Gold Standard Triumphs Again, Finnish Coat Closes In on Top Spot!

Lake Linden, Michigan, USA - The competitive spirit is alive and well in Florida’s fastpitch softball scene, particularly as the Women’s Copper Country Fastpitch Softball league heats up. In a thrilling showdown at the Boneyard in Lake Linden, Gold Standard delivered a solid performance against JB’s Sales and Service, securing a 6-2 victory. This win keeps them firmly atop the league standings with a perfect record of 5-0, as Mining Gazette reports.

Gold Standard kicked off the game with an explosive start, taking a 2-0 lead early on thanks to a triple by catcher Taylor Goldsworthy and an inside-the-park home run by pitcher Emily Jokela. However, JB’s Sales and Service fought back, managing to tie the game at 2-2 with runs in the second and third innings. Not to be outdone, Gold Standard struck back in the fifth inning, launching a four-run rally that included key hits from Ashlyn Steves and sisters Taylor and Payton Goldsworthy. Jokela, who shone not only with the bat but also on the mound, racked up an impressive 15 strikeouts, sealing the game in style.

Finnish Coat Makes a Statement

Hot on the heels of Gold Standard is the Finnish Coat team, who demonstrated their prowess with a commanding 16-3 victory over the Old Bats of Michigan Made in another closely watched match. Finnish Coat took control after a tied first inning, showcasing their offensive strength by scoring in nearly every inning. Ryleigh Johnson led the charge with a triple, quickly followed by Ashlee Johnson hitting her first career home run and Clea Ollanketo also joining the home run club in the same explosive fourth inning.

The team’s strong performance did not stop at the plate. Pitcher Ellie Hainault, who not only excelled on the mound but also contributed to the scoring, was particularly instrumental in their victory. Brynn Arko, player-coach of Finnish Coat, expressed pride in the team’s ability to maintain a clean gameplay without any errors, emphasizing their commitment to excellence.

Opportunities and Events Ahead

The excitement in women’s fastpitch softball isn’t just about the current league games. There’s much more brewing within the Women’s Fastpitch Softball Association (WFSA), which offers various opportunities for women of all ages and skill levels. According to their official site, registration is now open for the 2025 WFSA World Series in California, scheduled for November 1-3 for all 18+ divisions and November 1-2 for 18 & under divisions. This is a fantastic chance for teams to showcase their talent on a larger stage.

Moreover, the WFSA is also gearing up for the inaugural Stumptown Showdown Fastpitch Tournament, which will take place in Portland, Oregon, on August 16-17, 2025. This event boasts a four-game guarantee and even an optional home run derby, alongside enticing raffle opportunities. Participants can enjoy a group rate at the Portlander Inn during this event, making it an appealing option for teams and players alike.

As teams like Gold Standard and Finnish Coat continue to make headlines, one can’t help but be excited about the future of women’s fastpitch softball in Florida and beyond. Whether it’s local league play or national tournaments, there’s something to be said for the camaraderie, competition, and community that these athletes are building on and off the field.