AUBURN - Confidence converted into the 2007 District 10 Little league Softball 10-11 year-old championship for the Steel Lake All-Stars after a four inning title round 20-3 domination of the single elimination round survivor Bonney Lake-Sumner on Tuesday, June 26, at the South King County Ball Field.

Much like an opening game four inning 32-2 devastation against Fife-Milton Edgewood and an ensuing 12-2 domination of Kent/Auburn/Tahoma in four innings, the girls displayed calm characteristics and powerful preparation in the championship game to finish the tournament unbeaten.

"We just worked together as a team and my team gave me support, especially best friends on the (league) team that I played for many years, especially new people from other teams," remarked Katie Jackson. "We still have to work together as team at state."

Jackson, who was a key player on last season's 9-10 age state fourth place team, struck out all seven batters she faced in two separate stints on the mound. She also triggered a 3-run homer to assist the squad's efforts.

For Steel Lake, the assault on Bonney Lake/Sumner originated early. Raquelle Hale led off the game with a triple to right center field, scoring on a wandering throw from the outfield.

Overflowing with hitting prowess, the Steel Lake young ladies mounted a tremendous scoring surge in the second inning. SL took advantage of two consecutive walks and an infield error to create one run. Halle Colson knocked home two runs on a single before Celine Woo triggered an RBI single to enlarge the lead to 5-0.

Steel Lake continued to rock Bonney Lake-Sumner's boat with continuous waves of offense. Katie Jackson funneled an inside-the-park home run as Steel Lake's control mounted to 7-0. Back to back singles by Jasmin Fulmore and Annalise Campbell preceded a walk to Megan Jewett-Chan. Hitting for the second time in the inning, Hale smashed a two-run single to cap the 8-run scoring salvo.

Bonney Lake-Sumner registered a lone tally in the second inning, but Steel Lake collapsed any hopes of a BLS comeback with a furious 9-run barrage in the third inning. Hale drove home two more runs on a single and Lexis Pawlowski smashed a two-run double to highlight the destruction while Steel Lake flowed to the victory.

Another experienced state player looked forward to further amazing episodes.

"It's so cool that I can experience it all again," exuded Kayla Quiroga. "Maybe, this time, we can get further in state. It's awesome to have this experience again."

On the subject of whether high achievement was hoped for, Colson was quite emphatic.

"Oh, yeah, because we have a whole bunch of great players on our team and it's just good to get new ones and a few old friends that I get to be with again," exclaimed Colson.

Storming through the tournament, the Steel Lake team and coaches worked in concert to mold mastery together.

"...It's about building the confidence in each child and getting each child where they're at," explained Steel Lake manager Terome Fulmore. "It's also about the the players' willingness to give 100 percent when they show up for practice. The way they practice is the way they play at game time.

"We have great balance in our coaching staff. There are willing and dedicated coaches to help strengthen the girls' mechanics. I let my coaches coach. A manager can't do it alone. Turn out from these young ladies will be substantial."

Despite the avoidance of close, tight games in this tournament, Fulmore believes the team approach will be sufficient for state success.

"We take each game as a stepping stone and prepare for each game the same way, one game at a time," he concluded.

District 10 state representative players are Raquelle Hale, Halle Colson, Celine Woo, Katie Jackson, Kayla Quiroga, Alyssa Woods, Jasmin Fulmore, Annalise Campbell, Megan Jewett-Chan, Alyssa Zaragoza, Reno Whitcome, Morgan Snyder and Lexis Pawlowski.

Assisting manager Fulmore are coaches Chuck Woods and Richard Jackson.