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The Sweetwater Valley Little League 12U all-star team returned from the 2026 Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa. not with a championship banner but with a lot of once-in-a-lifetime memories. The team was hosted Saturday at Novo Brazil in Otay Ranch Town Center at an official welcome home celebration following championship performances at the California District 42, California Section 7, Southern California state and Little League World Series West Region tournaments. Fans had a chance to grab a photo or autograph with team members or purchase swag as part of a fundraiser at Saturday’s event.
Photos by Jon Bigornia
Curacao, Japan finish on top in Little League World Series finale
The 2026 Little League World Series wrapped up on Sunday with a pair of international teams scoring top honors. International division winner Curacao defeated United States division winner Henderson, Nev. from the Southwest region, 11-2, in the championship game while Japan shaded Hamilton, Ohio, representing the Great Lakes region, 3-2, in the third place consolation game.
Twenty teams — 10 from the United States and 10 international teams — participated in this year’s event in South Williamsport, Pa.
