Live Oak Little League All-Stars 10-12 Softball Western Region Semi-Finalists are: Alleyah Palacio, Eveya Martinez, Mackenzie Bole, Sofia Rivera, Charlotte Dudek, Athena Hough, Riley Perigo, Juliana Robles, Adelina Tapia, Yuritzi Garcia and Delilah Smith. Photo courtesy of Ryan Dudek

LIVE OAK, CA (MPG) – The small town of Live Oak was bursting at the seams with pride last Saturday, Aug. 2, as they celebrated the return of Little League Softball All-Star Girls 10-12 from the Western National Little League Tournament.

The team has been making waves across the North State as they have won their way to victories in a historic post-season, including titles of T.O.C Champions, District All-Stars, Northern California State Champions and Western Region Semi-Finalists.

The Little League Softball All-Star Girls 10-12 team played valiantly in the Western Regional Tournament to only to fall to Southern California in a North/South California softball face-off July 25.

Liiiiiiive Oooooak! Players and coaches hold up the number one and show off their championship medals just before the parade. Photo courtesy of Michele Curiel

Regardless, the girls returned as home-town heroes, having ignited a spark of spirit that ripped through the Live Oak community and further, catching the eyes of area towns and the nation, as people tuned into watch them play on ESPN and partake in the excitement.

With team banners posted throughout Live Oak on street corners along the highways, and flags furling in the breeze displaying each team member and their info, the streets around the little league fields filled with supporters and fans.

A parade consisting of local law enforcement and fire, city and county officials, little league officials, coaches, families and of course, the All-Stars, made their way through town, waving to a considerable turnout.

Key community players, such as Michele Curiel who helped raise and spread support for the team, including organizing sponsors for banners and the parade, spoke to the public gathered.

Little League Coaches of the championship softball team rode in a black impala, just ahead of the school bus that transported the Live Oak Little League 10-12 All-Stars down the parade route. Coaches in the back hold one of the championship banners that the team collected in their post-season play. Photo courtesy of Michele Curiel

Little league President Noel Grove, Manager Art Rivera, coaches Evay Martinez, Ryan Hough, Juan Robles and Head Coach Mitchell Perigo all shared their pride and experiences during the team’s moment of fame.

Coach Perigo shared with the Herald and the community, the following in his speech to the community,

“Watching our girls make history as the first team from Live Oak to reach the Little League World Series Regionals, all the way to those heart-stopping semi-finals, has been nothing short of a dream. As someone who grew up here, played Live Oak Little League, and graduated from Live Oak High School, this community means everything to me. Last year, our goal was just to win a banner. This year, we aimed for TV, and these girls delivered,” said Perigo. “We've witnessed their sweat, their tears and their unwavering determination. But what truly touched our hearts was the sight of all of you – our pride.”

Perigo also thanked the public, the sponsors and businesses that fueled the team and also supported them.

Gridley High School teacher, Steve Allard, lends his DJ skills at the celebration honoring the homecoming of Live Oaks champion softball team. Photo courtesy of Michele Curiel

“These girls have set a new standard for Live Oak softball, and we know they'll come back even stronger next year, ready to surpass it. They've shown everyone in our town that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. This journey has been an inspiration to anyone who sets goals and strives for success, proving that hard work truly pays off,” said Perigo.

Perigo shares that only three players will age out of the team for the 2026 Little League season, but pitchers Charlotte Dudek and Eveya Martinez will return. The team has again set a high bar of achievement, looking to take the Western Regional Finals title and move further into the national playoffs next year.

Summing up the experience, Coach Perigo said, “This isn't just about softball; it's about community, about dreams, and about the power of togetherness. From the bottom of our hearts – from me, as their coach, and from the girls themselves – thank you for making this ride unforgettable. Alright fans let's hear it! Liiiiiiiive Ooooooooak!”