MALL takes Section 7 title

Tyler Takeda/The Madera Tribune

The Madera American Little League 12-year-old All-Star team celebrates with the Section 7 banner after capturing the championship following a 4-3 victory Saturday over Arvin. The All-Stars will next play in Stockton for the State Championship.

---

On the anniversary of one of Madera American Little League’s biggest supporter’s passing, the 12-year-old All-Star team made Mike Molina proud with a 4-3 victory over Arvin to capture the league’s second Section 7 title in league history.

“Mike coached a lot of these kids,” manager Steve Gallegos said. “If he was here, it would be me and him coaching with his boys. It’s a bittersweet day. He’s an angel in the outfield for us. This is all for him.”

Molina, who formed the South County Colts and was a longtime Madera American board member and coach, as well as an advocate for Madera youth sports, passed away three years ago Saturday and his former team held a travel tournament in his honor last week. However, on the same weekend, three of his sons had another game to play — the Section 7 Championship.