreams yesterday winning 14-5 over the Pebble Creek Desert Diamonds! A great crowd was in attendance and was loud and proud in spite of the cool, cloudy day. We started off a bit cool, but soon our bats and defense got hot! A big thank you goes out to Marilyn Leinberger and Dave Michels for umpiring, Yvonne Becker for keeping the scorebook, Howard Sumner for taking pictures and dodging softballs, Judy Muller, Karen Olsen, and Claire Lucas for base coaching, Patti Jones-Bernhardt for score board, for the great announcing team upstairs, Ardy Robertson for great defensive plays, Karen Dewitt for retrieving bats and Karen Olsen for being our “hit spotter”.
Congratulations to our Offensive Player of the Game, Becky Holliday, and Defensive Player of the Game, Ardy Robertson. Contributing to our win, were the following: Kim MacQueen, Kandi Patrick and Becky Holliday went 4/4, with Kim getting a double, and Kandi and Becky both had triples. Sherry Westland (our 12th batter) also had a double. Our sub, Karen Dewitt, had a double. Scoring runs were made by Kim and Coral, 3 each, and Kandi and Sherry had 2 runs each. RBIs were knocked in by Becky (4), Karen (3), Kandi (2), Kim (2), Lisa (1), Coral (1), and Sherry (1).
Thank you to our team: Kim MacQueen, Coral Estes, Kandi Patrick, Becky Holliday, Claire Lucas, Denise Gibala, Ardy Robertson, Kat Melton, Lisa Pelletier, Laura Johnson, Marjo McDougall, Sherry Westland, and Karen Dewitt. I appreciate the support, patience, and understanding of our team while undergoing a new manager bringing in new ideas that are being implemented. Mark your calendars now for our next game on Jan. 28, against SCW Hot Flashes in Sun City’s Sun Bowl, 10220 N. 107th Ave at 2:30 pm. We need your support!
Judy McClendon, manager
12.10.22 Sun City West Invitational Round Robin Tourney
The Grand Diamonds won 2/3 of their games at the Saturday, 12/10 Tourney. Let’s do some thank you notes first. Our commish, Judy Muller for coaching, challenging some vague calls and covering for JJ so she could have brunch. Judy McClendon, who helped with the lineup, scouting the opposition and all round right-hand. Judy McClendon will be managing the Women’s team in 2023 beginning with the January 14th game. Marilyn Leinberger for keeping the book. Howard Sumner for his photographic magic. Karen DeWitt our designated runner and long-suffering subs/bat gals: Claire, Marjo and Sherry. Our loyal fans who braved the morning chill and long day of play to support the team.
As home team, we played Pebble Creek Desert Diamonds in the first game for a win 7-6. In that game we had several terrific defensive plays and catches in the outfield from Kathy Boland and Lisa Pelletier, who was 3/4 with a triple. Kim MacQueen had a 3/3 game. 2/3 Hitters: Coral Estes RBI, Kandi Patrick, Arlene Weslosky RBI. 1/3 Ardy Robertson, triple RBI, Sue Cary RBI, Laura Johnson RBI. Thank you to Tammie Songer for covering the plate in the first game.
Same score for the second game 7-6 win, versus the Silver Sliders from Casa Grande. No need for a bottom 7th inning since we won the coin toss again. In this game our defense was still on fire with Lisa Pelletier back at shortstop covering short LF and LCF with shots across the diamond garnering the oohs and ahhs from the crowd and the game announcer. Perfect at the plate 3/3: Ardy Robertson RBI, Arlene Weslosky RBI, Becky Holliday RBI and Kandi Patrick. Kathy Boland 1/2 RBI, Marjo McDougall 1/3 RBI, Kim MacQueen 1/3 RBI, Coral Estes 1/4, Sue Cary with some solid defense at 2B RBI.
Game 3 vs. our cross the train tracks rivals, SCW Hot Flashes, was a loss for us 4-9. By 3 in the afternoon, there was no way you could see a fly ball hit to LF with the bright AZ sun. Sharing home plate coverage for this game were our catchers: Claire Lucas and Sherry Westland. Sue Cary was 3/3 RBI in this game. Everywhere we hit the ball, there ‘they’ were! 2/3 Laura Johnson RBI and Coral Estes. 1/3 Ardy Robertson, Arlene Weslosky, Becky Holliday RBI, Lisa Pelletier, Kandi Patrick, and Kim MacQueen 1/4.
Thank you to our team: Kathy Boland, Sue Cary, Karen DeWitt, Coral Estes, Becky Holliday, Laura Johnson, Claire Lucas, Kim MacQueen, Judy McClendon, Marjo McDougall, Judy Muller, Kandi Patrick, Lisa Pelletier, Ardy Robertson, Tammie Songer, Arlene Weslosky, and Sherry Westland.
Sun City Grand versus Sun City West – Women’s Game Saturday 11/19/22
Grand Diamonds 3 Sun City Hot Flashes 13
Sun City West Hot Flashes were scheduled to play a double header versus Pebble Creek on Saturday but an outbreak of covid on the Pebble Creek team kept them home. After waiting for 2 hours, the Flashes were ready to hit some balls! The Diamonds had some great infield plays moments from Coral Estes at SS, Becky Holliday ROV, Laura Johnson 2B, Ardy Robertson 3B and Arlene Weslosky at 1B. Hits? We had a few: Becky Holliday 2/3 double 2RBIs, Kat Melton 2/3 RBI, Kim MacQueen, Kandi Patrick, and Laura Johnson all 2/3. Tammie Songer hit a bomb over the head of the left fielder for a 1/3 double day. Other 1/3 hitters: Arlene Weslosky, and Ardy Robertson RBI. Thank you to our two subs for playing today: Claire Lucas and Judy Muller covering the plate and RC. Thank you Marilyn Leinberger for keeping the scorebook and Karen Olsen for coaching third, Chip Robertson for the photos and Brian Holliday for picking up the shirts.
Sun City Grand versus Sun City West – Women’s Game 4/2/22
SCG Diamonds-Hot Bats 7 SCW Hot Flashes 6
Thank you to our Grand softball fans. You were with us as we made our way back from our slow start and the jump start by our worthy opponents. Once we warmed up a bit, we led in the 5th and held onto that lead versus the SCW Hot Flashes for the 7-6 win.
Perfect at the plate: Kandi Patrick RBI and Lisa Pelletier 2RBIs. 2/3 hitters included Annie Lowe, Laura Fenton-Kovanda 2RBIs, Becky Holliday RBI. Arlene Weslosky RBI, Wendy Denzel and Laura Johnson each had a hit. Kim Powell scored a run and Karen Olsen and Ardy Robertson made some great stops.
Thank you fans and helpers. Umpires: Albert Miller and Dave Michels, Scoreboard, Patti-Jones-Bernhardt, Base Coaches Claire Lucas and Cheri Swinehart. Susie Tornes keeping the book. Roger Neumann and Mike Wunsch, announcers. Judy Muller, Commissioner. Kathy Boland, Jim Opyd and Buck Rapley for picnic and food table setup. Marilyn Leinberger for the ice. Thank you to the Saturday league players for starting and finishing early. SCW Women: Thank you for the years of friendly rivalry and fun.
Sun City Grand versus Sun City West – Women’s Game 3/19/22
SCG Diamonds-Hot Bats 8 SCW Hot Flashes 3
After a slow start by both the Sun City West Hot Flashes and Grand Diamonds-Hot Bats teams, the hits and runs finally began. The Grand women held West to 6 scoreless innings with defense that was stellar. One fan was overheard to say that in his next life he wanted to come back with Lisa Pelletier’s defensive skills. Lisa was everywhere today and even caught an improbable, impossible ball deflected off another glove for the put out. Today’s team effort: A foul tip catch by Yvonne Becker, catches by Kathy Boland, Ardy Robertson, Becky Holliday and Karen Olsen covering the middle. Offensive moves by our base runners to get themselves into scoring position, taking that extra base. Perfect at the plate today: Becky Holliday and Kathy Boland RBI. Other hitters: Yvonne Becker RBI, Ardy Robertson, Vicki Hanson RBI, Wendy Denzel, Lisa Pelletier 2 RBIs, Laura Fenton-Kovanda 1 RBI and Annie Lowe. 19 hits in all for the 8-3 win. THANK YOU to base coaches Claire Lucas and Cheri Swinehart, Scorebook-Susie Tornes, Patti Jones-Bernhardt working the scoreboard, Mike Wunsch and Roger Neumann MC and DJ, umpires - Marilyn Leinberger and Dave Michels and Norm Lustig for the special paint on the foul lines. Howard Sumner for the action photos. Thank you to all the fans in the stands and on the grass on Home Run Dr.
Sun City Grand versus Sun City West – Women’s Game 2/26/22
SCG Diamonds-Hot Bats 19 SCW Hot Flashes 2
Another warm, beautiful, winter afternoon in Arizona and some solid play from our Grand Diamonds-Hot Bats team versus Sun City West Hot Flashes. Grand defense kept the Hot Flashes scoreless for 6 innings! The defense was on fire! Double plays from Lisa, Becky and Yvonne to incredible sun catches from Annie Lowe, Kandi Patrick, Lisa Pelletier, Becky Holliday, Kathy Boland, Kris Koch and Vicki Hanson. The team had 31 hits. Perfect at the plate today: Kandi Patrick with a double and 1 RBI, Kathy Boland 1 RBI, Laura Fenton-Kovanda with 2 doubles and 4 RBIs. Yvonne Becker was 2/3 with 2 RBIs, Ardy Robertson, 3/4 2 RBIs, Kris Koch 3/4. Becky Holliday 3/4 with 4 RBIs, Lisa Pelletier 3/4 with 2 doubles, 3 RBIs. Vicki Hanson and Kim Powell, 1 RBI both had hits. Thank you to Cheri Swinehart and Claire Lucas for coaching the bases and Susie Tornes for keep the book. The final score was 19-2.
Thank you to our loyal fans who made the trek across the tracks to cheer. We outnumbered the home team fans again! Mark your calendars for our next round on Saturday, 3/19, at our field, after Saturday league play ~2:30P.
SCG Women's Softball, Saturday, 12/11/2021
SCG Diamonds-Hot Bats 18 SCW Hot Flashes 11
Another beautiful day in paradise, this time in Sun City West at Liberty Field. The SCG Diamonds-Hot Bats team played a persistent SCW Hot Flashes. Our players in our line-up today were our veterans who have played on the team before, the last time being 2019-2020 season. Missing today from that squad: Kathy Boland, Sue Cary, Linda Doyle, Kris Koch, Kat Melton and Doreen Stevenson. Here are the highlights.
The SCG Diamonds came out to play and settle old scores against a ‘never giving up’ SCW Hot Flashes team. The final score was 18-11. Our fans came out to cheer us on to victory, filled the stands and the surrounding tables and outnumbered our hosts!
Perfect at the plate today 4/4 for the Diamonds-Hot Bats team was Coral Estes with a double and 2 RBIs, Laura Fenton-Kovanda with 2 doubles and 3 RBI and Kandi Patrick who pitched an outstanding game. 3/4 hitters included Becky Holliday with 2 triples, 4 RBIs and Arlene Weslosky. Yvonne Becker was 2/3 today with a shot in LC for an RBI.
Leading off today for the Diamonds-Hot Bats team was “I do not miss a fly ball,” Annie Lowe, who was 2/4. Other .500 hitters were Laura Johnson, Maryjo McDougall with a RBI, Lisa Pelletier with a triple and 3 RBIs. Vikki Hanson had a 1/4 day and held her own against some hard hits to RF. Judy Muller covered home and helped Kandi pitch strikes.
There were several hard-hit balls to the OF, that between Laura, Arlene, and the other Laura’s catches, kept the West team scoreless in 3 innings.
Thank you to our helpers today: First Base Coach-Claire Lucas, Third Base Coach-Cheri Swinehart, Scorebook- Susie Tornes, Bat Monitor-Marilyn Leinberger, Altruism Award-Kris Koch
Thank you to Becky, Kandi and Marilyn for managing practice on Friday.
SCG Women's Softball, Saturday February 8, 2020
Sun City West Hot Flashes 5 SCG Diamonds 3
The Diamonds bats were “out to lunch” today as SCW defeated the ladies of SCG 5-3. The game started with 3 scoreless inning before the Hot Flashes scored a run. The Diamonds followed with one run in the 4th and 5th inning to take the lead. Unfortunately, the SCW ladies had a 4 run inning in the 6th and the Diamonds could only come up with one in the 7th. 11 team hits will not win a game. Congrats to Kandi Patrick who pitched a great game and went 3 for 3 at the plate. The rest of the team needed to be much more patient at the plate and remember that we do not start with a 1 and 1 count. Defense was pretty strong except for that one inning that did us in.
SCG Women's Softball Saturday January 11, 2020
Festival Fireballs 5 SCG Diamonds 15
Saturday January 25th the SCG Diamond defeated Sun City Festival Women's team 15-5 at our Field of Dreams. Defense was a little off today but hitting was RIGHT ON! Perfect at the plate were left center fielder Kathy Boland, pitcher Kandi Patrick, shortstop Lisa Pelletier, rover Becky Holliday, first base Arlene Weslosky, and outfielder Laura Johnson. The rest of our artillery; Annie Lowe, Judy Muller, Vikki Hanson, Linda Doyle, Yvonne Becker, Kat Melton, and Doreen Stevenson, all contributed at least one hit.
Congrats to our homerun hitters Kathy, Lisa, and Becky! Becky also had a double and triple! Way to go Becks!!
It is wonderful to have such a flexible and team minded group of Ladies. Thank you to all who shared defensive positions and played wherever they were asked to play. Thank you Marjo McDougall for coaching bases. Take care of that finger! GREAT TEAM EFFORT!
Our next game is at SCG Field of Dreams vs SCW Hot Flashes on February 8 following the rescheduled Relay for Life Tournament (approximately 2:30).
Thanks to all of the fans, umpires, scorekeeper and announcers as well as the grounds crew who were there to support us.
SCG Women's Softball Saturday November 19, 2019
SCW Hot Flashes 10 SCG Diamonds 9
Our season opener was a good game against a very competitive Sun City West team. We were able to stay with them most of the game but not scoring in the final two innings did not help our cause. Everyone had at least 1 hit in their 3 at bats except for Kathy Boland, Arlene Weslowsky, and Yvonne Becker with two hits each. Lisa Pelletier had some great defensive plays to accompany her 3 hits and 3 RBIs. Kandi Patrick did a fine job pitching and batting (3 for 3) including the only triple for our team. Extra base hit honors also go to Arlene who smacked 2 doubles resulting in 2 runs scoring. Yvonne had an RBI and Becky Holliday drove in 2 more runs. We played good defense, including a great throw from Becky to catcher Judy Muller, which stopped the Hot Flashes' run from scoring. Speaking of flashes, thank you Lisa, Kathy, and Vikki Hanson for pinch running. Annie Lowe had her debut on the pitching mound and will continue to practice. It was a good experience for her, but at the same time she encourages others to think about sharing the position. Welcome to the team Kat Melton, Laura Johnson, and Marjo McDougal. So nice to have you join our gang! Special thanks to Coral Estes for coaching third base and to our softball friends; Buck, Norm, Mark, Roger, Mike, Marilyn, and Dave for their efforts and support of the women's team at Sun City Grand. Appreciation also to all of our fans in the stands! Next game is scheduled at SCW on December 14 at 2:30 pm. Practice will be on Friday Dec 13 @ noon. Please mark your calendars!!