During the Fourth of July weekend, both Grand Terrace Little League Major and Minor All-Star Softball teams won their first games in sectionals after winning the district championship.
On Monday July 5, the Grand Terrace Little League Minor All-Star team took to the field at Bill Martin Park in Fontana to go head-to-head with District 49. The girls’ softball team came away with the game one victory with a 15-5 win.
The following day on July 7, the All-Star Minor team stole the show and became the 8-10-Year-Old California Section 8 champions with a 7-4 game win! The minor team’s sectional championship victory meant that they achieved the placement into the State Championships.
“Like I tell them every day,” All-Star Minor team coach Candice Ulibarri said coming off of the Sectional Championship win, “I’m really proud of each and every one of them and all the hard work they continue to put in because I know it’s not easy but I’m really proud of all of them.
Coach Candice notably mentioned that it is a lot of the player’s first time even playing softball, so the fact that this group of girls has made it all the way to the state championships is truly remarkable.
“It’s been exciting for the girls, some of the girls never played,” coach Ulibarri said. “It’s a really good and positive experience and that’s all I really want to do. Win or lose, I just really want these girls to understand the game of softball and have fun so that they can continue playing.”
Heading into the state finals championship tournament, the All-Star Minors Grand Terrace team would drive out to Carl E Nielsen Youth Park in Los Angeles to take on their next opponents. The All-Star Minors team would take a whopping 17-0 game two victory on Sunday July 11, but unfortunately, after a well fought battle throughout the entire tournament, the team's journey came to an end on Monday after a 13-4 loss.
The Grand Terrace Little League Major All-Star team also fought and as they headed into their Sectionals competition. On Saturday July 3, the Grand Terrace Little League Major All-Star team battled against District 43 Post 777/Arrowhead team at Robert Sessions Park in Barstow, CA. The resilient team had a commanding win of 26-12, placing them into game two to square-off against District 49 Apple Valley team.
The following Tuesday on July 6, the major All-Star team had a well-fought battle against District 49 Apple Valley team, but did come away with a 15-9 loss.
“Our GTLL All Star Majors played hard and gave it their best,” Julia Cook Firnkoess, Grand Terrace Troop 76 leader said.
“You girls went a long way and made them work for it. Every single one of the girls are GT superstars,” Cook Firnkoess said.
The parents, coaches, and community of Grand Terrace could not be more proud of the hard work and perseverance that both the major and minor teams performed during their All-Star journey.
Congratulations to both Grand Terrace Little League major and minor All-Star teams for all of their success!
For more local news and information click here.