Bloomingdale All-Stars Play at State Softball Championships

It was full steam ahead for the Bloomingdale American All-Stars as the softball team headed into the state championships July 21-24 in Fort Myers.

The team of 12 girls, ages 9 and 10, went into the tournament after scoring 96 runs and giving up only six during an exciting season that led them to District 13 play in late June.

During district play at the Bloomingdale Little League field, the American All-Stars bested the East Point Little League team to go on to the sectional tournament in Haines City on July 15-16.

There, the girls beat Land O' Lakes and then Plant City, giving them the berth in the state championships.

At the state games, the American All-Stars were pitted against Windemere, which they easily beat 10-0. They did the same to Northeast Seminole on Friday, beating that team 10-0.

Then they faced Vierra Suntre, which proved a bit more challenging. Nevertheless, they came away with a 6-3 win, earning them a rematch with Windemere on Sunday.

That's when their luck ran out. They lost 5-0.

"It was a hard loss after beating Windemere the first time," said Bud Leistl, father of team member Bailee Leistl. "But to be among the 24 girls left standing throughout the entire state of Florida is quite an accomplishment. They have reason to be proud."

Greg Feldman is team manager. Coaches are Greg Harrell and Mike Cates. Team members are: Alyssa Adams, Leah Harrell, Mary Beth Feldman, Grace Currie, Cam Sherman, Kaitlyn O'Connell, Rachel Siefert, Maddie Pina, Celia Higgins, Sarah Grabau, Bailee Leistl and Maddie Cates.