'We want to keep going': Jesse Burkett LL Major softball ready to make run at New England Regional

WORCESTER — It's been business as usual for the talent-laden, fearlessly focused Jesse Burkett Little League softball all-stars this summer. And that can mean only one thing — another trip to the regionals in Bristol, Connecticut.

Burkett, which sealed the state championship with a 4-0 triumph over Canton earlier this month, plays Champlain of St. Albans, Vermont, at 4 p.m. Sunday in opening-day play at the New England Regional.

The winner of the double-elimination tournament advances to the Little League World Series, set for Aug. 4-11 in Greenville, North Carolina. Burkett went 0-2 in last year's regional, losing to Rhode Island and Maine.

Four players from the current Burkett team played last year. These girls include first baseman Jocelyn Baumann, third baseman/pitcher Sophia D'Andrea, pitcher/shortstop Sophia Delvalle, and second baseman/pitcher Madysen Smith. Baumann, D'Andrea, Delvalle and Smith have played on four straight Burkett championship teams. The first two years, the foursome were members of the program's 10-and-under level team.

No matter what the year, Burkett subscribes to the total team approach. Everyone plays, everyone contributes. The talent is there offensively and defensively, and the depth level is high. In addition, the team is boosted by a strong support system.

Delvalle has posted eye-popping individual numbers in the postseason, most notably when she gets the call to pitch.

Delvalle twirled a one-hitter in the sectional tournament final against Canton. She was also the winning pitcher in the District 4 championship game against Rutland. tossing a two-hitter and striking out eight. Burkett won, 10-0.

"Pitching is fun — I love it, and I think I'm pretty fast," Delvalle said. "But it's all about the team. The defense behind me is so important. And the girls have to hit, and they always do.

"Everybody on this team is equally talented, and when we work together, we play really well," she added. "The more we practice, the more we play games, the more we improve. Moving forward, we just have to stay focused and play as hard as we can."

Win or lose, Baumann, Smith, D'Andrea and Delvalle have savored Burkett's run, both this year and in previous summers. Playing on Burkett's all-star team has numerous positives, the foursome agreed. For example, the team has athletes who hail from different schools and towns. Six of the Worcester players are students at Forest Grove. Such diversity helps foster lasting friendships and newfound bonds. The players also get to develop their skills and have fun while doing it.

Optimism prevails heading into the regional tournament.

"If we continue to work as a team, I think we have a chance to get to the World Series, and that would be an incredible experience," Smith said. "It's an interesting team. We have girls ages 12-13 — we're young. But we're undefeated. We want to keep going."

Smith noted there are differences between this summer's team and last year's. Standing out among them for Smith is the fact that she's older and has her own group to relate to. They play ball together, have fun and hang out.Smith will do anything to help her team or any player.

"On the field, I actually prefer pitching — it's just fun," Smith said. "I get good practice just pitching, and it makes me work hard. It's all a lot of fun. Playing for Burkett helps me get better for when I play with my travel team. Being around so many good players and coaches and winning is a wonderful experience."

D'Andrea has a fine take on Burkett and its ability to win the big games.

"I think we're good because of each other," D'Andrea said. "We hype each other up, and that makes us better. It's also a very supportive group — we all have each other's backs. On the field, we've got what we need — great pitching, defense and hitting. It's an amazing group."

D'Andrea enjoys the action that goes with playing third base ("No daydreaming," she noted). D'Andrea was inspired to play softball by her grandmother, a former player. D'Andrea's grandmother enjoys watching her granddaughter play.Baumann likes being in the middle of the action, so playing first base is a natural for her.

"Playing first base is a lot of fun, and I think I've become pretty good at it," Baumann said. "I'm tall, so I'm a good target for our infielders. The infielders connect with each other, too. We're all playing for the same thing, and we want to win. The chemistry on this team is strong. We're all very good friends.

"And we'll be ready for the regionals," Baumann added. "One key is to start off strong. Stay positive and have some fun. And win."

The other team members include infielder/outfielder Amaiya Febles, outfielder Annie Friend, outfielder/catcher Jailyn Buccico, outfielder Khloe Siergie, catcher Leah Becker, infielder/pitcher Mya Domineck, outfielder Sofia Rogers, and outfielder Sophia Carrero. Kerin Smith is the team manager. She is assisted by Rob Baumann and Lou Febles.

"Softball in the summer is fun," Delvalle said. "Working hard, winning games and advancing in tournament play with your friends is the best. The regionals should be another great experience for us."

—Contact Craig Holt at sports@telegram.com.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: 'We want to keep going': Jesse Burkett LL Major softball ready to make run at New England Regional