Softball

The world of youth softball celebrated another year of championship play at Alpenrose Dairy Wednesday.

Ten teams, including one from Beaverton and four from international locales, showed off their tournament uniforms during the opening ceremony of the Little League Softball World Series. The tournament begins Thursday with pool play, and concludes Aug. 17. The semifinals and final will be televised live on ESPN2.

Midway of Waco, Texas, returned after a two-year absence and will attempt to win its 12th Series title against a field of almost complete newcomers. Of the six U.S. teams, only Sterling, Illinois, the Central champions, have been to the tournament.

Wilkes County is the first team from North Carolina to appear in the Series.

Willow Creek, from the host District 4, is making its first appearance as well.

Warner Robins, Ga., the defending champion, lost in its state tournament.

CORVALLIS – Century got four RBIs from first baseman Chantel Hoag and scored its first state title, 7-3, over South Salem in the OSAA/U.S. Bank/Les Schwab final in Class 6A at the OSU Softball Complex.

Hoag hit a three-run double in the first and had an RBI single in the seventh to power the Jaguars, who gave up just three runs in the playoffs and finished 25-3 on the season.

West Albany also claimed its first title, surviving runners at second and third with two out for a 7-6 win over Pendleton in the Class 5A final.

In the other three finals, Cascade, Glide and Regis all reclaimed titles. Glide won its second straight Class 3A final.

All five winners were credited as the visiting team.

Friday

3A: Glide 5, Horizon Christian 2

2A: Regis 4, Western Mennonite 1

Saturday

6A: Century 7, South Salem 3

5A: West Albany 7, Pendleton 6

4A: Cascade 5, Henley 1

The 37th annual Little League Softball World Series kicked off with the Opening Ceremonies Wednesday at Alpenrose Dairy, highlighted by an inspirational speech from one of the most honored coaches in the sport, UCLA great Sue Enquist.

Nine teams from across the world gathered on the Alpenrose main field on a sun-filled day to hear their names during their team introductions and national anthems.