Crush U14 rally at Super Nationals

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Abby Howard hit a two-run single and came around to score the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Coeur d'Alene Crush 14-and-under softball team rallied for a 4-3 win against the Blue Springs Fireballs of Kansas City in the opening game of tournament play at the 114-team "A" Super Nationals tournament on Wednesday.

Kylie Smith, JaeCie Wilson and Mariah Montee all singled to load the bases in the sixth for the Crush, which went 1-1 in pool play. Analisa Raynor singled to score Montee to tie the game, and Hannah Nelson's sacrifice fly brought home Howard.

"It was amazing - the hearts the girls showed to come back and win the game," Crush assistant coach Travis Smith said.

"We kind of struggled with our bats the entire game," Crush coach Julie Stark said. "But they dug deep to get the win."

Breana Burke struck out five and allowed four hits for Coeur d'Alene, which faces Team Pennsylvania today.