Aidan Julia Jane Owens, 12, of Manhasset, was named the All-Around Champion Age 11-12 in the local Manhasset Pitch, Hit & Run Competition held in May by the Manhasset Baseball League. She was also Manhasset's 11-12 Hit Champion.

She then represented Manhasset in the Sectional Competition held in Garden City in June. She was the only girl to compete at that level in five years, explained Ms. Sandy Young of Garden City Recreation, who ran the sectional competition. About 64 boys from throughout Nassau County also competed that day.

The kids hit baseballs for distance and accuracy; pitched baseballs for accuracy; and ran bases for time. Owens placed fourth overall in the 11-12 competition and looks forward to participating again next year.

Aidan Owens plays on Bob Hart's Williamsport softball team during the summer, and looks forward to playing for Manhasset Middle School in the fall. "I hope more girls will be there next year," she said. "It's a fun way to test your skills against players throughout the county. I'll urge my softball teammates to give it a try, and hope that the coaches will, too."

The Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition is open to girls and boys age 7 to 14. It culminates in national finals on a major league playing field.