The Tri-County Smash under-12 competitive softball team kept its perfect record intact while qualifying for the ASA/USA "A" National Championships this past week.

The Smash advanced by virtue of their first-place finish at the Greater San Joaquin metro tournament.

"We've been very successful," head coach Mike Baisdon said. "We still have a lot to prove as a group."

Tri-County won both of its games in Stockton and improved to 32-0 on the year.

Seeded first, the Smash received a first-round bye.

Tri-County knocked off the California Grapettes twice.

The Smash won the first game, 8-5.

Tri-County scored six runs in the fourth inning on its way to battling back from a 5-0 deficit.

"We got hit in the stomach right out of the gate," Baisdon said. "It was amazing to see the girls respond. They never hung their heads."

The Smash shut out the Grapettes 12-0 in four innings for the title.

California needed to beat Tri-County twice to win the championship.

"They have a good squad," Baisdon said.

Tri-County has placed first five times this season.

"It's been an amazing ride," Baisdon said. "We are so proud of them."

The ASA/USA National Championships will be held in Alabama the first week of August.

"We'll run into teams like ours and better," Baisdon said.

The Smash will play against under-14 teams leading up to the prestigious tournament.

Tri-County also plans to hold multiple fundraisers. To donate, contact Mike at 209-602-2299.

"We got a lot of work ahead of us," Baisdon said.