Hartselle’s 8U USSSA Softball all-stars recently won a state championship and are on their way to the 2014 USSSA World Series in Orange Beach next week. The team is currently conducting a fundraiser to help defray the cost of meals and lodging. Tickets are being offered for two drawings: $5 for a chance to win Costa sunglasses, donated by Drake Eye Care, and $25 for a change to win a Big Green Egg, donated by Corum’s Building & Farm Supply. Pictured, from left, are (front) Bradley Drake, Ashley Hubbard, Hanah Tillman, Kennedy Sheats, Brooke Collins, (back) Raelyn Jones, Brie Boss, Kalysta Hobbs, Jadyn Chesser, Gracie Fletcher and Kacey Powell. Coaches, not pictured, are Shawn Jones, Brad Drake, Brad Sheats, Al Collins and Jeron Powell. | Clif Knight

Hartselle’s Youth Softball League has an all-star team that will be competing for a United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) World Series championship in at Orange Beach this week.

The 8U all-stars reached the association’s biggest stage by steamrolling over all competitors at the USSSA State Tournaments in Vestavia Hills June 28 and returning home with the state title. The team will carry a 21-0 record into the World Series after going undefeated in two sub-area, area and state tournaments.

Hartselle will face off against a yet to be determined opponent in the first round of the World Series Tues., July 15, after arriving on the Gulf Coach for a opening ceremony Monday.

In post-season play, Hartselle outscored its opponents 485-75 runs, averaging 18 runs per game while giving up only 3.5.

Team members are Brantley Drake, Adley Hubbard, Hanah Tillman, Kennedy Sheats, Brooke Collins, Kaelyn Jones, Brie Boss, Kalysta Hobbs, Jadyn Chesser, Gracie Fletcher and Kacey Powell. Coaches are Shawn Jones, Brad Drake, Brad Sheats, Al Collins and Jeron Powell.

“This team has some real sluggers,” said coach Sheats. “It also plays good defense.

“This is a good group of girls to coach,” he added “They have a good attitude, work hard in 90-degree heat and just love the game of softball.”

The tournament is double elimination.

The team is currently conducting a fundraiser to help defray the cost of meals and lodging. Tickets are being offered for two drawings: $5 for a chance to win Costa sunglasses, donated by Drake Eye Care, and $25 for a chance to win a Big Green Egg, donated by Corum’s Building & Farm Supply.