Their dream became reality on a perfect June evening. After months of coming together, finding their rhythm, and growing under Coach Joe's guidance, the Mt. Pleasant Lady Colonials stood as Greater Hudson Valley Softball League 12u Champions.
PLAYOFF DOMINANCE SETS THE STAGE
June 7 vs. New Rochelle
The Lady Colonials had their championship intentions on full display with authority against New Rochelle. Saige set the stage with her mastery on the mound, striking out 11 batters while the team’s big bats exploded to secure 10 runs through the first three innings. Their dominance was deafening.
New Rochelle managed just one run in inning four, leaving the door open for the Lady Colonials to invoke the mercy rule. To secure their spot in the championship game, they needed one more player to cross the plate. The moment belonged to the heart of their order: Giada singled, Ava followed with another single advancing Giada to third, Brooklyn drew a walk to load the bases, and then Saige—dominant on the mound all game—delivered the decisive blow with an RBI single that sent Giada home. The final score: Lady Colonials 11, New Rochelle 1.
"I am so freaking proud of this group," Coach Joe told his team afterward. "You are truly a wonderful group of young ladies. The level of play from everyone has gone up. From our absolute stud players to everyone… our level of play has risen to this level.”
Looking forward to the upcoming game he said, “Now, we got one more to get. But regardless of the outcome tomorrow, this has been a successful season because the amount of growth every single one of you has had."
But perhaps the moment that captured this team's spirit best came when a player shouted about earning a wiffle ball bat, and Vivienne led the team in their rally cry: "Wiffle Ball on 3! 1… 2… 3… Wiffle Ball!" We learned that the wiffle ball chant was more than playful banter—at their school, organized games aren't allowed at recess to avoid competitive conflicts, but Coach Joe had made a special deal with his players. Because the girls consistently demonstrated exemplary behavior and sportsmanship, Coach Joe promised—IF they won the championship game—to supervise wiffle ball games during recess as their reward. A rare privilege of organized play they earned with every strike out and every swing of the bat.
CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY
June 14 vs. Hillcrest
The stage was set for the ultimate test, with the title of champions (and a highly coveted wiffle ball) at stake. Hillcrest—the team that had pushed the Lady Colonials all season—stood between them and a championship. This final showdown delivered everything a season-long journey deserved. The Lady Colonials jumped ahead early with a run in the first, then broke the game open with five runs in the third inning. When Hillcrest mounted a comeback attempt with three runs in the fifth, the Lady Colonials answered decisively with four runs in the sixth to secure their 10-5 championship victory.
Once again, Saige was spectacular, facing 24 batters and recording 11 strikeouts in the championship-clinching performance. Seven different players contributed to the victory—a perfect reflection of the team-first mentality Coach Joe had built all season.
MORE THAN A CHAMPIONSHIP
As Coach Joe gathered his champions for the final time, his words captured what made this season truly special:
"We brought a bunch of players together… some of you knew each other, but most of you didn't. You came together as a team for the first time at the beginning of the year, and we worked hard to forge a true team. Everyone on this team contributed one way or another."
The game balls told the complete story. Saige earned hers for dominant pitching throughout the season. With every wind-up and release, she earned her place as a go-to player. Sammy received recognition for her exceptional work behind the plate, the unsung hero who guided every pitch and managed every inning.
"It takes somebody equally as talented to handle that, behind the plate," Coach Joe noted, ensuring Sammy received the credit she deserved.
LOOKING AHEAD
This championship represents both an ending and a beginning. With 11 of 12 players returning for summer play, plus reinforcements joining the squad, Coach Joe and the Lady Colonials are building something sustainable. Thursday marks the start of summer games, and as Coach Joe reminded his Greater Hudson Valley champs:
"I expect some more of these medals coming soon."
The response was immediate and unanimous: "Aye, Aye Captain!"
THE LEGACY OF COMING TOGETHER
From those first winter practices with strangers to championship celebrations with now- sisters, the Lady Colonials proved that the best teams aren't just made—they're forged. Through Coach Joe's wisdom, individual growth, and collective determination, a group of girls who barely knew each other became champions who'll never forget each other.
As the final "COLONIALS!" chant echoed across the field, it carried more than celebration. It carried the story of a season where coming together created something magical—Greater Hudson Valley Softball League 12u champions and memories that will last a lifetime.
One more time, louder: “COLONIALS!”
That’s the #StuffTeamIsMadeOf
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