VALLEY — The 9 and 10-year-old softball all-stars at Valley will have some company in Montgomery this weekend. Valley’s 7 and 8-year-old softball team is also playing in this weekend’s state tournament at Lagoon Park after finishing as the runner ups in the district tournament.

“These girls went up to the district tournament and they were scoring 17, 18 runs a game,” Valley parks and recreation athletic director Mark Hudmon said. 

The team opens up play on Friday against Centre in the double-elimination bracket. The 7 and 8-year-old softball all-stars have the longest gap between the end of the season and tournament play, according to Hudmon. 

“They’ve been dedicated to wait it out this far and still go to tournament play,” he said. “This is where our program starts, with these girls. They’re having a lot of fun and when that’s the case, that means you’re going to get them back next year, so I’m looking forward to that.”

The softball program at Valley has grown a lot in recent years, sending one team to the state tournament, sending two teams this summer.

“Something’s working,” Hudmon said. “Their parents spend a lot of time with these girls getting them out there. There’s a good group of coaches that push them, teach them and make it fun for them. When you’re having fun- why wouldn’t you want to come back next year?”