Sliders qualify 3 teams

That coach George Lynn is running out of ideas for the appropriate trinket to exchange with his Spokane Sliders’ first opponent in Monday’s U-18 A ASA Softball nationals explains just how all-encompassing is his softball world.

The Sliders are traveling to Owensboro, Ky., where they will open pool play against the same San Diego team that they faced in the first round of pool play during the Colorado Fireworks tournament in late June.

“It’s customary to give presents before your first game, but this will be the second time in a month we’ll be giving them Spokane gifts,” Lynn said.

The Spokane Sliders are making their fifth straight national appearance and sixth in this decade. Sliders U-16 and U-14 teams also have qualified for their respective July 31-Aug. 6 nationals in Seattle and Johnson City, Tenn., a first.

“We’ve never had three before,” said Lynn. “In 2004 we had the U-14 and U-18. Every other year it was just the 18s.”

Sliders players come from area Washington and Idaho schools.

The U-18 team earned its berth with a second-place finish at the national qualifier in Great Falls, Mont., in June. The U-16 received a spot out of Spokane’s Metro area and the U-14 team, which has compiled an impressive 58-11 record, won its spot this past weekend by winning the regional in Idaho.

•The Spokane Villains U-16 fastpitch team has qualified for the Western ASA National Championships.

The tournament will be played July 31-Aug. 6 in McAllen, Texas.

Made up primarily of players from Central Valley and University High, the team finished first twice and third in four summer tournaments.

This past weekend the Villains finished second in the Northwest Regional ASA tournament in Boise.