Womens corner

Chili Pepper Classic in "Hot" New Location

May 1, 2004 – Pat Lawlis

The Chili Pepper Classic used to be played in El Paso, but this year the tournament, played May 22-23, 2004, showed up in Las Cruces, NM. This is a hot new location for this tournament, with much improved facilities. The MAAG Softball Complex in Las Cruces sports not only covered dugouts, but also covered stands, making it a pleasant location for players and fans alike. These facilities, coupled with lots of sunshine and 80 degree temperatures, hosted a very enjoyable tournament.

The women's 55/65+ division contained the 65+ Tucson Rancherettes, along with the 55+ California Express, Silver Gloves, and Silver Saints. In the winners' bracket, Cal Express won an exciting comeback game against the Silver Saints 5-4 to advance into the championship game. After the Silver Saints came back out of the losers' bracket, Cal Express put them away easily 16-5 to take the championship.

The women's 50+ division contained Las Amigas, KGs, Iron Ladies, Silver Gloves, Senior Moments, DSG, and Desert Storm (soon to be known as Oldies But Goodies). First seed KGs squeaked past Las Amigas 5-3, then put aside Desert Storm 16-10 to make it through the winners' bracket to the championship game. Meanwhile, Las Amigas had battled its way through the losers' bracket, edging Senior Moments 7-6, and beating the Silver Gloves 10-6 to win the right to play Desert Storm. But Desert Storm prevailed 15-7 to advance to the championship game. Desert Storm and KGs then battled it out in two exciting one run championship games, with Desert Storm coming out on top in both of them, 11-10 and 9-8, to take the championship.