The Daviess County Little League Fastpitch 12U softball team is heading to regionals this week with a chance to punch their ticket to the Little League Softball World Series — a milestone achievement in the league’s inaugural season.
The team begins play Sunday at noon in Whitestown, Indiana — just outside Indianapolis — where they’ll compete in a double-elimination regional tournament featuring teams from nine states across the Central Region. The game will stream live on ESPN+.
To get to this point, Daviess County first won the district title, then rolled through the state tournament in Ashland, outscoring their opponents 51–2. That dominant run culminated with a 16–1 win over Jackson County in the championship.
John Roberts is the team’s manager, assisted by JW O’Bryan and Ward Tanner.
“The girls came ready to play and take the title,” O’Bryan said. “Our pitching was phenomenal all week, defense stayed strong, and our bats stayed hot. Despite the heat, this group gave it 110%, and the coaching staff and families are incredibly proud of their performance.”
In four state tournament games, Daviess County tallied 38 hits as a team, with their pitchers combining for 30 strikeouts while allowing only two hits.
Michaela Knight threw a no-hitter in the 17–0 opening win over Valley Sports. Marlee Duncan went 3-for-3 with two RBIs in an 11–1 win over Morehead. Kenley Evans threw six no-hit innings with eight strikeouts in a 7–0 semifinal win over Jackson County, then pitched a complete game in the championship, striking out five in three no-hit innings.
Presley Roberts led the offense in the title game with three RBIs — including a first-inning double. Ella Nonweiler and Brooklyn Zembrycki combined for five hits and six RBIs, while Evans also went 2-for-2 with two RBIs.
The roster includes:
- Michaela Knight (#58)
- Adalyn Schroader (#7)
- Adley Proctor (#11)
- Avery O’Bryan (#35)
- Brooklyn Zembrycki (#27)
- Brynlee Zembrycki (#20)
- Ella Nonweiler (#16)
- Emma Tanner (#13)
- Finley Beaven (#1)
- Kenley Evans (#10)
- Marlee Duncan (#23)
- Presley Roberts (#22)
While the Little League Softball World Series only began in 1974, this is the first year Daviess County has launched a girls’ fastpitch Little League program.
“We started this league because these girls have been working hard for years playing travel softball, and we knew this age group was special,” O’Bryan said. “This is a chance to play for their community, with the girls they go to school with or have grown up around. It’s something different — and really meaningful.”
The Daviess County squad represents more than just Owensboro. Thanks to population-based boundaries, players also come from Henderson, Ohio, and Union counties.
If they win regionals, the team will advance to the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, North Carolina, from August 3-8. Half of the teams competing in the World Series are from the United States, with the other half representing international leagues.
O’Bryan said Monday’s game against Missouri will come down to effort and energy.
“If our girls are focused and give 100%, I don’t think there’s anyone that can beat them,” he said. “They all can hit, they all can field, and they pick each other up. It’s fun to watch.”
