Belleville Little League Softball Team Captures District Title

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville’s first-ever Little League Softball team emerged victorious in the District 8 championship last week, capping off a stupendous, 16-1 regular season.

On June 27, the Belleville Little League 12U Softball team won the Little League District 8 Championship in a tight, 7-5 game against the North Ward Center. The tournament featured teams from Caldwell, the North Ward Center and Belleville in a double-elimination showdown to determine the district champion.

In the end, Belleville was the team left standing, having gone 3-0 against other district teams.

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Team manager Juan Mendez and coaches Thomas Vitale and Richard Martinez shared the following details about the June 27 game:

“10-year-old Olivia Mendez pitched six solid innings, giving up 3 hits and 3 walks while striking out 8 batters en route to the Belleville victory. Catcher Emma Politz went 2 for 4 with a single, double and 3 RBIs. Anniyah Thompson reached first base on all three at-bats, with an RBI single and two HBP. Excellent defensive plays by third baseman Brianna Loaiza, shortstop Gisele Curvin and center fielder Caila Vitale helped stave off an offensive attack.”

The Belleville Little League Softball 12U All Stars roster includes: Olivia Mendez, Emma Politz, Brianna Loayza, Gisele Curvin, Nina Gemino, Eva Martinez, Caila Vitale, Anniyah Thompson, Viviana Perlata, Cassandra Cross, Alicia Pena and Victoria Feliciano.

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