The Capital Area Cyclones had a pretty impressive season on the softball diamond.

So much so that the local 10 and under all-star team not only qualified for the Babe Ruth World Series that begins this week in Jensen Beach, Fla., but they did it twice.

That’s right, the group earned an automatic bid when they won the Londonderry Memorial Day tournament, but just for good measure, they won the New England regional title, which is also an automatic qualifier.

“I want to see where New Hampshire stands against some of the better teams down South,” said Coach Chad Duford.

Heading down to Florida, the girls own a 28-1 record this season – their lone loss coming against the Connecticut state champion in the first game of pool play at the New England regionals.

“We only had a handful of close games,” Duford said. “Based on what I knew of the other teams, I knew we’d be one of the best teams in New Hampshire.”

Don’t worry, though, the Cyclones got a little payback with a win over that very same Connecticut team in the semifinals – one of five straight victories to capture the tournament crown. In the championship game, they trailed 5-1 to the Connecticut state runner-up before roaring back for a 9-7 win.

“Before we played the first game at regionals, I told them to be proud of what they’ve accomplished,” Duford said. “After that loss, they played like rockstars.”

They won every tournament they entered – which included a New Hampshire state championship – and will head down to the World Series with a lot of confidence.

Eight of the 12 girls actually qualified for the 8U World Series two summers ago, but as a group the parents decided not to take the team that year. So the goal has been to earn a trip this year.

“We decided two years ago, if we qualified again, we were going,” Duford said.

The team was selected last fall and had eight winter workout sessions before the start of the rec league regular season.

All summer they’ve been playing tournaments and practicing a couple nights a week – working toward a good showing at the World Series.

Once in Florida, the girls will play two three-inning scrimmages wearing customized USA jerseys before the real action begins Friday.

As of last week, Duford was unsure of the team’s schedule, but each game will be broadcast on the Babe Ruth Network, sbworldseries.com. You will also be able to find out more info there.

So far, the team is five for five in tournaments this year.

“Hopefully we can make it six for six,” Duford said.