The Lake Norman Little League All-Stars have taken another step toward joining 20 teams in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, later this summer for the Little League World Series.

The team of 10- to 12-year-olds defeated South Durham Little League 11-8 on Friday to win the North Carolina Little League state championship and advance to the Southeast Region tournament Aug. 6-11 in Warner Robins, Georgia.

Lake Norman took a 2-1 lead in the first inning before South Durham tied the game in the second. Lake Norman then erupted for seven runs on four hits in the third inning, including a two-run single by infielder Jack Caldwell. Starting pitcher Brayden Best, who finished a triple shy of hitting for the cycle, added a two-run home run in the fourth inning to extend the lead to 11-2.

South Durham stormed back in the sixth inning with five runs on five hits but fell short, giving Lake Norman the victory.

Best earned the win, while Cameron Treffiletti and Colton Palladino pitched in relief.

The victory marks back-to-back state championships for Lake Norman, a feat accomplished only eight other times in state history.

“Proud of our kids’ commitment,” manager Josh Knipp said. “Every one of them could play travel ball exclusively, but the players and parents saw the value of being part of something local, and that is special.”

Lake Norman advances to the Southeast Region tournament to face teams from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The regional champion advances to the Little League World Series and will have an opportunity to represent the United States in the championship game Aug. 30.