On February 13 the Shamrocks will fly to Houston, Texas to play in their first tournament of the 2003 season. The Host Team, the 14U Texas Starz proudly present the 4th annual Valentine Classic with an added bonus...this years event is a USFA World Series Qualifier, to be held in Panama City, Florida in late July. This is the premier spring tune-up tournament for the greater Houston area, and will include many of the best U14 teams in Texas and Louisiana. The field complex, Ad Dyess Park, includes eight lighted fields and covered stands, is one of the best softball locations in Texas.

     The event will give the girls a chance to hit the dirt for the first time since winning the Halloween tournament in Sterling, Virginia in November. Winter practices began at their Leesburg facility in January. After shaking a little bit of the rust off, the girls have started to show their form in the cage. The 'Rocks' will offer a good combination of power and speed at the plate this year. The deep ball may be a good offensive weapon, led by Kelly Haller, Sam Ingersoll, Katie Nutaitis, and Dorian Shaw, all of whom can crush the ball. Allie Heon, Reba Tutt, and Carolyn Jones will provide strong bats and great speed, pressuring the opponents' defense. Returning 14s Lauren Mernin and Tiffany Sanders, will provide solid hitting and leadership in the field. The pitching rotation of Brittany Gardner, Kelley Engman, and Cassie McGaha, will be tough to match.