Eights are great!

Coach Arik Van Zandt and the team hoist the championship banner in Seattle.

The 2019 IBC 8U Purple team continued a terrific season by winning the prestigious and very contentious Art Wright Memorial Day Tournament.

The 8U team defeated New Level Xtreme, 4-0, in the championship game on Memorial Day to take the title.

"Pitching and defense set the tone for our team the entire weekend," 8U Purple manager Arik Van Zandt said.

"It was really fun to see the kids increase their focus once we hit the semis and final game. For many -- if not all -- of the kids, it was their first time being in a championship situation. 

"I am very proud of how they played and also very impressed with the level of competition at the 8U level in this very well-organized tournament."