By Kyle Jorreyjorrey@theacorn.com

For the first time in its history, the Newbury Park 10-andunder Gold softball team is heading to the state championships.

Thanks to a first-place finish at the Western District Tournament, the team of 13 is heading to Lancaster this weekend to try and earn a spot at the national tournament.

To do so, the excited young squad must finish in the top six out of 25 teams. If they do, they will travel to San Antonio later in the summer for a chance at winning a national championship.

The team members are: Courtney Birkett, Savannah Carpenter, Lauryn De La Torre, Katelyn Fenstermacher, Michalla Greer, Amy Groth, Naomi Hudgins, Kourtney Kuder, Michelle Moss, Lauren Shane Reinke, Kelly Reinke and Michelle Smith.

Coaches are Kenny Kuder, Chuck Smith, Linda Groth and Karen Hudgins.

The first game of state championship will be played tomorrow, July 1.

Newbury Park 10U also won the Championship game in the Camarillo Tournament defeating Thousand Oaks, 2-1.