The Republic-Times Team of the Week is the Valmeyer Junior High School softball team. The Pirates advanced to the SIJHSAA Class S state tournament in Coulterville this past weekend, dropping its opening game to Crab Orchard to end the season at 15-8. Valmeyer topped Steeleville, 11-6, on Sept. 22 to win the regional title and advance to state. The team posted wins over Prairie du Rocher and New Athens to advance to the regional final. Pictured with the regional trophy, front row, from left, are Hannah Gideon, Brooke Miller, Kylie Eschmann, Mia McSchooler, Ariana Gibbs, Elizabeth DeLuca, Nicole Engelman, Payton Simoley and Kate Lueck; second row: assistant coach Chris Voelker, coach Tim Schmidt, Aspen Schmidt, Markee Voelker, Lydia Henerfauth, Sierra Hohnbaum, Greta Kohnz, Sophie Seidler, Jordan Vest, Gracie Kohler, Josie Reeves, Bella McCarthy and head coach Gayle McCarthy; back row: coaches JJ Jakimauskis and Dwayne Wilson. (submitted photo)