The Delaware Gators 12U girls' fast-pitch softball team recently competed in the USSSA Eastern National tournament in Loudon County, Va. The girls finished third out of 30 teams from eight different states. Mark Nicholas, who manages and coaches the team with his wife Caitlin, said it was a remarkable feat for a first-year team from southern Delaware.  

Shown in back are (l-) coach Caitlin Nicholas, coach Mark Nicholas, Emery Bailey, Jaciana Myers, Ainsley Clem, Addie Bekeshka, Olivia Baylor and coach Matt Husbands. In front are Payton Solinski, Bryn Pepper, Raegan Hoopengardner, Hannah Shunk, Kayleigh Melson, Zoë Husbands and McKenzee Melson. Not shown is coach Dave Clem.