Goleta Valley South 10U Stars finish as state runners-up

The Goleta Valley South Little League 10-Under All Stars battled to the end Sunday but fell short in the second game of the Southern California State Championship Series.

Highland Little League of San Bernandino rallied in the late innings and defeated Goleta Valley South, 6-5, to win the best-of-three series and claim the state title in Corona.

This was the first time in the history of Goleta Valley South Little League that its 10-under All Stars advanced to the state finals. The team won the District 63, Section 1 and the So Cal Sub-Division North tournament titles.

The Goleta Valley South team members are: Nicky Fell, Calvin Wipf, Cole Schoenwetter, Gino Darke, Evon Weeks, Aidan Mandel, Caden Hodina, Emmett Speake, Nathan Lynk, Lance Bermudes and Sutter Locatelli. Ryan Fell was the manager and Ned Schoenwetter and Erik Wipf served as coaches.