The Newtown Hawks 14-and-under travel softball team has had quite a bit of success over the last five years – enough, perhaps, for two teams – but they will be looking for more next week at the 2006 Babe Ruth U14 National Invitational Tournament in Varina, Virginia.

The Hawks qualified for the tournament by virtue of their 11-9 win over Norwalk in the Connecticut Babe Ruth state tournament in Norwalk. It was the team’s fourth state title – the first two coming in 2001 and 2002 as U10s and the third coming in 2004 as U12s.

As many as 15 teams will be competing in Varina starting Tuesday, August 15, with state and regional champions from the New England, Middle Atlantic, Ohio Valley, Southeast, Midwest Plains, Southwest, Pacific Northwest and Pacific Southwest regions.

For the Hawks, the trip might not be possible without the generosity of local softball fans.

“The community is really being supportive,” said coach Bowen. “The girls were outside Dunkin’ Donuts and collected $2,700 just by people giving them whatever they could. It’s been real heartwarming.”

The tournament feature a pool-play format with a double-elimination championship bracket, so each team is guaranteed a minimum of four games. Opening ceremonies will be at 9 am at Dorey Park in Varina on August 15 and games will begin at 10 am.

The elimination bracket will open on Thursday, August 17 with the championship game to be played on Friday, August 18.

The Hawks will be taking a cast of 12 – not counting coaches Nancy Bowen, Tom Bowen and Kevin Kuligowski – and all 12 are battle tested and prepared to represent Newtown Babe Ruth in a national tournament for the first time.

Alphabetically speaking:

Christine Beck – Third baseman … outstanding defensively … had key double in state tournament against Norwalk.

Kate Bowen – Fire balling pitcher … won state championship game against Norwalk and big game over rival Stamford in New England Regionals … one of the top hitters on the team, a versatile lefty hitter who is a real tough out.

Alex Caracciolo – Outfielder … first time travel player with a great attitude and lots of hustle … a real pleasure to have on the team.

Caitlin Cosgrove – Outfielder … most dangerous hitter in the line up … has seven doubles on the year, the most memorable being an RBI rocket off the centerfield fence in a 3-2 win over Stamford in the New England Regionals … solid defensive outfielder.

Nicole Elias – First baseman … outstanding defender who solidifies the infield … had huge hit in state championship win over Norwalk.

Marley Koschel – Centerfielder/first baseman … Outstanding defensive outfielder, made a spectacular catch and double play throw in the New England Regional win over Stamford … strong hitter with excellent speed.

Emily Krewson – Outfielder … hard-working utility player who has come up big for the team throughout the season … had a key hit in New England Regional win over Stamford.

Ashley Kuligowski – Catcher/second baseman … intelligent and tireless worker behind the plate, a real team leader … executed timely hits in state tournament win over Norwalk … led Hawks in New England Regionals with .461 batting average.

Kaitlin Marsden – Outfielder/second baseman … Athletic player who has made huge contributions from the outfield and infield … had a big catch in left field in state tournament … had a key two-run single in New England Regional win over Revere, Massachusetts.

Ally Modzelewski – Pitcher/second baseman … Winning pitcher in 1-0 shutout of AVS, New Hampshire in New England Regionals … outstanding leadoff hitter with exceptional speed … a defensive stalwart at second base.

Laura Newberry – Shortstop … outstanding on defense with great range and a true love for the game … strong hitter who comes up clutch in tournaments … collected two hits in New England Regional win over Revere, Massachusetts.

Rachel Ruiz – Catcher/outfielder … possesses one of the strongest arms and hottest bats on the team … ripped the winning RBI single versus AVS, New Hampshire in New England Regionals … strong defensive catcher who can play and contribute anywhere on the field.

The closing ceremonies of the tournament will follow the championship game on Friday, August 18, and maybe – just maybe – the Hawks will be the team carrying the tournament trophy around the field.