Sterling tops California; advances to semifinals

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Sterling 11- and 12-year-old All-Stars turned into ready for prime-time players Monday at the Little League Softball World Series, topping Grand Terrace, Calif.,5-0 in the final game of pool play to advance to today's semifinals, which will be broadcast live in ESPN2. Stephanie Kester pitched a complete game, allowing seven hits while striking out six and walking none. Sterling led 1-0 until it scored four runs in the sixth. Mackenzie Staples had two hits, including a two-run double, and stole two bases. Brooke Hendricks also had two hits and an RBI for Sterling, which plays Robbinsville (N.J.) Little League today at 6 p.m. for the right to go to the championship game Wednesday. For complete Little League World Series Softball coverage, pick up today's Gazette or Telegraph.