For the third consecutive year, an Avon Grove Area Little League 10U softball team has advanced to the state tournament.

The Avon Grove team captured the District 28 and Section 7 championships in impressive fashion, going 3-0 and outscoring their opponents 38 to 2.

Manager Dusty McKeown said that the team hit .384 and compiled an on-base percentage of .518 during the three victories, while the pitchers racked up 34 strikeouts in 16 innings. The two runs that Avon Grove surrendered were unearned, so the team's ERA was 0.00.

Avon Grove will now compete in the Pennsylvania State Championships, which begin on July 17 in Fleetville, Pa.

“I am extremely proud of all the hard work and dedication this group of girls has put in to being the team they have become,” McKeown said. “They have practiced almost every day since the beginning of June, with the goal being to get back to the state tournament later this month. They have achieved their goals and have represented Avon Grove, District 28, and Section 7 with class, exhibiting good sportsmanship throughout. Win or lose, they will be a joy to watch during the state tournament.”

McKeown is joined on the coaching staff by assistant coaches Lino Santinelli, Chris Morris, and Melissa Chudnofsky.

The team's players are Gabriella Beltran, Paige Chudnofsky, Haileigh Corbett, Addison Curtis, Kailey Deckman, Makenzie Dunlap, Reese Dunlap, Cailin Maley, Megan McKeown, Elle Morris, Adeline Overton, Sophia Santinelli, Peyton Smerkanich, and Michaela Sycalik.

Flapjack fundraiser to support the local team

The Avon Grove Area Little League 10U softball team is planning a flapjack breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, July 14 to help offset some of the costs associated with traveling to and competing in the state softball tournament. The flapjack breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Applebee's in Kennett Square. Tickets are $10 per person for adults and tickets for children 12 and under are $7.