ASA SOFTBALL: Xtreme rallies for fifth title in six years

NAMPA - Abby Howard hit three home runs in North Idaho Xtreme's final five games, helping the team rally to win the state ASA Under-18 softball tournament on Sunday at Skyview High.

After a 3-2 loss to Idaho Crossfire in eight innings, Xtreme rallied to beat Boise Blast 15-2 on Saturday.

On Sunday, Xtreme beat Southern Idaho Ice 18-3, Field of Dreams 9-0, Idaho Sliders 6-0, Idaho Crush 9-2 and Diamond Bandits 8-1 to force an if-necessary game against the Bandits, won by the Xtreme 9-4.

It is the team's fifth state title in seven years, with three second-place finishes.

"The entire team really played flawless defense," North Idaho Xtreme coach Travis Smith said. "It was really incredible to watch. Analisa Raynor hit the ball really well and Breana Burke pitched every game for us."

The Xtreme compete in the Champions Cup, which runs today through Sunday in Irvine, Calif.