The Lady Lightning, a 10-and-under squad based in Iola, is making some waves in the national softball circuit.
The squad, coached by Kristi and Danny Rodriguez, has compiled a 23-6 record in a series of tournaments across the state, while winning three.
Their prowess has earned the squad a berth in a upcoming national tournament July 5-10 in Branson, Mo. As of Monday, the field consists of 86 teams from across the country. The Lady Lightning, the second-ranked USSA 10-and-under team in Kansas, is thus far the only representative from the Sunflower State to qualify for the national tournament.
The Rodriguezes have coached many of the girls since they first laced up their cleats for T-ball.
Another Kansas-Missouri tournament is scheduled for later this month before the squad starts focusing on nationals, which will conclude the 2022 season.
But the players won’t rest for long.
Tryouts for the 2023 season are set for Aug. 1, when the Lady Lightning moves up a rung to the 12-and-under series.
