Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

AHOSKIE – Girls softball is on the rise in Ahoskie.

On the heels of the town’s 10U All Stars winning the Tar Heel League state title a year ago, the 8U squad will attempt to duplicate that feat.

This past weekend in Windsor, the Ahoskie 8U All Stars posted a perfect 3-0 record and captured the Tar Heel League District 7 championship. That accomplishment, a first for the Ahoskie Parks and Recreation Department’s youth softball program in that particular age group, earned the team a berth in the Tar Heel League state tournament, slated to begin July 17 in North Wilkesboro.

At the District 7 tourney, Ahoskie defeated Cashie, 15-4, in their opening game and then completed the sweep by knocking off Roanoke Valley, 16-10, in the winner’s bracket finals and beat them again, 14-8, for the title.

The Ahoskie 8U All Stars were selected on June 11 at the close of Ahoskie’s regular season, which consisted of teams sponsored by Cullipher’s Painting, Cat Dreams, Duck Thru, and Southern Bank. Twelve of those players were chosen as All Stars: Reagan Brown, Emma Flythe, Cassidy Parker, Kennedy Farmer, Harper Howard, Charlie Rascoe, Trinity Powell, Emma Chamblee, Layton Carr, Morgan Farmer, Anna McGee, and Adalyn Britt.

Their first practice together was June 14 and six more practices followed leading up to the District 7 tournament.

“This journey has been nothing short of amazing,” stressed Ahoskie 8U All Stars head coach LeAnn Howard. “In just a short period of time, these young athletes came together, trusted the process, and grew into a team that plays with heart, grit, and determination.”

Howard added that the girls were challenged — mentally, physically, and emotionally — and they rose to the occasion every single time.

“Game after game, they showed what it means to fight as a team, support each other, and leave it all on the field,” Howard said. “They battled in the summer heat for practices and games. But what was hotter than the heat was these girls blistering bats and a defense to back it up at the District tournament.”

Howard was quick to thank the other coaches – Jordan Parker, Brian Parker, and Justin Farmer – who worked with the All Stars to make their successful run to the District title.

As he watched the 8U team compete at the District tournament, Doug White, Ahoskie’s Parks and Recreation Director, said it was very apparent to him, as well as to others, that the Ahoskie squad was the team to beat.

“They made Ahoskie proud, not only with their outstanding athletic effort, but with their sportsmanship,” White said. “They all represented our town and our recreation program in a very positive way. It was great to witness the excitement they have for the game of softball. It makes me feel that we have our recreation program on the right track. I need to thank members of our town council for that. They have a vested interest in our youth due to their support of our entire parks and recreation program.”

As for the state tournament, Howard stressed that if her team uses the same grit and determination they relied upon at the District level, she feels good about their chances.

“We’re proud to represent Ahoskie at the Tar Heel State Tournament July 17–20. We know we’ll meet some stiff competition there and we promise to give it everything we’ve got. Please support these young girls,” Howard stated.