USA Explosion wins opener at 18U nationals

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Haley Loffer, a Lake City High product who has signed with NAIA College of Idaho, went 3 for 3 with an RBI and two runs scored for the USA Explosion 18 Gold in a 4-1 win over the Semper Fi Bulldogs to open pool play at the Premier Girls Fastpitch National Championship at the Fountain Valley Sports Complex on Saturday.

Loffer hit a solo homer in the fourth. Alyssa Benthagen hit a two-run homer in the sixth.

The Explosion, coached by Travis Smith, conclude pool play today against So Cal 3D at 8 a.m., and the New Mexico Sundancers at 9:45.

They open bracket play on Monday against the Florida Impact.