The Camp Verde all-stars softball team [ages 9-10] is on top of the world right now after winning the Little League District 10 softball championship June 29.
The team defeated the Prescott Valley all-stars two games in a row, thus clinching the title.
The players’ improbable championship run comes after losing to Prescott Valley in the first round of the tournament back on June 25.
The girls went on a tear after that, winning four games in a row to claim their right to compete in Glendale on Thursday, July 19, in the state tournament.
“I’m so proud of our girls. They did everything we asked them to do, and it was a total team effort,” Manager Toni Harris said.
In the first championship game June 28, it was a do-or-die situation for Camp Verde as Prescott Valley was 2-0, therefore needing to be beaten twice.
Starting pitcher Madison Garcia took the circle for Camp Verde, and she was stellar, baffling Prescott Valley hitters all night long.
Garcia allowed only four runs, walking three batters and striking out four in six innings of work.
Garcia allowed all four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and put up zeros in every other inning.
“Madison [Garcia] was awesome, and there were a lot of great fielding plays behind her as well,” Harris said.
Camp Verde was only up 7-4 after four innings of play, but the team put up a six-spot in the top of the sixth inning to go up 13-4, which was the final.
The biggest hit of the game may have come off the bat of Danya Weir, who hit a grand slam to give her team the lead.
“It seemed that everyone was seeing the ball well, and everyone hit and scored,” Harris said.
Now that Camp Verde got past the first game in exciting fashion, the team would not shy away from Prescott Valley in game two June 29.
Camp Verde players found themselves down 2-0 in the top of the third inning but responded with four runs to go up 4-2, and they would never trail after that.
Starting pitcher Caitlin Harris was removed after 23 innings of solid pitching, allowing only two runs and striking out four Prescott Valley batters.
Marissa Flores came in to pitch and absolutely shut down the Prescott Valley offense.
Flores pitched three scoreless innings and struck out eight batters.
With the pitching and defense under control, Camp Verde’s offense would add on.
They put up one run in the fourth, three runs in the fifth and three more runs in the sixth to win the game 11-4.
“Everyone did so well, and they came through in the clutch when they needed to,” Harris said.
While the girls continue to enjoy their victory, they will also continue to play, as they will represent District 10 in the ages 9-10 softball division at the state tournament.
The tournament begins Thursday, July 19, in Glendale
