The 10-U state champion CLCF-CWLL Gals softball team hit the road on Tuesday morning to compete in next week’s regional tournament in Staten Island, New York.

The team, along with friends and family, gathered at Brayton Park for a send off celebration. Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins along with other league administrators were present to share their congratulations and well wishes with the team, which has enjoyed a historic summer along with the 12’s that are headed to the Little League World Series.

“I’ve known all these girls for so long. It’s memorable to go to Staten Island with them,” said Mackenzie Taveira.

Teammate Milania Morse added: “I’m just so excited for the experience. We made it with all these girls. I’m so excited to make more memories with them.”

The 10’s rolled through the state tournament and were virtually untested as they blew out each opponent faced, including a 15-1 win in the title game against Cumberland.

Many of the girls have played together for the last four years, and that familiarity with one another has helped them peak this summer.

“This is the most fun that I have had coaching a group of girls. They’ve been working for this and they’ve been a collective group together for an extensive amount of time. They anticipated being here, they’re super competitive, they challenge each other at practice,” said manager Bobbie Arrighie. “They’re happy to be here, but they are going to compete. This is a special group and they’re going to try to win. They’re not just happy to be there. When they hit the field, they’ll be ready to play.”

Seven of the players on the roster play travel softball together, which Arrighie believes will be a big advantage as they head to the next leg of the race.

“I think we’ll be prepared. Our travel team competes against girls all throughout New England and has been successful,” said Arrighie, who feels the team’s offense is its strong suit. “We’ve seen a lot of different pitching, fast pitching, girls with different pitches, and they tend to hit everything. There is going to be a lot of talent there, but I like the challenge for them and I think they’re going to step up.”

Between the 10’s and the 12’s ruling the state this summer, Arrighie is excited to see what the league can continue to be moving forward.

“I think that it is clearly evident that softball in Rhode Island goes through Cranston and Brayton Park,” Arrighie said.