Rockville Centre Little League Juniors Softball team advances to state tournament

The RVC Little League Juniors Softball team catapulted themselves into the spotlight with a thrilling victory that secured their spot in the upcoming state tournament. After an impressive win against Floral Park on June 5, the team now finds themselves just a few games away from claiming the New York Section 4 Title.

Under the guidance of their dedicated coaching staff, led by team manager Colin Connelly, along with Tim Parliman, Carmine Iandiorio and Maura Ressegger, the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team has been preparing for this momentous tournament. According to Connelly, countless hours of hitting and fielding practices have honed the players’ skills, and now they are excited to compete for this coveted title.

“At this point in the season, the coaches are going to make the lineup and have the girl’s talents go out here, and there’s not a lot we can say at this point of the season as we’ve been coaching them, for now, three months or four months,” Connelly said as the team prepares for the New York state tournament. “Now, the girls’ talents are going to take over, and I think we can match any other group out there.”

In the second Sectionals game on July 3 at Rath Park in Franklin Square, the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team won the game against Floral Park with an outstanding 16-0 victory. Pitcher Molly Silecchia delivered a no-hitter to anchor her team’s success. Anne Parliman impacted both offense and defense, contributing a triple, three stolen bases, and a steal of home for the team’s first run. Clare McKenna shined with a double and three RBIs, while Michaela Ressegger contributed two hits, two runs scored, and two RBIs.

Continuing their winning streak, the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team secured another victory on July 5 at Bob Klein Field in Rockville Centre. With an impressive 10-0 triumph over Floral Park, the team solidified their position in the highly anticipated New York state tournament. Pitcher Audrey Morrow delivered four scoreless innings, striking out nine opponents along the way. Alexis Zaremba added to the team’s success by delivering a home run and three RBIs, while Kaitlyn Ganly contributed two hits, including a triple.

The success of the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team has been a result of the combined efforts of the players, coaches, and parents. Tim Parliman, one of the coaches, emphasized the dedication shown by the girls by attending frequent practices while balancing academics. Support parents have also played a major role in this seven-year journey, contributing to the team’s success on the field.

“It’s been very satisfying. With the parents as well – the parents have been going on this journey with us, and they’re a big part of this, bringing kids back and forth to practices, to games, and so forth,” Parliman said.

The upcoming New York state tournament, set to take place in New City in Hamlet, promises to be an exciting challenge for the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team. The group of 13- and 14-year-old players, all from Rockville Centre, will compete against other top teams from across the state, vying for the title of New York state champions. The team’s achievements have garnered significant attention, showcasing overwhelming community support and pride in Rockville Centre.

“People from the baseball side come to the softball games, which is great,” Parliman said about the second Sectionals game in Rockville Centre. “It was a big crowd, and you know, these girls were ready. We just got a ton of support from Little League and from friends and family in town and that makes a big difference on the field.”

The journey of the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team began two years ago when Rockville Centre revived the juniors team because of the efforts of the board members. As they enter the New York state tournament, the coaches must prepare the team for the challenges that lie ahead as they face opponents they have never played before. The dedication of volunteers and parents, some of whose children no longer play, has contributed to the team’s success. Among those supporters is Paul Sewell, the head of softball on the board.

“It’s all smiles in the dugout in the field,” Connelly said. “Nobody’s there because their parents are making them go. The girls are all there because they want to be there and they just love it. So that’s the best thing to see all season.”