Dover’s 8U Stars Capture State Title
The Dover Cal Ripken 8U baseball team captured the New Hampshire state championship on Tuesday, defeating Exeter 9‑4 in a decisive final. The squad entered the state tournament without a loss, having won all five of its games, a testament to disciplined play and relentless effort.
Head coach Jordan Anderson praised the players for turning their first all‑star experience into a memorable milestone, noting that the championship was as much about camaraderie as it was about skill.
Among the standout performers, Preston Mathien led the offense with a batting average of .833, while Elliott Anderson, Amari LaFleur, Nolan McGann and Oliver Royer contributed key hits throughout the series.
A Journey to New England
The team’s next challenge will be the New England Regional tournament, scheduled to begin on July 25 in Freetown, Massachusetts, where they will face champions from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine.
Dover’s opening match in the regional bracket is set against Marlboro, a team that advanced through its own state competition.
Coach Anderson emphasized that the experience of competing on a larger stage will provide invaluable lessons, and that the players are focused on creating lasting memories together.