Green Mountain Morgans shine at Little League Eastern Regionals

August 4, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout

Left to right front: Grace Winters, Mackenzie Messier, Ari DeFreest; Middle: Lily Brynga, Mackenzie Bean, Nora George, Serena VanderBush, Lilyana Lowe, Zoey Demers, Lexi Brynga, Dottie Green; Back: Coaches Jamie Winters, Katie Green and Kristin Brynga. Courtesy photo

“Dedication, hard work, and unity” prevailed for the Green Mountain Morgans Central Vermont softball team at the Eastern Regionals Little League Tournament last week in New York.

The 11-member team and their three coaches returned to Vermont after a whirlwind appearance representing Vermont at the Little League Eastern Regional 8-10 Softball Tournament last week in Staten Island. The team competed in five games in steamy summertime temperatures, logging one 1-0 win over the Massachusetts team. 

The team is comprised of players from around Central Vermont and was formed three years ago by Northfield, Clyde Whittemore, Central Vermont, Barre and Mad River Little League clubs with coaches from Northfield, Mad River and Clyde Whittemore.

Team Manager/Head Coach Katie Green praised the team for their first showing at the regional tournament, saying they held tough against first- and second-seed teams. “Throughout the tournament, the Morgans displayed incredible resilience and teamwork, overcoming tough competition from states including New York, Maine, Connecticut and Massachusetts,” Green said. 

Overall, the experience provided the team with a new level of competition and opportunities to demonstrate and hone their skills. For example, catcher Lily Brynga took part in a Golden Arm skills competition for catchers where she was the only competitor to achieve a perfect score in any round, Green said. During the tournament game rounds, Brynga was exceptional behind the plate, Green added, preventing steals on numerous occasions. 

The team’s defense was also anchored by Nora George, who led with putouts. “Critical plays from Mackenzie Bean, Serena VanderBush, Lexi Brynga, Lilyana Lowe, and Grace Winters consistently shut down opponents’ scoring opportunities,” Green said.

On the mound, pitcher Dottie Green was “unrelenting,” delivering 37 strikeouts in heat that neared 100 degrees, the coach noted.

The Morgans coaches cheered their players’ offensive performance, noting significant contributions during the series, including triples by Dottie Green, doubles by Lily Brynga, singles by Mackenzie Messier, crucial RBIs by Lexi Brynga, and stolen bases by Nora George, Zoey Demers, Mackenzie Bean, Lilyana Lowe, and Arie DeFreest.

In the New England region, the Morgans finished fourth out of five teams. The final round came down to teams from New Jersey and Connecticut, with the Robbinsville, New Jersey, team winning the East Region Championship, 4-0.   

Green said her team’s participation marked a significant achievement for the youngsters. “The Green Mountain Morgans’ journey to the Eastern Regionals, crowned by their Vermont State Championship title, stands as a true testament to their dedication, hard work, and unity,” she said. “The lifelong friendships and memories made along the way will last a lifetime.”