New Menifee softball team, Lights Out, makes national tournament

By HOPE PIERSON
The Press-Enterprise

The 12-and-under girls fast pitch softball team Lights Out has only been together for six months, but it already earned the right to compete in the Triple Crown Sports nationals in July in Park City, Utah.

Lights Out qualified to play in the nationals by placing third in a recent tournament at the Oaks baseball fields on the Soboba reservation.

The team was started by Menifee resident Larry Chilson, head coach and manager, with assistance from Shirley Ruiz, also of Menifee.

Coaches and team members of the 12-and-under Lights Out include, Shawn Johnston, Eben Longfellow, Larry Chilson, Shirley Ruiz, Molly Paschall, Caila Lopez, Lexi Blevins, Emily Burnett, Karynne Johnston, Cami Burnett, Sheryl Burnett, Jazmin Albizures, Nichole Chilson, Susie Ruiz, Myranda Libunao, Jena Chilson.

"It was Larry's idea but I helped by approaching the parents," Ruiz said.

"We wanted to take our kids to the next level; we thought they were ready," Chilson said. "The girls on the team are from Menifee and played in the local league so everybody knows everybody."

Ruiz helped by doing research on insurance, playing locations and tournaments. Ruiz has a daughter, Susie, 10, on the team.

Chilson also has a daughter Nichole, 11, and niece Jena, 11, on the team.

"It's a ton of work but travel teams normally burn out and I wanted to be in charge to control that," Chilson said.

The team has five coaches, "more than most teams," Chilson said.

Players did not have to try/ out for the team because they were all known from the league they previously belonged to.

The team plays in what coach Chilson called a "friendly," a game played for about 1½ hours or seven innings. Chilson and Ruiz said the girls play against other teams but it is more of a practice game with the use of umpires.

The next tournament is the USSSA tour Spring Fling on April 26 and 27 on the Soboba reservation.

Volunteers and sponsors are needed for the team.

The cost to join is $140 that covers insurance, jerseys and equipment. Dues are $40 per month.

"We do a lot of fundraising to keep costs down and we try to get sponsors," Chilson said.

Information: 951-805-2324 or eteamz.com\lightsoutsocal.

Reach Hope Pierson at 951-375-3732

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