Top 10 Performers From PGF Nationals In The 2029 Class

Week two of the 2025 PGF Nationals did not disappoint. This younger group of athletes showcased their energy, skill, and composure on one of the biggest stages in travel ball, demonstrating that the future of the game is bright.   From explosive hitters to elite pitchers with confidence, and skilled defenders willing to put their bodies on the line every game, these 10 standout 2029 performers made a significant impact for their teams at PGF Nationals.    Lalia Mejia, also known as Cheeze, is a catcher for the Lady Dukes 2028 Premier Burden/Lamar team. Mejia is the second-youngest player on her team, making a significant impact on this highly-competitive squad, already achieving national rankings as a catcher. Mejia entered week two of PGF hitting over .400 with 11 RBIs. Her pop time, arm strength, and power at the plate are all elite for her age, as she showed at PGF. Her ability to control the game from behind the plate with her leadership qualities is what helped her stand out.     Kaylee Mathews is a catcher and third baseman for the Explosion Kim/Saunders 2028 team. Mathews is a high-impact player with standout abilities behind the plate and in the box. With an elite pop time and advanced receiving skills, she is definitely a top catcher in her class. Throughout pool play and bracket play, Mathews threw several runners out with confidence. Offensively, she brings strength and power to the plate, consistently driving runs in as a middle-of-the-order threat. Keep an eye on Mathews as she continues to develop and enters her freshman year at Fullerton High School.     Carlie DeMello, a dynamic shortstop, showcases game-changing speed and power as a key player for the 14U Suncats Jimenez/Lopez team. She brings explosive energy to every game and play, which is something that was noticed throughout week two of PGF. DeMello excels at every position on the field, demonstrating her athleticism. Primarily found in the infield, she covers ground effectively and utilizes her strong arm with a quick release. Preparing to begin her freshman year at Del Oro High School, Carlie DeMello is already garnering attention as a potential Division I standout.     Piper Nulick is an outstanding third baseman in her class, recognized for her powerful left-handed swing. She is a proud member of the Sorcerers 14U Gold team who placed in the Top 16 of the PGF 14U Premier bracket. Nulick hits for average and power, but also has the speed to keep the corners honest. Hitting .429 with just one strikeout and 10 steals over her 90+ plate appearances throughout the summer, she has excelled on the field. Defensively, she has a great first step, huge range in all directions, and a strong arm to get outs across the diamond. Piper Nulick excels on both sides of the plate and will continue to showcase her exceptional skills.     Ava Kessler is a middle infielder from the Unity Johnson team and a strong, dependable fielder with a powerful bat. Kessler serves as the emotional backbone of her team and shifts momentum at the plate. Throughout the week at PGF, Kessler was on fire at the plate right from the start of the week, batting .556 with two home runs and six RBIs, although I'm sure she continued to add to those stats later in the week. When locked in, she becomes an elite-level hitter capable of driving the ball with consistency. Kessler may be found in the middle infield or at third base, showcasing her athleticism and versatility. Ava Kessler is ready to continue to showcase her skills at both the plate and in the field.     Emma Conerly is an elite shortstop known for her instincts and athleticism, and she is a proud member of the D1VISION 14U National team. At 5'2", she plays impressively, demonstrating a smooth glove, strong arm, and versatile skills. Her presence on the field is undeniable, which is something that strongly stood out throughout the week. Conerly's competitiveness shines through every time she steps on the field. Emma Conerly played a crucial role in leading her team to a top-five finish at PGF Nationals, consistently demonstrating that she has all the tools needed to become a future Division I-caliber shortstop.     Ella Carreon excelled during the second week of PGF Nationals, batting .528 with a .667 on-base percentage as her team's leadoff batter. As a true table-setter, she's a left-handed hitter capable of driving the ball and mixing in slaps to keep the defenses off balance. Carreon is a skilled shortstop who is recognized for her smooth fielding, strong arm, and vocal leadership, along with her exceptional footwork. Her combination of speed, power, and energy makes her an exciting young player to watch grow in her softball journey.     Kiyomi Dunlap is a right-handed pitcher who has excelled this summer. At the start of the week, she led her team with seven hits and had an impressive .636 batting average, along with an ERA of 1.23 in the circle. Dunlap is known for her strong discipline, work ethic, and commitment to teamwork. When she is on the field, she exudes confidence. She possesses a high softball IQ and has the ability to quickly move past mistakes. Dunlap consistently seeks opportunities for improvement and dedicates extra effort. Kiyomi Dunlap's drive, leadership, and versatility make her an essential player for the Suncats Jimenez/Plascencia team.     Savanna Sowell plays shortstop for the Atlanta Vipers Gold 2010 - Lynch team and is the kind of athlete every coach dreams of having on her team. She exemplifies grit, a strong work ethic, and consistency in her performance. On the field, Sowell is a commanding presence, renowned for her defensive skills, tenacity at the plate, and unwavering dedication to practice. Although she is a 2029 player, she led her team by example and put in maximum effort throughout the second week of PGF. She battled every pitch, surely becoming the dirtiest player in the infield, as she was always diving or sliding on any opportunity she came across. Savanna Sowell will be an athlete to continue to keep an eye on as she continues playing into the fall.     Amelia Bouska is the second baseman and heart of the NW Bullets 14 Campos/Jackson team. One notable aspect of her game is her vocal leadership, which was particularly evident on the field throughout her time at PGF Nationals. She consistently brings high energy, strong instincts, and reliability during crucial moments of games. Bouska, a left-handed hitter with power and speed, excelled at PGF, boasting a .540 batting average in four games with five singles, a double, and a triple. She is a player who sets the tone and impacts both sides of the game.

Week two of the 2025 PGF Nationals did not disappoint. This younger group of athletes showcased their energy, skill, and composure on one of the biggest stages in travel ball, demonstrating that the future of the game is bright.