Photo Provided Bridgeport Elementaries 10u Blue Team takes the win at the Ben Taylor League Championship. Front row, from left are Carlee, Bella and Caylee. Back row, from left are Ally, Aviana, Taylor, Knoelle, Adalie, Aubrey, Maddie, Kara and Aubrie. With them are coaches Brian Syrylo, Wayne Hixenbaugh, Dave Holmes, Dave Nelson and Levi Throckmorton.

BRIDGEPORT — The young Bulldogs of the 10-year-old and under (10u) Blue softball team at Bridgeport Elementary were unstoppable when they won the Ben Taylor League Championship on June 20, topping off an undefeated 14-0-1 season.

The league game was held at the home field of Gould Park in Bridgeport. The Blue Team played against the Union Local Red Team. Head coach Brian Syrylo said the team has prevailed at All-Star tournaments, but this is their first league championship win.

“We started off really well,” he said.

Team pitcher Bella opened strong and fellow player Ally led off the offense at bat with a three-run homer at the bottom of the first. He said Bella would allow one hit and zero runs over six innings and hit a home run later in the game, and struck out 16 batters.

“We played pretty good defense throughout,” he said. “We won 4-0 in the championship game.”

Brian Syrylo has been coaching for six years and has worked with the core group of players since they were six years old.

“We have a good team,” he said. “It’s fun to watch them over the years grow up and develop the skills that they need to win and compete. It’s interesting to see them grow and get better and work hard and get to see the payoff in a championship.”

The team works hard, practicing through the spring to prepare for the start of the season in late April.

“They’re developing skills and figuring out the mental side of the game where they’re able to focus and know what they’re supposed to do.”

Brian Syrylo said about seven of the Blue team and four of the Black will be moving up to the next age group this coming school year. He expects them to do well in the 12 and under division and at middle school softball.

“It’s going to be a pretty consistent transition,” Syrylo said.

Brain Syrylo also gave credit to coaches Wayne Hixenbaugh, Dave Holmes, Dave Nelson and Levi Throckmorton. Brian Syrylo said Bridgeport’s student athletes can always count on the community’s support. In his case, volunteering to coach was a natural choice.

“My daughter was starting and I had knowledge from when I was a kid playing ball, so I thought I could help.”

His wife Jennifer Syrylo, president of Bridgeport Youth Sports, was also impressed by the upcoming fifth and sixth graders.

“We have some amazingly talented softball players coming up. Can’t wait to continue to watch them play for Bridgeport,” she said.

She said excellent pitchers and good offensive support from the team made for an exceptional season.

“They ended up only having a tie and never lost a game all season. The team that we tied was the other Bridgeport team,” she said.

“These girls worked incredibly hard this season and it was great to see their hard work pay off,” she said. “I hope it stays with them for a long time. They’ve got a bright future ahead.”

Jennifer Syrylo congratulated the players for pushing forward through some rough weather.

“This season was a little challenging because of the weather. We had a lot of rainouts and moving dates, but overall the girls really came together all season and played great together. Everybody had their moments to shine.”

The Bulldog team spirit was evident in the young players.

“The girls all get along. They’re always cheering for each other, pushing each other,” she said. “They’re just a good group of girls who really rely on each other.”

She also commended the community and family members who came out to cheer on the team, and the coaches who have happily donated their time and energy.

“We have a fantastic group of coaches. There’s several dads on the teams who have been around these girls now for many years.”

Bridgeport Elementary Principal Kamaron Sabinski had high praise for her students and the coaches.

“These children are amazing, hard workers all the way around,” Sabinski said. “So much must also be said about these coaches dedicating their time to coach and teach these kiddos to be the best they can be at anything they do. Coaches teach them more than just about the sport. They teach good sportsmanship, power in the team, responsibility for showing up and putting in the time and work, setting them up for success in all avenues of their life.”