Raiders win ISA finale

What a tremendous ending to ISA's inaugural year in Las Vegas.

At Desert Breeze Park on Dec. 16, Ralph's Raiders stormed through the loser's bracket, winning seven in a row to claim top honors in one of the best softball tournaments of the season.

The Raiders had to defeat Total Sports, Fury, Ti-Clad, Team Extreme and very solid Artillery and Skinny Dugan teams who were at full strength and playing well.

The Raiders lost in the second round to a tremendous Total Sports team, 17-15. Total Sports, comprised of Nellis airmen, rolled through the winner's bracket and awaited the loser's bracket survivor.

In the meantime, the Raiders had to wonder if they were going to finish the day a disappointing 1-2, but close victories against Aztec Plumbing, Artillery and Team Extreme got the team motivated for a match with Dave Oaks' Ti-Clad team, which loves the ISA format (they are as good as any team in Las Vegas with the two home-run rule).

Both teams came out banging with the Raiders holding a 13-9 lead after three innings, and after Ti-Clad failed to score in the fourth inning, the Raiders tacked on five more runs to take control and cement the victory.

Next came the Fury in the loser's bracket finals they gave the Raiders all they wanted, battling the entire way before dropping a 19-17 decision.

Standing in the way of an ISA championship was Total Sports who had banished the Raiders to the loser's bracket early in the day. Raiders' manager Terry Lindberg cautioned his team that a big first inning would be needed to gain momentum and steal the victory and push Total Sports to a final game.

The strategy worked and it all came down to a winner-take-all final game. In the finale, the Raiders jumped to a 20-2 lead after two innings and cruised to a 27-11 victory.

MVP went to pitcher Chris Adams who hit a mind-boggling .900 for the tournament. Defensive player award went to speedy outfielder Tony Wallace and all-tourneys went to Joe Vasquez and Pooch Fredeman who both hit .800. Catcher Andy Arata had his best tournament hitting .790.

Other ISA all-tourneys went to Todd Hale, Ron DeAngelis, Jim Kelley, Andy Borgna, Terry Lindberg and Gavin Abolognia.

DIAMOND NOTES -- ISA director Lance Boyer and his staff put on a great show. A free barbecue, a ton of great hospitality, a full day of great softball action and good people having a great time all lent itself to a super tournament.

This tournament was very well balanced with no clear cut favorite. Total Sports and Ti-Clad are as good as any D teams in town. Both are well coached and have great programs.

Stoneys looked outstanding also as did John Tilton's Artillery team. Both will be a factor in 2001. I was also impressed with Team Extreme. Team plays hard and has great fan support and is one or two players away from being a top-five team.

Other players with strong performances in the tournament included Paul Essayian, Joel Powell, Bert Cochran, Chuck Somers, Richie Cassano, Tom Winnet, Scot Hendricks, Tom Gibson, Mitch Stahl, Matty Warrow, Pat Ward, Al Garcia, Kev Stephens, Rick Cadwallader, Steve Jenkins, Kevin Killament and Mark McClain.

The entire 16-team field had a great time and I know everyone is looking forward to Jan. 6, ISA's first tourney next season.

Ralph Reuber has more than 25 years of experience as a softball player, sponsor, umpire and manager. He is district commissioner for the NASF in Southern Nevada. He can be reached at 260-7803.