RECREATIONAL DIVISIONS

MVLAGS is a rec-first softball league offering youth girls softball at the 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, and as often as possible, the 14U levels. What does "rec softball" mean? It means a safe and friendly environment to learn and play the game of softball where everyone plays! Playing time is shared as equally as possible amongst all members of the team.

6U - In 6U, basic game concepts and skills are taught with the primary focus on fun, which includes:

non-scoring games
continuous batting
every girl bats every inning
coach pitch or players hit from tee
no strike-outs
teams are school based

8U - The 8U division introduces pitching with specific skill development with the emphasis still on fun, which includes:

games are scored with a limit on runs in the first 3 innings
continuous batting
coach pitch and player pitch (limited to keep the pace of play moving)
teams are school based

10U - The 10U division introduces additional strategies and skills specific to hitting, base running and defense, which includes:

regular scoring with a mercy rule after 4 innings
player pitch with some exceptions
players can steal 1st, 2nd, 3rd and home
drop third rule in effect
win/lose records are recorded
season-ending playoff tournament
teams are formed to balance skills (evaluations are conducted) across teams and are not school-based
buddies will be considered at registration only

12U - The 12U division emphasizes age-appropriate advanced strategies and skills, which includes:

regular scoring with a mercy rule after 4 innings
players can steal all bases, including home
player pitch only with each pitcher allowed a maximum of 6 innings per week
a few games are played against teams from other leagues
win/loss records are recorded
season-ending playoff tournament
teams are formed to balance skills (evaluations are conducted) across teams and are not school-based
buddies will be considered at registration only

14U - The 14U division emphasizes the age-appropriate advanced strategies and skills similar to high school level play, which includes:

regular scoring with a mercy rule after 4 innings
player pitch only with each pitcher allowed a maximum of 7 innings per week
almost all 14U games are played against teams from other leagues
win/loss records are kept, but there is no placement within the league based on these standings
teams are formed to balance skills across teams and are not school-based

COMPETITIVE TRAVEL SOFTBALL - MVLAGS NOVA

Nova is our travel softball program for girls in 8U and above who want to play at a more competitive level. It’s a great program for girls that have enjoyed playing recreation softball, want to play more, and want to learn more advanced skills. The program is competitive, but it is also a unique experience and a great way to develop players that want to continue to play softball through higher levels. With travel programs, the girls have a real opportunity to bond as a team and support each other on and off the field.

Nova develops individual and team skills necessary to play at a more competitive level. Players are selected based on tryouts. Not all girls who try out will be selected but all are encouraged to continue to develop their skills. Playing time is based on capability, demonstrated effort on the practice field and commitment to personal skills improvement. This typically means that some girls will play more than others, some girls may not play in every game and all will participate in practices and clinics.

We offer summer and often fall seasons, consisting primarily of USA B/C level tournament play. In most years, our Nova teams are C-level teams as defined by USA Softball at the 12U and 10U levels, and Rec at the 8U level.

Travel ball, as the name implies, means playing tournaments at multiple locations, usually a Saturday and Sunday venue. Typically teams attempt to play within the local vicinity that includes the local bay area, Salinas and the central valley. Overnight weekend trips with players, parents and coaches will typically occur only once per summer, usually at the summer season's final tournament: Incline Village USA Softball Tournament in Tahoe in mid/late July.

For the 8U division, the time commitment is 2 practices during the weekday evenings and either a weekend practice or a tournament. There are typically 3 tournaments during the summer season, which usually have 4+ games per tournament and run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The season will typically run from late May to early July.

For 10U-12U divisions, there are 3 practices during the weekday evenings and either a weekend practice or a tournament. There are typically 5 tournaments during the summer season, which usually have 4+ games per tournament and run Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The season will run from late May to mid/late July.

Nova attendance expectations are such that your player will attend at least 75% of all season events, including both practices and games.

LOCAL AFFILIATE A-BALL TRAVEL TEAM: SILICON VALLEY FUSION

This A-ball travel program gives the most experienced and skilled players the opportunity to play year-round at a high level and against tougher competition. Level of play offered is 14A, 16A and 18A. More details can be found here.