Fueled by Fire, Driven by Heart Ashland Girls Win State

Fueled by Fire, Driven by Heart

Ashland Girls Win State

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

It was a hot summer day as the sun beamed down on the Russell-Flatwoods Little League complex, but the real heat came from the hearts of 12 determined young athletes. After coming so close last year, the Ashland Little League 10U Softball All-Stars didn’t just chase the state championship this time—they stormed it, claimed it, and danced on the field as CHAMPIONS. The kind of champions who don’t just win games— we’re talking about the kind of champions that inspire a whole town.

Just one summer ago, this same group of girls fell heartbreakingly short of their dream. But instead of letting it break them, they let it fuel them.

“Some of them came back even more determined,” said Coach Brad Gillum. “You couldn’t imagine how hard these girls work—during practice and after. They are constantly getting in extra reps, constantly striving to get better. They’re not just great players; they’re great teammates and just really great kids. That grit and work ethic paid off big time.

After powering through district play with a jaw-dropping 37-2 run differential, Ashland rolled into the state tournament undefeated. But North Laurel wasn’t about to let them waltz to the crown. After losing the first game of the championship series 6-4, Ashland had to regroup fast—and did they ever.

Fueled by fire and focus, the All-Stars roared back in Game 2, cracking their bats wide open in two explosive innings. They posted a commanding 11-8 win to bring the state title home. The offense was electric, led by the unstoppable Emma Cannoy, who went 3-for-3 with a double, triple, four RBIs and two runs scored.

The entire lineup delivered when it mattered. Lydia Brammer kickstarted the offense with a key single. Daine Jones-Keith and Blythe Dixon got on to load the bases. Then Cannoy cleared them with a laser double to left. Sadie Cannoy added an RBI single, and the momentum never faded. North Laurel battled back in true championship fashion, tying the game at one point. But Ashland shut the door with six more runs in the final innings. Khloe Freeman, Lilyana Pick, Jones-Keith, Dixon, Brammer—everyone contributed. Brammer, who came in to close out the final game, sealed the win in style.

Ashland ended its summer campaign with an 8-1 record, and a banner that will hang with pride for years to come.

But the victory wasn’t just about numbers. It was about a team, a town, and a shared belief in something bigger than softball.

“I mean, it was amazing how many people showed up to cheer them on,” said Coach Gillum. “Every single play, every hit, every pitch—you could feel the energy. It’s just the culture Ashland has. I’d go to battle with these girls anywhere. I’d take them across America if I could.”

This team represents the very best of youth sports—hard work, perseverance, unity, and joy. Last year’s heartbreak didn’t crush their dreams—it sharpened them. They didn’t run from pressure—they ran through it, bat in hand and fire in their eyes.

And as the sun set over the championship field, with girls laughing, hugging, and holding up that hard-earned trophy, one thing was clear—this wasn’t just a win. It was a celebration of everything it means to be part of a team.

So, here’s to the Ashland 10U All-Stars—state champions, hometown heroes, and living proof that when you mix heart with hustle, there’s no limit to how far you can go. Their story doesn’t end with a trophy. It ends with a legacy—and a whole town still smiling.