The Blazers 12U team fought hard in the Denville 12U B Summer League ending in a thrilling come from behind victory to win the League Championships.  The summer season got off to a rough start having many games cancelled due to weather which resulted in being seeded 4th entering into the playoffs with a record of only 3-2.  Furhter challenging the girls was the emotional move to Florida of starting catcher Taylor Vara who would not be there for Playoffs and greatly missed.  After defeating the Denville Blue Devils 15-10 in the first round and then the Randolph Rage 6-1 with some needed late inning scoring, the Blazers entered the Championships against the Sparts Diamonds on a high note dampened only upon the news that Missy Vanklingeren would not be able to join us due to a previous family commitment.  The Championship game began with Sparta taking an early lead in the first inning that the Blazers tried to counter with key at bats by Skylar Reid and Amanda Young and an impeccable bunt from Julianna Paprota that turned into extra bases on an over throw.  Down 5-3 entering the top of the 6th, it seemed as though the Blazers could not overcome the deficit they had been presented with.  In true Blazer fashion though, when faced with adversity, they conquer in the end.  Starting with a leadoff double from Annie Catanzaro, the bats ignited in a flurry of singles, doubles and triples from Molly Giusti, Alexia Lacatena, Taylor Grauer, Sam Romano and the 3-3 hitting Jessie Stevenson.  It did not end there as hits and RBI's continued from Cameron Brown, Juliana Paprota, Hannah McGinn and Amanda Young culminating in a 9 run inning to take the lead 12-5.  Having to now hold onto this wave of offense, the Balzers defense took over with continued pinpoint pitching and fielding from Alexia Lacatena and highlight worthy plays from Hannah McGinn, Skylar Reid and Molly Giusti.  The Sparta team now deflated could not retaliate and the Blazers ended the game as Champions with a 12-6 triumph.  As short of a season as it was, the girls all gained in ability and effort which is something we all strive for them to accomplish.  A Championship was just the icing on the cake.