July 8, 2026
By Kyle Koso
AURORA — All spring and summer in 2026, the Unity Amsler/Johnson 16u team has been on the outside looking in during the most high-profile games of their tournament schedule.
Entering the 2026 Colorado 4th of July event (produced by Triple Crown Sports), Unity had not won a bracket playoff game all season, something that just didn’t make a lot of sense for the squad based out of Sanford, FL.
You could say logic finally prevailed Sunday at Aurora Sports Park as Unity rolled to a 13-1 victory over Midwest Speed National-Hall to secure the 16u Power Pool championship.
Bailey Garrison had three hits, including a home run, and drove in five runs, and Erin Ruddell drove in four runs as Unity took control early. And there was not much discussion about rattling the team’s starting pitcher, Emma Vreuls, who scattered six singles on the way to the win.
“With a lot of the kids being recruiting age, there’s a lot of pressure, and kids say, ‘I”m worried about what I’m doing.’ Versus, figuring out how to play for each other,” said Unity coach Dave Amsler, whose team was down a few players but still made their remarkable charge to the crown. “I think we got over that. You know, the 15th player on this roster is still one of the best players in the country. The next girl comes up, and they were chomping for their opportunity.”
Unity scored five runs in the first inning, and the rout was on. Gemma DeJoseph added a two-run single in the third, and Ariana Lugo also drove in two runs.
“We were playing as a team, and not selfishly. Everyone worked together, and it’s a better game that way,” Garrison said. “I came back this morning and started good, and just kept that rolling and had confidence in myself.”
Fans will want to keep an eye on Vreuls, who is playing up in terms of age group and will just be entering her sophomore year this fall. Already featuring a physical presence common to great pitchers, she worked with extreme calm on Sunday, highlighted by working around a bases-loaded situation in the second.
“Honestly, I came with a lot of confidence. I was all set, ready and rested for this game,” she said. “I know my teammates support me, and I had the confidence to go out and do my thing. This has been pretty amazing, I’m at a loss for words. It’s been an honor to play with this team, joining them has changed my life.”
“She’s amazing. She’s still so young, as good as she is, and is just going to get better,” Garrison added.
Maddie Mulcahy scored for Midwest Speed (Hugo, MN) on a single by Kendall Cochran.
