‘They're Setting The Bar’: Muskogee Team Claims Oklahoma’s First Little League Softball World Series Title

Team Oklahoma beat a Virginia team 9-1 to become the state’s first team to claim the Little League Softball World Series title.

Wednesday, August 18th 2021, 9:59 pm

By: News On 6

In Greenville, North Carolina, Team Oklahoma beat a Virginia team 9-1, becoming Oklahoma's first team to make it this far.

Team Oklahoma's manager told News On 6 the girls' determination and teamwork got them this far.

Now, they are setting the bar high for other Oklahoma teams.

After the final game, Juliana Hutchens described the moment they became champions.

"When that final out happened, my heart just dropped and it was really, really cool," said Juliana Hutchens.

10 of the 13 girls on the team are Native American, inspiring tribal members and girls who follow in their footsteps.

"They're the first, and they're setting the bar and hoping that those that come after them raise it just a little bit higher every time," said Kari Fulton, whose daughter Mileigh Needham plays on the team.

Team manager, Johnny Hutchens, said the girls have a special bond.

"They're going to remember their friends that they came out here with,” said Johnny Hutchens.

Their parents and grandparents have been at every game.

"Our team is great,” said Carin Dill, whose daughter Shianne Dill is on the team. “Our team works together. They cheer each other on."

At I Don't Care Bar and Grill in Muskogee, Team Oklahoma is on TV.

"It's big for us, and everyone's been super excited about it," said Mistie Mullens, I Don't Care Bar manager.

The community support comes in all forms, including more than $15,00 in donations.

Belinda Hicks, whose Muscogee granddaughter, Ailanee Hicks, plays on the team, said she is grateful for the support.

"They've just been real supportive, and I can't say ‘Mvto,’ which is ‘Thank you’ in our language in enough for everything that they've done,” said Belinda Hicks.

The team's flight is scheduled to land at Tulsa International Airport on Aug. 19 around 1 p.m.

There will likely be a few people at the airport to welcome them home with pride.