FROM STAFF REPORTS

Chelsea&8217;s 6-and-under all-stars took home fourth place in the recent National Softball Association state tournament in Athens, finishing the highest of 11 teams from Shelby County.

Chelsea and Oak Mountain youth sports had three teams in the tournament, while Pelham had two teams. Alabaster, Columbiana and Helena each had one team competing.

Pelham&8217;s 12-and-under team is the first all-star team the city has had in four years. Some of the all-star teams were named from only two teams in the age division, such as the Pelham 10-and-under team.

While there was only one team taking home a semifinal trophy, many were just glad to be there.

&8220;No one ever expected us to place second in our area. It&8217;s not everyday that you get to play this long,&8221; said Chelsea&8217;s 8-and-under coach Jessup Standifer