The 9th Annual Billy Kayser-Alicia Brady Memorial Tournament wrapped up with championship games and closing ceremonies Wednesday on the Pearl River Little League Fields at the Anderson Field Complex in Orangeburg.
The tournament is held in memory of former Pearl River Little Leaguers Billy Kayser and Alicia Brady, both of whom lost their lives in automobile accidents, with baseball and softball brackets for teams of players ages nine and 10.
"We want to thank all of you for caring about Billy and Alicia, to do this for us and the many children who play in our tournament," said Diane Kayser, Billy's mother, "Having Billy and Alicia forgotten is one of our worst fears. You are all proof that their light will continue shining."
Nanuet held off a Pearl River rally to win the softball title for the second consecutive year, 6-4. Winning pitcher Katie Van Schaick and Meredith Lee each contributed two-run singles for Nanuet. Mary Borkoski scored Pearl River's first run on an error and drove in the fourth with a sacrifice fly.
"We epitomized a team from one to 12," Nanuet Manager Brian Condon said. "I could not be prouder to be associated with these young ladies."
The Nanuet team presented Brady's mother with flowers during the closing ceremonies.
"Let me say what an honor it is to be a part of such a wonderful tournament," Pearl River Manager Anthony Esposito said. "It was a learning experience, an eye-opening experience. It left a lot of memories.
"I've got 11 girls I could not be prouder of. We had a battle on our hands again with Nanuet and they were the better team tonight."
West Nyack edged defending champion Suffern, 3-2, to win the baseball title. The West Nyack players gave Diane Kayser a baseball signed by the team and a group hug.
The organizers of the tournament gave John Thompson of Nanuet a baseball signed by former New York Yankee David Cone in recognition of his work in covering the tournament.
Diane Kayser thanked the teams, the organizing committee and the volunteers who keep the tournament running.
"The Kayser and Brady families as well as the tournament committee would like to thank you for participating in the Billy Kayser-Alicia Brady Tournament," Diane Kayser said. "Our hope is that you have learned a little bit about both Alicia and Billy and their love for sports, family and friends. They were both wonderful kids. It never ceases to amaze us how many people are willing to devote so much of their time and energy to keep their memories alive."
