BIDDEFORD — Andy Donovan takes pride in what Biddeford Little League Softball has accomplished in recent years.

But this season has delivered more than he could have imagined.

Donovan serves as the league president and head coach of the Biddeford Little League Softball Tigers, an 11-12 year-old team that will participate in the Little League State Softball Championships starting today in Bar Harbor.

The Tigers have been full of surprises this season. They completed their regular schedule with a 10-0 record, hosted and won the District 4 championship two weeks ago and went 5-0 to capture an Amateur Softball Association of America Tournament in Waterville last weekend.

“This group of girls has been together for six years,” said Donovan, whose daughter, Lillie, is a member of the team. “They all started together back when they were six years old and now it’s their final year of Little League and they’ve developed into a pretty talented little group.”

The Tigers, who beat Kennebunk 9-4 to win District 4, are one of five teams competing in the double-elimination State Tournament. The winner will advance to the Little League Softball Eastern Regional Tournament being held July 20-28 in Bristol, Connecticut.

“Basically every team that’s in Bar Harbor is either undefeated or a champion at some level,” said Donovan. “It’s tough play and it’s going to be tough to win up there.

“We’re representing York County at this point and quite honestly usually the most competitive play is from Portland south. Typically the State Champion comes out of either Portland, Biddeford or Saco, somewhere around here. We have a lot more kids to choose from than the smaller towns up north.”

The Tigers have mainly leaned on three players as their catalysts. Katie Stewart has been the ace on the mound with a 10-0 record while Brook Davis has been rock-solid behind the plate. Grace Martin solidifies the infield at the shortstop position.

“For me, this has been the most rewarding season I have been involved with,” said Donovan, a coach for six years and the League President for two.

“This is my daughter’s final year and she has finally flourished and gone from being always kind of being the worst player on the team to being one of the top players. From a parent point-of-view, that’s been rewarding.

“As a coach, my first few years in the league I always had the 0-12 team and we were always getting beat up and kind of the laughing stock. Now being the undefeated powerhouse that’s a good feeling.”

— Contact Mark Jeanneret at 282-1535, Ext. 323.