Two Maricopa Little League softball teams are heading to state after winning district championships this week. 

The girls 12U All-Star softball team defeated their final opponent 13-4 last night. The victory came one day after Maricopa’s 10U All-Star team secured its own district championship. 

“It’s a great accomplishment that we were able to send both softball programs up to that level,” said Maricopa Little League president Jonathan Weiss. “I think they’re really going to give it a run.” 

In Little League, All-Star teams consist of top players from local leagues who compete in district tournaments for a chance to advance to state. Both Maricopa teams captured the District 4 title, which covers all of Pinal County. 

The 10U team ­— consisting of 8, 9 and 10-year-olds —­ went 4-1 through the district tournament, dominating three of their four wins. Manager Andrew Evans credited the team’s resilience after dropping the first championship game before rebounding to win the deciding game 13-6. 

The 12U team — mainly 11 and 12-year-old players — advanced on the strength of pitching and defense. However, team manager Nephi Tanuvasa credited more than just the players on the field. 

“It’s just a special community of parents and a wonderful platform that Maricopa Little League provides for the girls to show their talents and develop,” he said. 

State tournament begins July 6 in Avondale.