The York County 10-12 year-old softball All-Stars traveled to Warner Robins, Ga., last week to play in the Little League Softball Southeast Regional Tournament. The All-Stars took on a very talented Tennessee team in the opening round, in a game broadcast on ESPN+.
“The energy level they had the first game – knowing they were on TV – I’ve never seen before coming from kids … ever,” said All-Stars Manager Jamie Price, of his team.
The All-Stars channeled that energy into a quick start, getting on the board first and earning 2 runs at the top of the second inning. The early lead proved to be all the All-Stars needed as they went on to secure a clean 5-2 victory.
Following their first round victory, the All-Stars matched up against North Carolina. The first two innings were competitive, with neither team able to inch ahead.
In the third inning, North Carolina opened the floodgates, pouring in 6 runs. The fourth inning was even worse for the All-Stars with North Carolina scoring 8 more runs to force a mercy rule. The final score was 14-0.
After the loss, the All-Stars were sent to the elimination bracket, where they matched up against Georgia. After a hard fought game the All-Stars fell short 5-3.
Despite the final result, the All-Stars look back at their season, in which they became the first team in their age division for York County, with pride.
“We had a team dinner that night,” Price said. “Everybody was smiling and cheering and very happy with their accomplishments. Once the emotions had settled they were able to realize what they accomplished.”
The winner of the tournament, a team from Florida,, was granted a bid to the Little League World Series in Greenville, N.C., Aug 2-9.
