On the weekend of April 13 through April 15, a local softball team competed in a PGF, Premier Girls Fastpitch, Northern California Qualifier. PGF is the highest level of competition in competitive youth travel softball in the country. The top four teams out of the field of 40 teams would qualify for a chance to compete for the PGF National Championship in Huntington Beach, CA July 20 through 27. Only the top 64 teams in the country qualify. Qualifiers are held throughout the country in the spring and summer.

The Nor Cal Firecrackers - Macias battled in two championship games and ended up runner up at the qualifier and earned a berth to PGF Nationals. This is the highest honor to be able to compete in the coveted PGF National Championship.

The team works year round with private instructors, has team practices two to three days, as well as taking part in strength and conditioning work. The team is comprised of girls from Riverbank, Modesto, Ceres, Ripon, Tracy and San Rafael. Team members are also held to a high academic standard and many volunteer their time with local charities.

The team is currently fundraising and looking for sponsors to make the trip to the Nationals event.