As hot as it already was, the Pittsburgh Power's 12U Sullivan softball team turned up the heat even more on its opponents.

The squad competed in the USSSA Eastern National World Series last month in Salisbury, Md., earning the title after winning all 10 of its games over a four-day period.

A total of 73 teams competed in the tournament.

“The first day of the tournament, the air temperature was 102 degrees,” said Power coach Shannon Sullivan. “Our first game was on turf and the temperature on the field was 30 degrees hotter. The girls showed such determination and heart. Not only were they dealing with the elements, but we were also playing very good teams we had never faced before.

“They looked at each game as a challenge and we felt they had the skills to do it.”

The Power were made up of 12 players from the Greater Pittsburgh area, including Cranberry Township resident Mia Ryan.

Despite being the youngest player on the team, Ryan played very well and was chosen as the tournament's Defensive MVP.

“She played third base,” said Sullivan. “Her glove and defensive skills saved more than one game for us. She is a very accurate thrower and was also very dependable for us on offense as our No. 2 hitter.”

“I was shocked when I won the award, but I was proud of the way I played,” said Ryan. “It felt great to win the championship. We all worked together to win those games.”

Most of the girls on Power's roster placed second at the 2015 10U Eastern World Series. The team qualified for this year's event by winning an indoor tournament in New Castle in March.

Except for a four-week break from mid-July to mid-August, the Power plays year-round.

“Playing softball is all these girls want to do. This isn't for everybody,” said team representative Heather Haller, “but we make it fun for the girls. The coaches never make them feel like they can't love softball. The girls are different sizes, but their passion for the game is the same.”

Spending so much time with each other has created strong bonds within the team.

“When we go to tournaments and get some down time, there's not just two girls off by themselves. It's all 12. They call each other softball sisters.”

That continuity undoubtedly had an affect on the team's incredible run over the past year, which included a 74-2 record and capturing the title in nine of 11 tournaments.

“We're really proud of the girls,” said Haller. “Most of them are getting ready for the fall season, which begins next weekend.”

As for Ryan, she makes her feelings on the sport very clear.

“I'm into playing softball all the time,” she said. “It's pretty much my life.”