Hollister 10U All-Stars Win First State Berth Since 2010

The Hollister Little League 10U All-Stars are heading to the state tournament for the first time in 14 years after defeating Union Little League 4-1 on July 22. The win came just one day after a tough 9-2 loss in their first championship game, making their comeback even sweeter.

The team faced elimination and responded like seasoned champions. In the winner-take-all rematch, they dominated with a 4-1 victory to secure the Section 5 title.

The road to states wasn't easy. The All-Stars went undefeated through District 9 play with a perfect 4-0 record, then finished Section 5 tournament action at 4-1 overall.

Twelve young players made it happen: Rowan Rojas, Endrik Betancourt, Kolton Laubach, Silas Quintero Jr., Rocco Rossi, Nixon Moreno, Jameson Kakebeen, Reece Sharp, Maddox Huerta, Chase Sutton, Aiden Medina, and Ethan Zaragoza. Each brought their best when it mattered most.

The team's first state tournament game is set for July 25 at 11:30 a.m. at Marshall Park in Fremont. They'll face District 34 champion Lemoore Little League in what promises to be another test of their grit.

The Ripple Effect

This championship means more than trophies for Hollister. For 14 years, local families watched other teams advance while their community waited for its moment. Now, a new generation gets to experience that thrill.

These 10-year-olds are showing their town what's possible when you refuse to quit after a setback. Parents, siblings, and future Little Leaguers in Hollister now have fresh proof that their hometown can compete at the highest levels.

The comeback story also teaches something bigger than baseball. Losing on July 21 could have crushed these kids, but instead it fueled them to play their best game the next day.

For a small community like Hollister, watching local kids succeed on a bigger stage creates connections and pride that last far beyond a single season. Youth sports become the thread that ties neighborhoods together.

One game remains between these All-Stars and their next milestone, and Hollister will be watching every pitch.