CASPER, Wyo. — Over the last few years, Lily Fresquez and Rylee Attwood — teammates on the 12U Oil City Stars softball team — have proven themselves against some of the top youth softball talent that Wyoming has to offer. In July, they’ll test their mettle against some of the best youth players from across the entire country.
Recently, the pair were selected to play in the United States Specialty Sports Association’s All-American Games from July 27 to Aug. 1.
The pair say they both started playing softball roughly seven years ago, and since then what started as a hobby for them has turned into a passion.
“I love getting to hit, and celebrating with the team in the dugout,” Lily said with a smile.
“Getting to work together as a team and just having fun together is my favorite part,” Rylee added.
The two have also developed into strong players on the field, where Rylee primarily plays catcher and first base, and Lily mans shortstop and second base. At the plate, the pair both said they try to be patient and avoid over-extending, just looking to put the ball in play and move runners over.
Together, Lily and Rylee have helped the Oil City Stars reach a 21-18 record, with several dominant performances over the course of the season. On June 21, Lily was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with five RBIs as the Stars dominated the Louisville Miners 20-1. A week prior, Rylee had four RBIs and reached base on every trip to the plate, going 2-for-2 while also drawing a walk in a 14-3 win over the Colorado Force.
The two frequently take part in invitationals, and each decided to try out for the USSSA’s national All-Star Games. Lily’s mother Suzy Fresquez said that, funnily, they decided to do so independently of one another and didn’t know the other was also trying out until shortly beforehand.
“It was a big surprise for them when they learned,” she said.
At the tryouts in Colorado, coaches tested the players’ athleticism and fielding acumen. Rylee and Lily said they were pleased with their showing, but weren’t sure if they would be selected because of the vast pool of players they were competing with for spots.
“There were kids there from the entire region: Wyoming, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Washington — states like that,” Rylee’s mother Kawssa Moomaw said.
The selected athletes were announced on a USSSA livestream, and Lily, who was watching the livestream in the car, said that she was so excited when she heard her name that the family had to pull over to celebrate.
The event will see the athletes divided into teams — though they don’t know yet if they’ll be on the same team — to compete in an elimination tournament where everyone is guaranteed to play at least five games.
Lily said she’s most excited to meet new players and make new friends from all across the country, and Rylee added that she’s also looking forward to testing herself against tougher competition than she’s faced before.
“And I’m also excited to visit Florida, because I’ve never been there,” Rylee added with a laugh.
For those who want to follow along with the action from home, the games will be livestreamed on the USSSA’s fastpitch YouTube channel.
To help the local athletes get to the tournament in Melbourne, Florida, the two families have set up fundraisers to help cover the cost of the trip and event. Lily’s GoFundMe can be found here, and Rylee’s can be found here. Suzy Fresquez said some local businesses have already pledged support, including Les Schwab Tire Center, Oil City Printers and AMBI Mail & Marketing and Fischer Auto Body.
“It means a lot to have that community support and know that there will be people here in Casper cheering them on,” Moomaw said.
(Submitted Photo(
(Submitted Photo)
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