A local girl’s softball team is heading to nationals at the end of July.
But as KAWC’s Stephanie Sanchez reports they first have to beat the heat.
In recent weeks, Arizona’s record breaking temperatures have soared as high as 119 degrees.
Due to the extreme heat warnings, planes were grounded at airports, residents limited or canceled their outdoor activities and some even tested their culinary skills by cooking eggs outside.
The triple digit heat is nothing new to Yumans, but the Yuma Stars girls softball team had a longer season this year since they qualified for the USSSA nationals in Riverside.
10-year old Aliana Padilla said her team still practices 3 times a week.
'It’s hot but that’s how we play because it’s also hot in the games, so we get used to it," Padilla said.
Yuma Stars head coach David Padilla said there are days the heat is too much to bear and he has to cancel practice.
"We want the girls strong and teach them about commitment and teamwork," he said. "But we also don’t want to hurt anybody.”
The team will be playing in Los Angeles at the end of July where the average temperature runs about 72 degrees.
Padilla said that gives them a distinct advantage.
"Our girls are used to playing in the heat, they’re used to playing in the sun, being uncomfortable, sweaty and they’re able to dig it out and find that strength to keep playing," he said.
The team is raising money for their trip. For more information, visit their Facebook page at Yuma Stars.