Incoming Freshman Anna Kufta Wins National Title
8/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Softball
FloSoftball Release
IRVINE, Calf. – Incoming freshman Anna Kufta of the Maryland softball program ended her club career on a high note last weekend, helping her team win the 2016 18U Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) National Championship. Kufta along with her Firecrackers Rico teammates took down Cal Cruisers 2-0 on July 29 to capture the 18U Premier title.
“It was a good feeling, but at first I didn't feel like it was my last game; it didn't feel real,” Kufta said when asked about the victory. “To win with a storybook ending like this was a sweet ending to a long journey.”
Kufta played third base for the Firecrackers en route to the club's first-ever 18U PGF championship. With over 70 of the country's best teams in attendance at the weeklong tournament, the Huntington Beach, Calif. native and her teammates shined on the big stage.
“The atmosphere was definitely different, but [our team] prepared all summer for this,” said Kufta. “Every practice we had, we were getting ready to compete at this tournament. By the end of week, it was peaceful. We accepted the outcome, and all believed we would win if we just gave it our all.”
The Firecrackers rattled off five straight wins over three days, before dropping their first game in the semifinals to Birmingham Thunderbolts, 2-1. Kufta and her squad rallied in the elimination game, winning 5-2 to earn a spot in the final.
Kufta will now start a new chapter in her softball career when she joins the Terp squad this fall. She graduated from Huntington Beach High School this past spring after completing a successful prep career on the diamond, and may see time at 1B, 3B or catcher for Maryland.
“I feel like I'm definitely coming in on a high note from how this season ended,” said Kufta. “I feel like I know what playing on a championship team is like and how to help make Maryland a championship team.”
-Terps-
