SOFTBALL: Rebels compete for ASA title

Team takes part in national event in Georgia

It didn't take long for the Las Vegas Rebels 14-and-under club softball team to earn some recognition.

The Rebels, who started play less than a year ago, is representing Nevada at the ASA National Fastpitch Tournament in Columbus, Ga.

The event, which ran from July 29 to Aug. 4, is expected to feature close to 120 of the country's top softball squads, out of more than 3,000 possible teams.

"Our goals are to kick butt," said Joe Kissane, founder of the Rebels and assistant head coach. "I think we have a very good chance. We have played the top, elite competition in California and done very well against them."

The Rebels, who won 50 of their first 60 games since starting in February, won the 2002 ASA Nevada state title to earn an automatic berth to the national tournament. The 14-and-under division was the only age group to receive an automatic bid.

The Rebels, who play ASA A ball, the highest level, went 4-0 to win the 2002 ASA Nevada state title. They beat a pair of teams from Northern Nevada and the Las Vegas Blast, twice, to capture the crown. The Rebels beat the Blast, 13-3, in the title tilt.

"I knew they would do well because of the quality of the girls we had. I just didn't know how well," Kissane said. "Our expectations were to get to the championship game and I thought we had a real good chance.

"The biggest accomplishment was probably that the girls all worked hard together and played hard together, and that's what makes the difference." They're all good hitters and every player made some outstanding plays."

Kissane refused to single any player out, saying every one of them was solid all-around and contributed to the cause.

"They're all good hitters and every player made some outstanding plays," he said.

The Rebels featured starting pitchers Jessie Rivas, who also plays third base; Rebecca Rumsey, who also plays first base; and Kylee Kissane, who also plays first.

The Rebels also featured 11-year-old second baseman Tayler Aleman, the youngest player on the team; catcher Stacey Burgos; outfielder Stevie Dean; third baseman Stacey Dilts; outfielder Courtney Emry; outfielder Violiney Gago; outfielder Amber Heinz; outfielder Amanda Henry; outfielder Tasheena Hyde; and second baseman/outfielder Kori Zornes.

"They pitched awesome and they played great defense and great offense," he said. "They play great everywhere and they work really hard."

The Rebels added a pair of players for the national tournament: shortstop/pitcher Megan Lambertz and third baseman/shortstop Sierra Longchamps. The head coach is Tony Dyer.

The Rebels are comprised of players from across the valley, and Kissane expects each of his incoming freshmen to excel in high school next year.

"Every one of them that will go to high school will make an impact, guaranteed," he said.


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