TUCSON, Arizona — Pat McCumber coaches several girls who won last year’s Arizona Softball Tournament aged 8-10. She won the 11-12 year old group again this year.

His star player is the starting pitcher, who happens to be his daughter, Hattie McCumber.

“Sometimes it’s fun,” said Hattie. “Sometimes he’s a little tough, but that’s what gets me to this level and that’s what gets my team to this level.”

“We have a great relationship,” said McCumber. “Sometimes when I’m in coach mode, she looks at me like her dad.”

The Wilcox team is currently in San Bernardino, Calif., playing for Arizona in the Little League West Regional Tournament, so it’s working.

“We are proud to be from Wilcox,” Pat said. “The community has been absolutely amazing to us in terms of donations, support and wishes.

In Wilcox’s first regional game against a Nevada team, Hattie went no-hitter to win 8–0.

“My defense was great,” Hattie said. “They cheered me on. I love them so much.”

Wilcox is now in the semifinals and will face the Los Angeles team on Wednesday, when the game will air on ESPN+.

“If I can perform like I did last time, I have a chance,” said Pat McCumber.

The Cochise County team is two wins away from the Little League Softball World Series, thanks in part to a father-daughter duo.

“We’re always thinking about what we’ll look like when we get to the next level,” said McCumber. “So far, our girls have looked competitive at every level we’ve been to. We can’t wait to see what challenges lie ahead.”