Little League makes it big

Merrick-Bellmore Little League advances to state championship

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The boys of the Merrick-Bellmore Little League are enjoying a successful season. Still undefeated, they came from behind to defeat Rockville Centre in the Long Island Section 4 West Championship, sending them to the state championship.

It was an intense game on July 20 — Rockville Centre held the lead, until a Grand Slam gave MBLL the edge. The game ended 10-8.

They also defeated Massapequa Coast, 5-4, for the District 31 Championship.

The boys showed “tremendous resilience,” said coach Dominick Tolipano. “The team has been incredible. It was a number of different kids stepping up.”

Players on the team include Leo Alesia, Jake Burlock, Nick Esposito, Will Hutchinson, Nick Ippoliti, Nick Maresca, Andrew Marino, Anthony Sanchez, James Smith, Frank Stella, Matthew Tolipano, Derek Yormack, Ian Yegidis and Ryan Yormack.

Coaches include Tolipano, Jeff Esposito, Nick Ippoliti, Eric Maresca.

The start of the championship was set for Tuesday, July 27, as the Herald went to press.