The current local sports news continues at a fast pace, but we start today’s report off with one we somehow overlooked from earlier. Local softball legend Stacey Nelson, (LAGSL, and LAHS ’05) who led Florida to the College World Series and was a member of US Women’s national team for a short while, was part of the 2022 Class for the OC Softball Hall of Fame announced on May 27. Nelson, who is now an attorney and also heads up a nonprofit project (not an organization) called Bake For Peace which provides alternative opportunities for child soldiers in Uganda, still holds most career pitching records at the University of Florida and was inducted into that school’s Hall of Fame. She’s also got a pretty cool Wikipedia bio.
ALUMNI: US Water Polo, Fattal, Weber, advance to FINA quarterfinals
The US Women’s Water Polo team, with two local players — Rachel Fattal (Seal Beach, LAHS ’12) and Bayley Weber (Los Alamirtos, LAHS ’18) — defeated Spain 13-8 and advanced to the semifinals of the FINA World Championships. Fattal had four blocks in the win. The USA next plays Italy, 17-7 winners over France, in Thursday semifinal at 10am et/7am pt. Live streaming is available via the FINA Facebook page (pay per view, sorry) by clicking here. Also Happy Birthday to Weber who celebrated her 22nd on June 27.
Landry Jones conducted his first official press conference since being named GM of the Atlanta Hawks. He introduced the Hawks Top 2 draft picks from last week’s NBA draft. The LA Times ran a little blurb on Fields, going back into the archives to an article they wrote in 2003. (Look at very bottom of article: “From the archives…”
AJ Griffin will wear number 14 while Tyrese Martin takes over number 22. pic.twitter.com/UDHPQ1HTlu
— Caleb Johnson (@ATLjohnson18) June 27, 2022
HS FOOTBALL: Cypress meets the challenge at CDM Passing Tourney
Despite playing without their all-county receiver, Cypress High School’s football team had a very good showing at last Friday’s inaugural Battle at the Bay Tournament at Corona del Mar, reaching the finals of the 7-on-7 passing tourney before they lost to host CdM 30-14. Tim Burt of the ocsportszone site has the story.
Cypress meets the challenge against tough competition at CdM tourney
Griffins’ Malachi Nelson impresses at Elite11 QB Showcase
It should be no surprise that Griffin rising senior Malachi Nelson had a good showing at Day 1 of the Elite 11 Finals quarterback showcase. The workout saw the QBs shuttle through five different stations. There was a nice mix of short and intermediate throws along with straight drops and off-platform throws rolling out of the pocket.
Very strong start for @Malachi Nelson, USC pledge, at the @Elite11 Finals. Been among the most consistent and accurate pic.twitter.com/1WouQGK2I8
— John Garcia, Jr. (@JohnGarcia_Jr) June 29, 2022
Long Beach State Womens Soccer Announces ’22 schedule
Long Beach State has released their schedule for the upcoming 2022 season and features 12 home games at George Allen Field. Head Coach Mauricio Ingrassia announced the news on Monday.
The Beach will play a pair of exhibition games against California Baptist and Arizona State before officially opening the year against the University of Pacific. The season-opening kickoff at George Allen Field will be on Thursday, August 18 at 7:00 p.m.
The complete story is at longbeachstate.com.
