Orcutt National Little League has been well represented this summer in the world of Little League All-Stars.
Orcutt National’s 12-Under, 11U and 10U baseball teams have captured both District 65 and Section 1 titles and are now competing in the state tournaments for Southerrn California in their respective age groups.
The 12U team took down Northside LL by the score of 10-2 in the District 65 championship game. In the Section 1 deciding game, they beat Thousand Oaks in dominating fashion again, 8-1.
“Our success as a team has been thanks to every player knowing that they all have a role on this team, whether it’s just one at bat or one inning in the field,” head coach Matt Majewski told Noozhawk.
“We have put the time and effort in practicing hard through the summer but also having fun while doing it. At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids and what they have done, and they have earned being here with their hard work.”
The team is playing in the double-elimintion tournament in Fountain Valley. Orcutt National lost its opener to Section 2 champion Sherman Oaks.
The 11U squad came out on top in a close 4-3 District 65 championship game against Arroyo Grande Valley Little League. The younger team took down Thousand Oaks in the Section 1 championship game, 8-2.
“We started out as 12 individuals, and the boys have meshed into a team, where all 12 players have important roles,” head coach Chris Bormes said. “The boys have had success because of their hustle, desire, energy and mental strength.
“We have been the underdog in each tournament, and making it to the state tournament has exceeded my grandest expectations. I’m proud of each player’s growth this summer and how they have represented the Orcutt community.”
The Orcutt 11U squad opened the state tournament in Aliso Niguel in southern Orange County with an 8-1 win over Northridge Little League.
In the District 65 10U tournament in Nipomo, Orcutt won the championship game handedly, 21-3. They continued their successful summer with a 9-6 victory that clinched a Section 1 championship against Thousand Oaks. They shut out Temecula, 13-0, in their state tournament opener at Imperial Beach Little League in San Diego County.
“We have been able to grow together over the last few weeks,” head coach Ruben Arabalo said. “Each kid works extremely hard to improve their individual game, but also to be a better teammate every day. All can be depended on to get the job done.
“All our players want to be great and they all love this game and push each other to be better. Their love for their teammates drives their collective success.”
The state tournament marks the end of the all-stars season for the 10U and 11U teams.
If the 12U team were to win this next tournament, they would advance to the West Regional Tournament in San Bernardino, which is the last step before Williamsport, Pa., and the Little League World Series.
— Noozhawk correspondent Diego Sandoval can be reached at sports@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk Sports on Twitter: @NoozhawkSports. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.