HISTORY MAKERS: Plymouth-Canton softball team wins PCLL’s 1st District title
Pictured from left are Plymouth-Canton Little League All-Stars Aleah Barr, Natalie O’Connor, Oriana Alberty, Eden Bloom, Athena Panagiotides,Carly Keller, Ruby Sanders, Sophia DiCenzo, Morgan Garrett, Kaylee Diehl and Emryn O’Donnell. Not pictured are Emma Roring, Mckenzie Hopkins and Samantha Ferguson.
Members of the Plymouth-Canton Little League 12-and-under All-Stars softball team didn’t hang their heads and let disappointment get the best of them after finishing 1-2 and getting eliminated from last year’s Little League District Tournament.
Instead, they went to work to make sure this season’s district tournament would end with a better result.
The dedication to improvement paid off last week when the local All-Stars captured the PCLL’s first softball district title ever with an extraordinary effort in the tournament that unfolded at Plymouth’s Don Massey Field.
Outscoring district opponents from Clinton Township, Blissfield and Tecumseh by a total score of 43-6, the Plymouth-Canton team advanced to the state tournament for the first time in program history.
Heading north
The team will make an 8-hour-ish trek to Marquette to join 15 other state district winners for a chance to move on to the Little League U.S. Regional tourney.
““Winning districts means so much to me because we have put in the work and dedication to achieve our goal which is being the first Plymouth Canton team in history to win districts,” said Natalie O’Connor.
““I’m very proud of how much our team has grown from last year and of this accomplishment,” added Ruby Sanders. “It’s a special feeling knowing we made history for PCLL.”
Members of the All-Stars were selected by the PCLL’s coaches following the 2024 regular season.
Although they played for different teams leading up to their history-making feat, the girls meshed instantly, said All-Stars Assistant Coach Ryan Bloom.
Team chemistry is great
“Most of them have played together or against one another for the past few years, so they’ve known each other for a while, which helps,” said Bloom.
“Getting eliminated last year was kind of an eye-opener for the girls because they learned how much better they had to play to win the district. A lot of them started working hard beginning last fall and through the winter to reach the skill level they’re at now.
“This team has come so, so far in just a year it’s remarkable.”
Bloom said the key to the All-Stars’ success is a roster that receives contributions from every player.
“All of these kids are ballplayers,” Bloom said. “They each have skills that contribute to the team’s success and their skills complement one another — whether it’s defense, hitting or pitching.”
Peaking at right time
PCLL faced just one test during its district championship run. Trailing Clinton Township in the third inning of its second District game, the local All-Stars rallied to take a one-run lead late before tacking on three additional runs to win 8-4.
PCLL captured the title by beating Clinton again, 13-1, in the championship game.
The All-Stars path to a state title will be challenging, Bloom noted. The host Marquette squad, which has a history of strong runs in the post-season, will be PCLL’s opponent this Sunday following a tournament-opening game Saturday.
The state tournament will stretch from Saturday through Wednesday, when the championship game is held.
Players’ responses to historical district title
When asked what the PCLL’s first-ever district title meant to them, here are their thoughts:
“It was a great experience and I had so much fun with my team, and we are so excited to go to states.” — Emma Roring;
“It was so cool to make history! First time for PCLL to take the title!” — Kenzie Hopkins;
“I’m proud of our team’s strength to win districts and I am excited to take on the challenge of states.” — Emryn O’Donnell;
“It meant a lot to us. We worked really hard since last year and it’s paying off!” — Oriana Alberty;
Chance to keep playing with friends’
“Winning districts means that me and my friends get to keep playing and having fun together.” — Morgan Garrett;
“Winning districts is an experience I know I will never forget because this is the first time a softball team in this league has won district. Our hard work and dedication paid off” — Sophia DiCenzo;
“It means that our team’s hard work payed off.” – Eden Bloom;
“I am very proud and happy that we were the first girls softball team to win districts and move on to the State tournament.” — Aleah Barr; and
“It’s a great reward for all of the hard work we have put in.” – Samantha Ferguson.
All but three of the All-Stars attend Plymouth-Canton Community Schools middle schools.
The coaching staff consists of: Manager Chris Roring; and assistant coaches Cole DiCenzo, Ryan Bloom, Mike Panagiotides and Ashley Diehl.
Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com.
