Salisbury celebrates Rowan Little League's softball World Series title

SALISBURY, N.C. — Congratulations to the Rowan County softball team on its Little League Softball World Series Championship!

The girls defeated Eastbank Little League from River Ridge, Louisiana, 4-1 on Wednesday night at Alenrose Stadium in Portland, Oregon, to capture their second championship in four years.

In 2015, Rowan topped Warwick Little League, from Rhode Island, by a score of 4-2.

Rowan came out swinging, scoring three times in the first inning and adding another run in the second.

Campbell Schaen made that early lead stand up, striking out nine batters en route to her fifth victory in the tournament.

[RELATED: Local softball team heads to Little League Softball World Series]

The girls defeated Oregon 3-2 in extra innings during Tuesday night’s semifinal game to make the finals.

The town of Salisbury threw a big homecoming for the girls, who returned Thursday night.

The fire and police departments escorted the team through town to Community Park.

The team's plane was greeted at Charlotte Douglas International Airport with water cannons and cheers.

The Catawba College football team also joined in the celebration.

Coach Curtis Walker said the team decided to do a practice walk-through to be able to support its community.

"We just wanted to come out to support some champions. Knowing Coach Yang and his crew, it was very exciting to know that they won," Walker said.

The celebrations continued Saturday morning with a parade down North Main Street in Salisbury.

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People lined the street, cheering on the Rowan Little League Softball team.

The players told Channel 9 all the love has made their championship even more special.

"It's really amazing to know how people actually watch and support you," player Campbell Schaen said.

"It's cool, but weird in the same way because you feel famous and it's different for me," player Emma Cline said.

Cox Media Group