They call themselves "PQ Lightning". They are the girls who play All-Star Softball in Rancho Penasquitos. The PQ Lightning teams of 2002 are continuing the proud tradition of PQ Girls Softball.

This year's All-Star season began brightly for PQ at the Chula Vista Memorial Day Tournament. PQ Lightning teams took first place in three different age divisions. At the District Tournament in late June, the same three teams made it to the Championship game. The 10s and 12s finished first, while the 8s finished second.

Following the final championship game for the 8U Lightning team, manager Scott Gellerman said, "I'm just so proud of the way the girls hung in there with three tough back-to-back games. The kids played their hearts out.

The 10U Lightning team has compiled a 21-2 overall record this season. "Led by outstanding pitching, solid defense and timely hitting, the team has finished first in four out of five tournaments," said Manager Duane Tillet and Coach Bill Doremus who took pride in the fact that 10U Lightning is not only winning, but having lots of fun as well.

Managed by John Ziegler, the 12U Lightning team has similar high hopes. And why shouldn't they? Two years ago, Ziegler coached many of these same girls to a National Title when they were 10s. The team has compiled an overall record of 22-3 record, en route to three first place and two second place finishes.

With first place finishes in Districts, both the 10s and 12s earned berths in the State Finals later in July. Good showings will mean that each gets an opportunity to play for a National Title.

The girls are doing their part to put Rancho Penasquitos on the map, as the PQ softball tradition continues.

The 10U PQ Lightning team recently won first place in North San Diego County District Tournament.