Backyard Baseball’s 13-under team posted a 6-1 record in Phoenix to win the United States Special Sports Association Spring Championship Super NIT event.

The team was made up of several former Turlock Little League players: Daniel Lopez, Izak Márquez, Tyler Ulrich, Brynenn Cupit and Braiden Fuentes, who was selected the tournament MVP.

The team was coached by former Turlock High and Stanislaus State alumni Tyler Murphy.

Turlock Crush 17-under team headed to nationals

The Turlock Crush, coached by Pitman High junior varsity coach Ari Amini, reached the championship match of a Pacific Northwest qualifying tournament in Spokane, Wash., earning a berth to the national tournament in Chicago July 3-6.

Competing the tournament’s American Division, Crush defeated Absolute of Marin County, a team they’d never before beaten. 

Crush was defeated by Katy United in the final, but both the champion and the runner-up earn a trip the national tourney.

The team features four players from Pitman and two from Turlock High. Representing the Pride are Ella Sniezek (right-side), Madison Eissayou (middle blocker), Avery Ahlem (outside hitter/defensive specialists), and Payton Rowell (setter/defensive specialist). Representing the Bulldogs are twins Nikkie (setter) and Lillie (libero) Miranda.

Kayla Battle, a former Crush player and Pitman High alum, was Amini’s assistant coach.

“This is the first time we’ve actually committed to go to nationals,” said Crush club director Kristen Pontes-Christian. “We’ve had some bids throughout the years, but this year we committed to going.” It’s always been more of a money issue.”

To help defray expenses, the Crush has set up a Go Fund Me account and hope to raise $25,000. Visit gofundme.com and search “Turlock Crush 17s Goes to Nationals!” to contribute.