JOHNSTON, Rhode Island – When dawn broke today (Friday, July 27), the Newtown U10 traveling softball team found itself in Johnston, Rhode Island, and ready to participate in the New England Regional Tournament.

The U10s – 13-1 at this point – earned the privilege of playing in the Regionals by claiming the U10 state championship on Saturday, July 14, with a 5-3 win over Stamford at Cove Island Park in Stamford.

Prior to winning their state championship, the Hawks defeated Watertown, 9-3, in a Central Valley Fastpitch League contest. Megan Sajovic and Jenna Legros combined on the mound for 11 strikeouts while Legros, Nora Lynn Shimko (pegging down two attemted steals), Kelley Tenney and Renee Solheim made fine plays in the field.

Stacy Broughton had a two-run double to spark the offense while Kate Bowen, Shimko, Solheim and Joanna Barry also collected hits.

In a 5-4 win over New Canaan, Elissa Robertson scored three runs and Bowen scored two to lead the way. Shimko, Bowen and Legros all shared the pitching duties as Katie Serock, Legros, Bowen (double) and Shimko collected base hits.

Marley Koschel, Annie Hukk and Solheim shared time behind the plate. Chelsea Fay and Melissa Fracker were strong in the field.

The Hawks followed all of that up with a doubleheader sweep of the Stratford Breakers.

In an 18-0 Game 1 win, Sajovic hurled a complete-game, no-hitter. Shimko was strong behind the plate, pegging one runner and making a tough catch on a popup. Broughton, Serock, Legros, Shimko and Sajovic all banged out hits.

In a 14-4 Game 2 win, Legros went the distance on the mound, allowing just three hits while striking out 10 batters. Robertson had a strong day in the catcher’s gear, gunning down two would-be bunters. Nicole Alberico, Solheim, Sajovic and Legros all collected singles while Serock doubled and Shimko tripled.