Cheers erupted inside 4th Street Bar & Grill on Sunday as family members, friends and fans watched the Lake Mary Little League 12U girls softball team open the Little League Softball World Series with a dominant 14-0 victory over Washington.
The packed watch party celebrated every hit and out as the Southeast Region champions took the field in Greenville, North Carolina, continuing a historic season that has already included a Florida state championship and a Southeast Region title. Parents and loved ones said the opportunity to compete on Little League softball’s biggest stage is the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.
David Tolan watched proudly as his daughter, Riley Tolan, helped lead Lake Mary in its World Series opener. “She’s been looking forward to this since she was 10, 11,” Tolan said.
After the final out, the restaurant erupted in celebration as supporters chanted, “Let’s go Southeast! Let’s go, Lake Mary!”
Tommy Davis attended the watch party with his nephew, Logan Davis, to cheer on his niece, Parker Grande. “I know it’s been a really hard journey,” Tommy Davis said. “The girls have worked really hard to get where they’re at right now.”
Logan Davis said he has seen firsthand how much effort his cousin has put into reaching the World Series. “I’m really proud of my cousin because I know how hard she works,” he said. “She practices almost every day.”
4th Street Bar & Grill General Manager Michelle Tombros said the team’s success has energized the entire Lake Mary community. “They bring the community together,” Tombros said. “Everyone just gets so excited to watch these kids go out there and play their hearts out.” For Tolan, the emotions of watching his daughter compete on the world stage were difficult to put into words. “I couldn’t be prouder,” he said.
On the field, Lake Mary wasted no time making a statement. The Floridian team racked up 10 runs in the first two innings, with Brynn Fieser and Callie Ousley each batting in three runs. Pitcher Chloe Cheek took home the win after striking out three batters and allowing just two hits, a walk, and no runs in four innings.
Sunday’s action also featured two other games. Asia-Pacific’s team from Sangō, Japan overcame a mid-game weather delay to claim a 4-1 victory over the Mid-Atlantic team from Toms River, New Jersey. Asia-Pacific opened scoring with a three-run first inning. Mid-Atlantic got on the board in the fourth inning with an RBI double from Briella Bognar but was unable to erase the early deficit. Asia-Pacific pitcher Sara Matsuda earned the win after allowing one run and one walk while striking out four batters.
Meanwhile, Central rolled to an 11-1 victory over West, scoring seven runs in the first inning and then tacking on three in the fourth. Hunter Sparks, Presley Roberts, Finley Beaven, and Avary Emmick each notched multiple hits; Roberts and Emmick also drove in two runs apiece. On the mound, Michaela Knight struck out six and allowed just a single run in four innings.
The Lake Mary community sent the team off with one final message after the victory: “Go Lake Mary!” The squad returns to action Monday in its second game of the Little League Softball World Series.
