Windham 10-12-year-old softball All-Stars win District 6 title

Windham's 10-12-year-old All-Star softball team defeated
South Portland/Falmouth 4-2 in the second game of the
District 6 championships and became the District 6 champions
on Tuesday, July 6 at the Westbrook Little ue Complex.
The champions include Coach Stephen Napolitano, Eliana
Kostopoulos, Lily Gallagher, Sarah Smyth, Chloe Delewski,
Kaylee Napolitano, Addison Caiazzo, Coach Nick Caiazzo,
Lacie Higgins, Evelyn Anderson, Kiley Card, Belle Pinto,
Ava Cole, Ashley Cloutier, Coach Ronnie Higgins and 
Evelyn Robinson. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA       

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Little League softball 10-12-year-old All-Stars had an incredible run during the District 6 tournament and even after South Portland/Falmouth forced a second game in the District 6 championship games after beating Windham 7-6 on Monday, July 5 at Westbrook Little League Complex, Windham returned to the Westbrook Little League Complex on Tuesday, July 6 and held off South Portland/Falmouth to win 4-2 and earn the District 6 championship.

In the District 6 championship, South Portland/Falmouth had to beat Windham twice in order for them to win the title. But the Lady Eagles weren’t about to let that happen. In the first game of the championships, Windham took an early lead, and was up 5-1 after the second inning. South Portland/Falmouth caught up and was able to just get by and win which forced a second game.

Sixth-grader Ava Cole, who tripled and scored in the first game of the championship series, was a little nervous to play in a second game, but also excited.

“I look at what they’ve accomplished, and it started some time ago,” said Windham Assistant Coach Stephen Napolitano. “They learned how to play competitively together, keep it fun and have composure.”

In Game Two, Windham wasted no time getting things going when sixth-grader Kaylee Napolitano singled in the first inning. Seventh-grader Lacie Higgins did the same. Seventh-grader Addison Caiazzo walked loading the bases. Fifth-grader Eliana Kostopoulos then singled, and Napolitano scored to put Windham on the scoreboard. After an error by South Portland/Falmouth, Higgins scored. After a pop up was caught, Caiazzo tagged up and crossed home plate and Windham led, 3-0.

In the third inning, South Portland/Falmouth scored two runs to narrow Windham’s lead.

"I kind of played as if it wasn’t a big game,” said Caiazzo who pitched the first half of the game. “I tried to not put that much pressure on myself or our team.”

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Higgins doubled, stole third base and then scored on a passed ball. Higgins also pitched the last couple innings for Windham.

She said she was able to take a deep breath and take it pitch-by-pitch.

In the top of the sixth inning, the Lady Eagles were one out away from a championship win. There were runners on first and second base and South Portland/Falmouth got a hit. The ball was fielded by Kaylee Napolitano who quickly got it to second baseman Sarah Smyth who was ready and got the out at second.

Smyth said she was not nervous to make the final play. “I knew that I had to be there whenever I could. I was just really excited,” she said.

Windham Coach Nick Caiazzo said that his only goal during the tournament was to create a fun experience for the kids.

“We had ... the right momentum we had a good team environment going, so it was awesome to see them move everything through,” said Windham Assistant Coach Ronnie Higgins.

After the championship game, Windham players said that it felt amazing for them to be selected as All-Stars and they worked hard to realize their potential.

Addison Caiazzo said that they’ve accomplished so much in such a small amount of time and to know they are one of the best teams in District 6 means a lot. <