Sports
Caldwell Girls’ World Series Run Ends, 'Something Special' Begins
Coach: "This was Caldwell Little League's first time in the tournament. And they never backed down."
CALDWELL, NJ — When the dust had settled, one thing was clear. The girls of the Caldwell Little League All-Stars don’t back down from a challenge.
On Tuesday night, the Caldwell Little League's first-ever run in the Little League Softball World Series tournament came to an end when they were eliminated with a second loss at Harrison Avenue Field in Roseland. The young athletes made their historic tournament debut on June 23 at Branch Brook Park in Newark.
The team includes 10 girls, ages 10-12, who took part in the inaugural season of CLL softball over the last two months.
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- See related article: Caldwell Girls In Little League Softball World Series Tournament
“I really wish we could've gotten the girls a win,” coach Ralph Vacchiano said. “They worked so hard for it and they believed it would happen right until the very end. But I told them that no matter what the final scores were, I'm so proud of what they accomplished. This was Caldwell Little League's first time in the tournament, and their first time playing at this level of competition. And they never backed down. They showed so much heart.”
Vacchiano told Patch that his players’ progress was “remarkable” from day one.
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“They were making plays and doing things in these games they couldn't have even imagined at the start of the season,” Vacchiano said. “And the best part is almost all of them are back next year. They've started something special here. And I told them that when I come back to watch them in next year's tournament, I have no doubt they'll be ready to win.”
According to the Caldwell Little League, the All-Star squad – which was chosen from the two "Majors" division teams – includes Mary Grace Cosgrove, Julia Enright, Angelina Graziano, Nicky Higgins, Lily Pham, Olivia Plath, Alexis Podias, Lucia Rama, Alex Vacchiano, and Chloe Ventola.
In addition to Vacchiano, the team is also coached by Gerard Graziano and Mike Mona.
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