Our team is entering our 2nd year of 12's. We normally only practice once a week. We will have some non mandatory practices thrown in. My DD also has hitting lesson and a catching lesson each week.
12U is WAY different than 18U/Gold. At 12's we practiced 3 times a week as a team, and an additional practice every other week. Once games started, it was 2 times per week with all players practicing on there own at least once or twice a week. At 18U, the girls should be responsible to practice on their own during the week.
Very much normal at that age. More homework, after school events and other demands on their time. Pick a weekend time and practice for 3-4hrs. Top Gold placement teams will often practice both Saturday and Sunday.
If your playing when do you practice then? Some play 7-8 weekends in a row in the fall.