(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
The red and white “WS” logo proudly worn by West Suburban Little League teams has taken on new meaning — for the first time in its 74-year history, “WS” now stands for “World Series” as West Suburban’s 12-and-under (12U) softball team clinched the championship.
On Sunday, West Suburban defeated a team from Floyds Knobs, Indiana, just 10 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, with a narrow 1-0 victory. The game’s only run was driven in by standout pitcher Reagan Bills, who became only the fourth pitcher in Little League Softball World Series history to record over 50 strikeouts during the tournament. Bills’ line-drive single in the bottom of the fourth inning brought in third baseman Sadie Divido, capitalizing on a misfield by Indiana catcher Reese Carroll.
Overwhelmed with emotion after the win, Bills said, “I’ve been watching the World Series since I was 5, and I didn’t think this was possible. I can’t believe it.”
Bills was the winning pitcher in all five of Johnstown’s tournament victories, pitching 25 scoreless innings. In Sunday’s championship game, she threw a one-hitter with seven strikeouts over 104 pitches.
West Suburban President Jason Subich praised Bills’ exceptional performance. “We knew this team was special, but we had no idea we would become World Champions. With a dominant pitcher like Reagan leading the way, these girls really rallied together.”
Manager Les Gaunt also applauded Bills but emphasized the championship was a true team effort. “Reagan’s pitching was phenomenal, and we wouldn’t be here without her. But throughout sectionals, regionals, and state, different players stepped up when needed.”
Gaunt also thanked the strong support from Johnstown fans who traveled to Greenville, North Carolina, for the tournament. “We sold out of merchandise in the gift shop well before anyone else. Our fans were incredible — the biggest following the tournament has ever seen, second only to the North Carolina team.”
With this victory, Johnstown becomes only the second world champion ever from Pennsylvania, following Shippensburg Little League’s title in 1978.
