SP softball team repeats as state champ

Ace pitcher Taylor Whaley and Kiley Kennedy celebrate after the South Portland American All-Star softball team repeated as state champions last weekend in Biddeford. South Portland defeated Machias, 11-1 (in five innings), Hermon, 6-2, Auburn, 5-1, and Auburn again, 10-0 (in four innings) to take the crown. Whaley threw a one-hitter in the title game, fanning eight batters. She improved to 7-0 in tournament play and also drove in four runs. Laurine German added two RBI, while Paige Carter scored twice. South Portland advanced to the Eastern Regional tournament in Albany, N.Y., beginning Saturday with a game against Massachusetts. The regional champion will advance to the Little League World Series Aug. 12-18, in Portland, Ore.