Twin sisters, rising eighth-grade students at John Glenn Middle School, are among the top softball players in the country preparing for USA Softball’s All-America Games Friday through Sunday in Oklahoma City.
Emma Hollingsworth, a first baseman and centerfielder, and her sister Lyla, who pitches and plays shortstop, will be among elite players from the nine states of the northeast on three 15-member teams.
The girls traveled to Epsom, NH, Saturday to meet their teammates and coaches for the first time. Teams are only allowed two practices before arriving in Oklahoma City, which is the home of the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum.
USA Softball is the national governing body for amateur softball. The upcoming games are for girls younger than 13. Promotional material explains, “This event is designed to recognize individual athletes for their outstanding playing abilities and selections should represent the individual best players.”
Emma and Lyla learned the game through Bedford Babe Ruth softball and soon moved to the club level, beginning with Central Massachusetts Voodoo Softball, based in Leominster; for the past three summers, they have played for the Rhode Island Thunder, which they said is the highest competition in the region.
Players in the USA Softball Games are guaranteed to play at least four contests over the weekend. They also will meet members of the national team.
Mike Rosenberg can be reached at [email protected], or 781-983-1763
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