WILLIAMSPORT, P.A. (Dakota News Now) – The Sioux Falls Little League Team is representing the midwest region in Williamsport for the Little League World Series and after a tough loss in Wednesday night’s opener, they look to bounce back.

On Thursday, the team took some batting practice to get ready for their next game, but that still left them with some downtime to relax for the first time on the trip.

The team has been embracing life on the road. Two weeks away from home playing baseball is a vacation not many get to be a part of.

“Having fun with the teammates and playing on the best field I’m ever going to play on in my life,” said Kinnick Noble, who plays pitcher, catcher and shortstop.

An off day in Williamsport gave them the chance to spend even more time with their families. Some weren’t able to reunite with their families until the opening ceremony.

“It felt good seeing my family again, especially in the stands cheering for you. After the game, we went to the wiffle bat part to play wiffle ball and we went to spend time with family,” said second baseman, Kennyel Flores.

“It’s been super weird not seeing your house for a long time and not seeing your siblings and family and pets and stuff, but it’s also been just to have fun with teammates,” Noble said.

The parents relished in the memories they were making in Pennsylvania, especially since the boys playing better would mean making more sacrifices to be there for them.

It’s something they’re more than willing to do for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. But it not only causes an even greater financial burden, but it has also been a lot to plan for.

“The game is the game, but after the game, there’s so much more else going on. You’re trying to coordinate our whole family getting here, my in-laws are trying to come, my parents are coming this weekend. I have an older daughter that’s going to go to college here next week, so we’re trying to get her here just to reunite our family for the first time in weeks,” said Jacob Wurth, whose son Sam plays for the team.

Despite a loss on Wednesday, the Sioux Falls team is focused on bouncing back, but in the meantime, they will continue to make time for family before they come home.

“I’ve watched the Little League World Series since I was twelve years old and, you know, we’ve watched it on TV all the time and so it’s kind of like they say, it’s a dream come true. Think of all the things you’re trying to do to get here, not only is the kid, but just to see it through his eyes is about the most amazing thing a parent can do,” Wurth expressed.

One of the games that players, coaches and families watched together before they got some more family time on Thursday night was the game between the Metro Region and the Mountain Region because that determined their opponent on Saturday.

Sioux Falls will take on the losing team from Thursday, the Metro Region who represent Staten Island, New York, at 3:00 p.m. Central.

If you would like to support the team financially, you can send money via Venmo @SFLL2024.

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