FLOYDS KNOBS, Ind. (WDRB) -- A southern Indiana softball team is headed to the Little League World Series.
For the second time ever, the Floyds Knobs Community Club 12U All-Stars are going to the LLWS. The team last went in 2017.
"I think all the other times we definitely had good teams except that we just needed to find more energy and I think since we punched through, we have a really good chance of going pretty far," FKCC player Kyelen DeSpain said.
The girls punched their ticket after winning the District 5 Championship, then the Indiana State Championship and finally the Central Region Championship.
They'll be one of 12 teams in the world at the LLWS.
"I feel like for all the little girls that play here, I feel like it's really happy and we can show them that since we're a small town we can do anything and just believe in themselves," FKCC player Scarlett Renn said.
FKCC head coach J.R. Drummond has been coaching softball for over 20 years. He says this year has been special because of the team and getting to coach his daughter.
"What ran through my mind was just man, all the practices, all the front toss, all the families you get to invest in over the years and it's overwhelming when you think about it like that," Drummond said.
Drummond says a big part of the success is pitcher Briley Mercer who struck out eight batters in the championship game.
"At this age group she's one of the best pitchers in the country," Drummond said.
Mercer says she likes their chances of making it far in the LLWS, "It's going to be really cool, there's going to be a lot of people there, but just kind of got to zone everyone out and lock in on the field."
Drummond also says the community support during this run has been amazing to see.
"When we came back fire trucks were waiting, police were waiting to escort the girls in and that's the feel of Little League, you invest in your community, you invest in people and you have something to be proud of," Drummond said.
To help with finances to get the families to the games, the Floyds Knobs Community Club is asking for even more support on their Facebook page. You can find more information online.
FKCC plays their first game on August 4 at 10 a.m. They'll play the winner of the North Carolina and Latin America game.
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