The Gridley Little League Junior All-Star softball team celebrates after winning the District 47 championship June 18 at DeGarmo Park in Chico. The title marked Gridley's first district tournament championship since 2011. Photo courtesy of Jose Villalobos

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Little League Junior All-Star softball team captured the District 47 championship June 18, completing an undefeated run through the tournament at DeGarmo Park in Chico. The title marked the first district tournament championship for a Gridley Little League All-Star team since 2011.

Gridley opened tournament play June 14 with a 6-5 victory over the Lake Oroville Little League Junior All-Stars. The win advanced Gridley into the winner's bracket.

On June 16, Gridley faced Palermo Little League and earned another victory, sending Palermo into the loser's bracket. Palermo battled back through the bracket to earn a rematch with Gridley in the championship round.

The teams met again June 18, with Gridley scoring early and holding off Palermo's comeback attempts. The final out came when Gridley pitcher Aili Dent caught a ball hit back to the circle, securing the championship and prompting players and coaches to celebrate on the field.

According to team information, the championship ended a 15-year drought for Gridley Little League. The last Gridley All-Star team to win a district tournament was the 10-12-year-old baseball team in 2011.

The roster includes pitchers Aili Dent and Kamryn Oakley; catchers Brinkley Sannar and Rylee Witt; Olivia Williams at first base; Kamryn Oakley at second base; Susana Villalobos at third base; Milicent Dent at shortstop; Harper Howell in left field; Nailah Estrada in center field; and Gabby Sharrock and Kiera Holcomb in right field. Bella Thompson was absent during the district tournament and is expected to join the team for section play.

Coaches Josh Howell, Taylor Witt and Jose Villalobos led the team through the tournament. Team representatives noted the players had competed in All-Star tournaments for several years before breaking through for the district championship this season. Gridley finished the tournament undefeated and earned the right to advance to the next round of postseason play.