BRISTOL, Conn. — The Mount Abraham 11-and-12-year-old Little League softball all-star team that won the Vermont champions in early July posted a 1-3 record at the Eastern Regional Tournament, which was played in Bristol, July 20-24. It was the first time in memory that a Vermont Little League team had scored a victory in a regional tournament.
“The girls had an experience of a lifetime,” said Lisa Hoff, mother of a team member. “It was amazing to be one of 11 teams representing over 600 Little Leagues in 11 states in the Eastern Region.”
Hoff said the competition was stiff but the girls — from Bristol, Vt., and surrounding towns — hung in there and played with heart.
Offense dominated in Mount Abe’s first game, on July 20 vs. the team from Scarborough, Maine. The Mainers won, 10-8. The next day, the Cumberland (R.I.) National team dominated, scoring a 10-1 victory.
After a rest day, Mount Abe came back strong and fought a back-and-forth battle with Charlton (Mass.). The Massachusetts club claimed the victory, 5-2.
In the final game, on July 24, the Mount Abe offense was too much for the Derry (N.H.) American Little League. The mercy rule was instituted in the fourth inning, at which point Mount Abe led, 10-0.
“They should be so proud of themselves and will look back on the week as something very special,” Hoff said.