8 and under Wilmington softball squad wins state title

FRANKLIN, NC (WWAY) — The 8 and under all-star softball squad from New Hanover County won the state title over the weekend. The team was composed of girls from around New Hanover County. They played Little League softball with the Wilmington Fastpitch Softball organization. After only two weeks of practice as an all star team the girls came together to put on an impressive performance in the district and state championship.

The all star team was composed of (13) 7 and 8-year-old girls from around New Hanover County. The team won the district championship in Garner and won the right to play for the state championship. The state tournament was played in Franklin.

Saturday pool play:
Beat Rowan County 14-0
Beat East Surry 14-3
***Wilmington gets number one seed for tournament based on pool games

Sunday:
Beat Rutherford 13-8

State Championship game:
Beat Franklin 14-3

• Interesting stats:
  -Scored 55 runs in 101 at bats
  -Outscored opponents 55 to 14 in the 5 games
  -Wilmington had a rare triple play in the second inning of the championship game to end a scoring opportunity for Franklin
  -The team had several home runs throughout the tournament

Coaches: Scott Mueller, Kelly Curry, Amber Blank, Chad O’Shields and Ron Rigdon

Roster: Payton Francis, Sawyer Rigdon, Katherine Kayler, Logan Fennel, Linde Cline, Bailey Mueller, Lauren Hall, Jayden Peterson, Chole Barnhill, Mia Akin, MaKenzi Curry, Ragan Martin, Layla Carr and Emily O’Shields