Merrick Bellmore Little League champs recognized

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More than a year after it clinched its district and section championships, Merrick Bellmore Little League’s 10U, or, “10 and under,” softball team was finally recognized in the form of a commemorative sign, which will hang on a fence at Merrick Town Park for years to come.

Last season, the 14-girl squad advanced to the Williamsport state championship to compete against its Section 4 opponent. “We had a one-run lead in the last inning,” said team manager Mike Indich, “and once we made that final out, watching the girls celebrate — I was so proud.”

The team’s 2019 run consisted of a lot of “very close, low-scoring games,” Indich said. “It’s just a great group of girls that gets along great on the field, plays well together and has a great time off the field.”

Last Friday, Hempstead Town Councilman Christopher Carini and Town Clerk Kate Murray presented the team with its championship sign during a Covid-safe ceremony. The event was supposed to be held in the spring but was postponed due to the pandemic.

“I love seeing girl power displayed on those fences,” Murray said. “We’re really proud and really happy to immortalize their great efforts.”

The team takes in aspiring sluggers from Bellmore and Merrick, including: Reese Adams (no. 27); Stefanie Alonso (no. 53); Emily Cacciatore (no. 12); Katie DiPaola (no. 99); Kayla Indich (no. 5); Alexa LaBarbara (no. 11); Adriana Lazo (no. 3); Elle Napoli (no. 4); Samantha Phillips (no. 8); Alexis Schiff (no. 13); Ruth Small (no. 1); Grace Taormina (no. 6); Kaitlyn Thayer (no. 21); and Cecilia Toto (no. 2).