TC/USA Nationals lands in Austin, TX

​Arguably in the mix of the most competitive fastpitch tournaments of the summer, TC/USA Nationals sets up shop in Austin, Texas, for the 2017 edition of the tournament. The top 14u, 16u and 18u clubs (as determined by US Club Rankings) will be present.

“The TC/USA Nationals brings together elite softball clubs from across the country to compete for a national championship,” said tournament director Krista Crawford. “Each year the event is played in a different region of the U.S. This year we are excited to be bringing the event to Austin, Texas. The dynamic and culture-rich atmosphere of Austin is sure to provide a perfect setting for the event.”

Teams get down to business Monday, July 10, after arriving in the Lone Star State. Two pool play games await each squad, allowing an opportunity for each team to get its feet wet and accustomed to the competitive atmosphere.

Tuesday, the real fun begins. Each outfit is pre-seeded into a double elimination bracket. By Wednesday, multiple modified single-elim bracket are formed in each age division.

Championship games in each division are slated for Thursday, and fans will not want to miss the elite level of play on championship day. For those not in Texas’ capital city on July 13, ESPN3 will carry both the 16u and 18u championship games live. Texas native Brett Dolan will have the call alongside color commentator Amanda Freed.

Seven of the top 18u 10 clubs (No. 2 So Cal Athletics – Richardson, No. 4 Beverly Bandits – Demarini, No. 5 AL Birmingham Thunderbolts, No. 6 EC Bullets – Schnute, No. 8 Texas Blaze Gold – Slimp, No. 9 Texas Bombers Gold, No. 10 Texas Glory – Shelton) are slated to compete for the coveted TC/USA trophy, in an event that draws superior programs and athletes from coast to coast.

16u squads to watch include:
Beverly Bandits – Demarini
Diamond Sports Hotshots South
Aces Express Futures
Texas Glory – Naudin
So Cal Athletics – Briggs
Sorcerers – Gabales

14u teams in the mix:
Norcal Firecrackers Baisdom
Firecrackers HTX
Oklahoma Exclusive Gold
Texas Dirt Divas
Demarini Aces
Firecrackers TJ

Last year’s 18u champions, Texas Blaze Gold, not only clinched the TC/USA Nationals crown but also checked off a ‘Bucket List’ item by competing in New York City, the 2016 site of the event.
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If the city’s rich culture of live music and overall ambiance wasn’t enough, the impressive list of teams and clubs attending also attracts the best college coaches across America. With all those next-level programs looking to bolster their rosters with the future stars of fastpitch, the elite level of talent on display is second to none.

About TC USA Nationals

Triple Crown Sports created the event in 2012 using the US Club Rankings (www.usclubrankings.com) to help target the top 14U, 16U and 18U teams in the country. TCS takes the top 100 teams and gives an automatic berth to a program’s 18 Gold, 16U and 14U teams, along with the top five regionally ranked teams from 13 regions around the country. Invites are not passed down if a team declines. Instead, TCS fills all open spots with at-large selections. At-large teams fill out an application listing their qualifications for the remaining spots.
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Tags: Austin Texas, TC Fastpitch, TC/USA Nationals, Triple Crown Sports