The Newtown Hawks 10U baseball team advanced to the Elite 8 of the Cal Ripken World Series in Vincennes, Ind., the deepest any Newtown team has gone in the World Series in more than 20 years, Hawks coaches said.

The Hawks opened pool play with a 6-0 shutout of the host team, led by Jacob Steeves’s five strikeouts, Joey Skura’s two-hit, two-run day, and an RBI single from Chase Pacuk. They followed with a 7-2 win over Booneville, Mo., behind Brayden Andrews’ seven strikeouts and two hits, Maverick Levy’s three strikeouts in relief, and a single and run scored from Parker Esposito.

In a 5-0 loss to Puerto Rico, Grayson Kohlasch struck out three batters and had a late single, Austin Rekos pitched a clean sixth, and Luke Dobson hustled for a bunt hit. Pool play closed with a 5-4 heartbreaker to Crown Point, a game in which James Otis reached base twice and scored, Jack Fregoe steadied the defense in left, and Andrews doubled and stole a base.

Bracket play opened with one of the most dramatic games of the tournament — an 8-7 extra-inning victory over Mexico. The matchup had everything: clutch hits, defensive grit, and high drama under the lights. Maverick Levy delivered the biggest swings of the night with a bases-clearing double and a triple, driving in four runs to keep Newtown in front. Brayden Andrews reached base three times, stole key bags, and ultimately scored the winning run in extra innings. And with the game on the line, Austin Rekos ripped the game-winning double to right field, sealing the Hawks’ spot in the Elite 8. In a pressure-packed atmosphere, the team members carried themselves with maturity and poise well beyond their years.

Their run ended the following night against a powerful South Lexington team in a 6-0 loss, but not without a fight. Andrews battled on the mound and reached base with a walk, Steeves added a single, and Dobson chipped in with a sharp hit as Newtown fought to the very last out.

Several Hawks earned Player of the Game honors during the series, including Joey Skura, Austin Rekos, Brayden Andrews (twice), Maverick Levy, Luke Dobson, and Jacob Steeves. Skura also received a Golden Glove award for his work behind the plate.

The Hawks’ historic run to the Elite 8 not only showcased their talent but also their resilience and sportsmanship, leaving their mark on the biggest stage in Cal Ripken baseball.