Milford Lil’ Dogs Hang Tough

Image: We won, you bet — Milford Lil’ Dogs has one more win under their belt. (L-R) Jenaria Brooks, Alandra Montgomery, Jace McIntyre, Gracie Whittington, Bree Brown, Kieauna Hurtt, Katera Birdow, Alex Jones, Sarah Sanders and Callie Poore.  In the middle are Abbey Evans and Markia Houston.

After winning the district championship, the Milford Lil’ Dogs trotted out of the park with their mugs held high. This 10 & under coach pitch team earned a place in the State bracket. They may have ponytails but don’t under estimate the power behind that little smile. Matched up with 21 other teams, the little girls donned their softball caps, grabbed their bats and worked up a sweat just like the big girls.

Milford’s Lil’ Dogs win district championship in extra inning

Image: We won! — In celebration, Sarah Sanders gives teammate Alex Jones a piggyback ride around the infield.

After a series of downpours forced the IYAA hosted girls 8u district softball tournament to relocate from the Upchurch Ball Fields to the Italy High School Softball field, teams from Italy, Milford, Ferris, Ennis and Kopperl battled to be one of two teams left standing and earn a spot in the state tournament to be held in Athens. The district championship came down to a rematch between the Milford Lil’ Dogs, head coached by Ty Evans, and the Ferris Scorpions.

Local teams take the fields in area-wide District Tournaments

Image: Catching heat

Teams from Italy and Milford are competing in area wide district tournaments this week and next. The IYAA is hosting the girls 8u district tournament this week and all remaining games are to be played at the Italy High School softball field. Girls teams that finish in first or second place in the district tournaments go to state. Boys district tournaments start Monday and teams must win the championship to advance to state.

IYAA teams climb the brackets in tournament play

Image: Double denied — Madison Galvan rushes in from centerfield to make the tag as Grace Payne steps back to give Galvan room.

The IYAA baseball/softball and t-ball teams have finished their regular seasons and are currently competing in the division tournaments. So far, IYAA teams have accounted for three division tournament championships and two second place finishes in the division tournaments with more games still to pay.

IYAA Sports Night at McDonald’s: I’m Glovin’ It.

Image: IYAA Sports Night @ McDonald’s in Italy – Bryce is glovin’ it! — Stop by McDonald’s® in Italy on Wednesday, June 9, between 5:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m. to help support the IYAA and it’s young athletes during “IYAA Sports Night.” 20% of all the proceeds collected by McDonald’s® will be donated to the IYAA. I’m lovin’ it!™

McDonald’s® has teamed with IYAA Sports (Italy Youth Athletic Association) for “IYAA Sports Night” at the McDonald’s in Italy. Wednesday, June 9 between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., 20% of all the proceeds collected by McDonald’s will be donated to IYAA Sports, so stop in for a Big Mac™, McNuggets™ or any of your favorite items on the McDonald’s menu.

IYAA Opening Day tonight at the Upchurch Ball Fields

IYAA Opening Day — Weather permitting, the IYAA cordially invites everyone to the Upchurch Ball Fields for IYAA Opening Day this evening. IYAA Opening Day will be dedicated to the memories of Bobby Itson, Robert Burch, Bob Tipping and George E. Scott. Each of the honorees promoted youth sports and fitness, helping to bring our community closer together thru victory and accomplishment.

IYAA hosted softball tournament ends in smiles

Image: Alex hits and sprints

Milford, Hillsboro and Frost battled it out for 1st place on the final day of the four day District 3 Tournament, hosted by the IYAA in Italy. It was exciting and it was a grind for all the teams. However, after the dust at home plate had settled, it was the Frost Lady Polar Bears that celebrated as Champions.

IYAA Softball Tournament will be going all week

Image: Abigail Evans

Miracle comebacks, big plays and ice packs were just some of the going ons surrounding the county wide, Girls Softball District Tournament on Tuesday. The IYAA fielded one team in Ennis and one Grandview while a couple of IYAA players represented Italy at the Upchurch Fields in the 8 & Under Division.

IYAA Baseball weathers the storms

Image: Blazing away — Italy started the 2009 baseball season in a blaze of glory.

Hard rains have bogged down the beginning of the 2009 IYAA baseball/softball seasons. Scheduling has been somewhat sporadic, but now that the sun is getting it’s job done, the baseball and softball players can get their jobs done as well. For a fun evening, bring your family to Upchurch Field to catch a ballgame and grab a few memories.