Community Corner

Mokena Blast McCarron 10U Team Wins USSSA Great Lakes National Championship

The team captured the title the weekend of July 11-13.

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Clockwise from bottom left: Alyson Hernandez, Emily Zylka, Kaylee Teresiak, Veda Pufahl, Paisley McCarron, Lilia Santangelo, Molly Szafoni, Rory Stapleton, Josselyn Smith, Lucy Britt, Natalie Bruinuis.
Clockwise from bottom left: Alyson Hernandez, Emily Zylka, Kaylee Teresiak, Veda Pufahl, Paisley McCarron, Lilia Santangelo, Molly Szafoni, Rory Stapleton, Josselyn Smith, Lucy Britt, Natalie Bruinuis. (Courtesy of Karen Zylka)

MOKENA, IL — The Mokena Blast McCarron 10U softball team has brought national glory home after capturing the championship title at the USSSA Great Lakes National Championships, the team said in a release.

Competing against 17 top-tier teams in their division, the group of 11 powerhouse players from Mokena, Frankfort, Tinley Park, and nearby towns finished the tournament with an impressive 7-1 record, "showcasing grit, heart, and championship-level hustle every step of the way," according to a release.

The Mokena Blast Girls receive their National Champion rings. Pictured in photo from left to right: Bottom row: Molly Szafoni, Rory Stapleton, Natalie Bruinius, Paisley McCarron, Alyson Hernandez Middle row: Josselyn Smith, Lucy Britt, Kaylee Teresiak, Veda Pufahl, Emily Zylka, Lilia Santangelo Top row: coaches: Shannon Stapleton, Nick Hernandez, Pat McCarron

This was Team McCarron’s second season together, and their first time participating in this national tournament—making the win even more memorable. The players brought strong hitting, aggressive base running, and lock-down defense all week long.

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The Mokena Blast McCarron 10U girls created lifelong memories—and brought home serious hardware to prove it.

Courtesy of Karen Zylka

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