Want a definition of what domination means?
Look what the McLean Little League Majors All-Stars did in recent District 4 and state girls softball tournaments. McLean overwhelmed opponents, going 9-0 in the competitions and outscoring those teams a combined 118-19. The All-Stars had one shutout and six opponents scored just one run.
McLean defeated Great Falls in the district title game, then Poquoson in the state final, each by 13-1 scores. McLean was 6-0 in the state, outscoring opponents 80-7. It’s closest score was 10-1.
It’s closest contest in district play was 11-10 over Great Falls. McLean has scored at least 10 runs in each of the nine games.
For McLean, Emma Wormington did the bulk of the pitching in the state tournament with four wins. Overall, McLean used five pitchers in the state. Debbie Workman, Gwyn Dryfoos, Evie Cunningham and Morgan McCambridge all pitched well along the way.
“We have a very good pitching staff and Emma is our ace,” McLean manager Jamie Loving said. “We feel good when she is on the mound.”
In the state tournament, McLean scored at least one run in 25 of the 27 innings it played.
Avery Withers hit two home runs in the state for McLean and Margaret Hood one.
“We hit very well and put a lot of pressure on other teams,” Loving said. “Everyone in the lineup can hit on this team. There is no drop off.”
Other McLean players are Zoe Deufel, Callie DeVylder, Adelina Kennedy, Evelyn Latona and Vilija Plummer.
Loving said a key in the state tournament was defeating an always strong Bridgewater team in its first game.
“We beat them and rolled from there,” Loving said. “The expectations for this team are high.”
Loving has managed or coached different all-star girls softball teams to 10 state titles at different age levels. McLean’s coaches under Loving this summer are Lindsey DeVylder, Todd Wormington and Webb Dryfoos.
Next for McLean is the Southeast Regional tournament. That begins July 21 in Warner Robins, Ga. with a 5 p.m. game against West Virginia, televised on ESPN+. If McLean wins the region the All-Stars advance to the World Series in Greenville, N.C., beginning Aug. 4.
NOTES: Former McLean Little League standout player Kathryn Sandercock spoke to the team and has given a number of the pitchers lessons. In Little League, Sandercock pitched in the World Series. She played college softball at Florida State and pitched in the women’s college softball World Series twice . . . Lindsey DeVylder has now coached two McLean Little League state championship teams to go with her state title as a player.
