Little League honors its state champions

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The North Bellmore-North Merrick Little League held an awards ceremony on Aug. 31 at Gunther Field in North Bellmore to celebrate the winning season of its 9- and 10-year-old girls travel softball team, the Lady Rebels, who were this year’s state softball champions in their age division.

The girls received trophies and plaques from the Little League and certificates of recognition from Norma Gonsalves, the presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, before their proud parents and coaches.

The Lady Rebels won the state championship on July 26 in Fishkill, N.Y., after already winning their South Shore district and then the Long Island championship. They then headed to the East Region Invitational Tournament in Old Forge, Pa., where they faced other state champion teams, finishing the tournament on Aug. 7 in third place for the entire Northeast.

“It basically felt amazing,” said team manager Tom Simone, reflecting back on the season. “I was very impressed with the girls, how they played as a team, how they came together.”