The Newtown Babe Ruth Softball 10-and-under All Stars and Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball 9-and-under All Stars are heading on to bigger and better things this week.

The 10s are leaving Thursday (after press time) for Milford, New Hampshire, to compete in the Babe Ruth New England Regional Tournament. Their first game will be Friday, July 25, against the New Hampshire state champions from Rochester.

First, the Hawks had to take care of business and split a doubleheader with Prospect.

In the first game the Hawks pulled out a 2-1 victory behind an exceptional pitching performance by Kate Bowen. Bowen faced 15 batters, striking out 10 while allowing no walks. Ally Modzelewski ripped a single for the Hawks and scored both runs to lead the offensive attack. Rachael Ruiz and Taylor Johnson also collected singles for Newtown. Johnson made two nice defensive plays at second, and Brooke Fell played well at first while Ruiz caught an outstanding game for Newtown.

In the twilight game, the Hawks fell 14-5. Stephanie Sanchez pitched two terrific innings for the Hawks as she struck out four and walked none. Bowen made a great catch at shortstop while catcher Ruiz made an outstanding play on a bunt attempt. Kelly Burton, Paige Woodhouse and Modzelewski each banged out singles for Newtown. Jackie Kissack scored a run to aid the Newtown cause.

Meanwhile, the Nines will began their run at a state championship on Wednesday night in a 7:45 pm contest with Cheshire under the lights at Rogers Park in Danbury. Games were to follow on Thursday and Friday (both at 5:45 pm) and if the locals won at least two of those, they would advance to the single-elimination round over the weekend.