STARKSBORO — Team USA from the Vergennes Area Youth League defeated Starksboro, 15-2, on June 13, in the championship game of the Mount Abraham District Little League softball tournament, played at Cota Field in Starksboro.
Team USA avenged two earlier losses to Starksboro with the win and finished the spring with a 10-3 record.
Team USA Coach Travis Scribner, who was assisted by Eric Bresnick and Jim Gernander, said despite the earlier setbacks the members of Team USA went into the final feeling confident.
“These girls never gave up. They relied on each other and over the last few weeks you could tell good things were coming their way,” Scribner said. “After losing to Starksboro twice I knew they were nervous about the game, but they never accepted they couldn’t win.”
The members of Team USA are Mckenzie Bell, Sierra Bertrand, Bethany Bresnick, Raia Bryant, Ema Gernander, Reese Gernander, Kimmy Jerome, Audrey Tembreull, Skye Thayer, Audrey Scribner and Faith Stearns.
Defense keyed their victory over a good Starksboro team, Scribner said.
“Our defense really hit its peak during our last couple games, and I can’t say I’ve ever seen a Little League team have the defensive showing they did in the championship game,” Scribner said. “As coaches, we’re extremely proud of their efforts this season. The moment of excitement they had when they won was worth way more than any trophy.”