La Salle Major League softball team wins district title

The La Salle Major League softball team had little trouble with the District 20 Tournament.

La Salle did not allow a run in three games, beating Mendota, 10-0, and Spring Valley, 10-0, to advance to the title game Tuesday where the La Salle All Stars beat Spring Valley, 10-0, once again to claim the district banner.

“The team played phenomenal,” La Salle manager Mike Pyszka said. “The team played like we knew it could play. We have a lot of depth. We’re a well rounded team that plays together and plays to win. They took care of business like they knew they could.”

The team got an escort through town from the La Salle Police Department after winning the title.

“It means a lot,” Pyszka said. “These girls have played together since they’ve been 8 years old. I’ve been one of the coaches since they’ve been 8 years old. We knew we had a special group when we first saw them play together in instructional league. The majority of them still play together through the summer between travel ball and city ball. It’s a special group of kids.”

Pyszka said Bri Ruppert has been a shutdown pitcher for La Salle, while the entire lineup has performed well.

“Bri Ruppert dominated on the mound,” Pyszka said. “She’s our No. 1 pitcher. She’s pitched phenomenal. She didn’t give up probably more than three hits in the whole tournament.

“The whole team is a group of hitters from top to bottom. Our one through nine and even the girls who come in are powerful hitters.”

La Salle advances to the state tournament in Rock Falls, which begins Thursday.

“I expect them to play well,” Pyszka said. “They’re super excited. They’re super pumped. They’re on an absolute high right now. They’re ready to play. They’re super focused.”