CLARENDON HILLS, Ill. (WLS) — A Little League baseball team from the western suburbs is bringing pride to Chicago as they slowly advance towards a championship.
Clarendon Hills clinched a victory in a regional tournament on Wednesday, paving their way to Williamsport, Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series. They played against and defeated Ohio, a team they had lost to just a few nights earlier, marking a comeback victory that secured them the regional title.
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The sound of cheering echoed throughout downtown Clarendon Hills as their Little League team took to the national stage, moving forward in the Little League World Series as the Great Lakes Regional Champions.
The game coincided with the village’s weekly concert series, which had restaurants and bars packed, making for a community-wide watch party.
“Watching members of our community get closer to their dreams is tremendously significant to us,” expressed Natashia Hilentzaris, owner of Thassos, where a watch party was held.
Support for the team was evident through signs displayed in downtown businesses as television screens in various restaurants showcased their determined local heroes.
“We watched the previous night and were heartbroken when they lost, so seeing them face the same team again and succeed is absolutely thrilling for us,” said fan Christen Sadowski.
Clarendon Hills won 9 to 4 against Ohio, coming back after Monday’s loss.
“The fact that they lost to Ohio the other night and they came back through from the loser’s bracket, it’s a big deal and it shows the depth of their team,” former Little League coach Tim Etter said.
Now the team is off to Williamsport, where they will once again be in the national spotlight as contenders in the Little League World Series Tournament.
“It gives power to driving the dreams of the young people which is really, really important,” Hilentzaris said.
The Little League World Series starts next week, and the village says they are ready to cheer on the team all the way to the big win.
“The fact that these kids have enough grit and determination to able to do this. It’s a journey. It’s not easy,” Etter said.
The game aired on the ESPN app. Watch ABC7 Eyewitness News at 10 p.m. to see highlights from the game.
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