The Elmhurst Cougars 16U softball team capped a successful fall season by winning the Melrose Park Fastpitch League playoff championship October 17.

An 8-2 regular season, put the Cougars in first place and the No. 1 seed in the league playoffs. The Cougars defeated the Oak Park Falcons, 5-2, in the semifinals and topped the Park Ridge Pistols 12-4  in the title game, held at Ruby Field in Melrose Park. The team had an overall record of 26-7 for the 2021 fall season

A robust work ethic and  great team chemistry stood out as two of the team’s many strengths, head coach Dan Younglove said.

“This team has worked extremely hard at all aspects of the game,” Younglove said. “They've grown into a team that exhibits great pitching, defense, hitting and speed. More than anything, they enjoy being with each other. It’s been fun to see them develop great relationships with one another. They're definitely poised for further success in 2022.”

Pictured above, from left to right (back row): Assistant Coaches Mark Wetterquist and Nick Ligouri; players Ana Kapotas, Amanda Drew, Lauren Ligouri, Maggie Catalano, Chloe Wetterquist, Laney Ledbetter, Katelyn Hood; Head Coach Dan Younglove; (front row) Kennedy Joe, Kaleigh Younglove, Olivia Ligouri, Gia Valentin and Maylin Nunez.