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OWENSBORO, KENT.- The Orland Park Sparks 18-under began at 9 a.m. and culminated a seven-game day at 2:40 a.m. in posting a 6-1 record in the Kentucky National Qualifier to earn a bid to the Class A ASA National Tournament on July 27-August 3 in Moline. Brianna Nordstrom singled home Emma Jarrell with the deciding tally in a 2-1 decision over the Beverly Bandits in the "if necessary" championship contest.
   Sparks 6, Louisville Sluggers 5- Megan Bolanowski knocked in three runs and Jarrell was 2-for-2 with a double and two runs to pace the Sparks in their pool-play opener. Winning pitcher Kaitlyn Bolanowski was also supported by Nordstrom (2-for-3, RBI) and Kara Walsh (1-for-2, stolen base).
   Sparks 1, Indiana Magic 0- Stephanie Becker tossed a four-hitter to give the Sparks the pool title, while Megan Bolanowski (double) and Nordstrom (RBI single) accounted for the lone score of the contest. Caitlin Niemczyk added a double
   Sparks 4, Beverly Bandits 2- Alexandra Seplak cracked a sacrifice fly to score Cassie Walisiak with the lead run, while Katie Healy and Kara Walsh each ripped two hits and Julia Katsaros knocked in a pair of runs.
   Sparks 5, Indiana Magic 3- Healy, Katsaros and Nordstrom (double) each notched a pair of hits, while Seplak singled home Kara Walsh with the deciding run. The winners also got RBI from Jarrell, Megan Bolanowski, Niemczyk and Katsaros.
   Sparks 7, Louisville Sluggers 0- Becker tossed a three-hit gem with seven strikeouts in the winner's bracket final, while Megan Bolanowski tripled and knocked in three runs to spark the offense. Katsaros added two hits and a steal, while Healy and Walisiak (steal) each scored twice.
   Beverly Bandits 9, Sparks 4- Thirteen stranded baserunners proved fatal for the Sparks, who got doubles from Amanda Bilina and Megan Bolanowski (2-for-3).
   Sparks 2, Beverly Bandits 1- With Becker whiffing eight in a six-hit effort, the Sparks finally broke a 1-1 stalemate in the seventh, as Jarrell walked, moved up on a Megan Bolanowski sacrifice and raced home on the clutch single by Nordstrom (4-for-4, double). Katsaros scored the other Sparks' run, Bilina also belted a double and Jarrell finished 2-for-4.
    Despite having the nationals bid in hand, the Sparks will travel to Indianapolis for another ASA Qualifier this weekend.