Front row, left to right: Hailie Wright, Shaine Madden, assistant coach Mike Strong, Macy Strong, Tiler Voigt, Taylor Allen, Jordyn Young, Baylee Combs, Madi McKrola, Brianna Zweygardt, Marissa Smith and manager Zach Williams. Back row: assistant coaches Tammy Clark and Lance Zweygardt.

The Grant County Wildfire 16U team finished in the top half at the Friday through Saturday, July 7-8, 16B ASA State Championship in Medford.

The team was led by manager Zach Williams and assistants Mike Strong, Tammy Clark and Lance Zweygardt.

Grant County started off the tournament in a nail-biter situation, losing 9-8 to the Canby Rebels.

“We dug a six-run hole in the first inning, then came back 8-9, but the time limit ran out,” Williams said. “It was close.”

After a loss to Eagle Point Eagles Saturday, the team turned things around with a 2-0 win over the Oregon Fillies of Eugene.

The Wildfire also beat the Grants Pass Fast Pitch team, then lost to HV Ice of Happy Valley.

Williams said it wasn’t their best tournament, but the team made gains this season, which started in March.

Grant County played 27 games at tournaments in Boise, Fruitland, Caldwell, Vancouver and Medford with Shaine Madden, Macy Strong and Brianna Zweygardt pitching.

Williams said his team was much improved over the summer.

“They had a lot of good at bats against a lot of good pitching,” he said. “They’re a hard-working group of girls. They practice two hours each night.”

He said the experience gained from over two dozen games is valuable.

“Nothing replaces at bats and game experience and competing,” he said. “They learn from it.”