SAXONBURG — Nick Reiser and his coaching staff felt it was time to issue a challenge.

The Saxonburg 13-year-old Pony League team is responding.

The 11-member team begins play in the seven-team Pony World Series regional in Boardman, Ohio. today after winning its district tournament last week.

Saxonburg takes on the Broadview (Ohio) Eagles at 12:30 p.m. today. The top two teams emerging from the double-elimination tournament this weekend will compete in the Pony Zone Tournament next weekend at Graham Park in Cranberry Township.

That survivor heads to the Pony League World Series in Whittier, California.

“I’ve been with these kids since they were 7 or 8 years old,” head coach Reiser said. “For the past couple of years, we’ve played in some AAU tournaments, looking to get them involved in more competitive baseball.

“This year, we felt they were ready to make this move into the Quad County League.”

Saxonburg had played in the Allegheny River League (ARL) prior to this season. The team finished 9-5 and in third place in Quad County League play.

“Pitching has been the key for us,” assistant coach and team statistician Pete McMillen said. “Our hitting has been up and down, but the pitching has been consistent. We’ve got two kids who have been outstanding.”

Blaise Voltz struck out 10 and tossed a one-hitter in defeating Kiski in the district semifinals. Gavin Phillips struck out 13 in defeated Butler Township in the finals.

Reiser said Phillips throws “a knuckleball that he has good command of”along with a fastball and slider. He added that Voltz “keeps the ball down and doesn’t walk anybody.”

Saxonburg’s team batting average is approximately .350. Its overall record is 18-8-1. The team reached the semifinals of the Penn Hills Tournament earlier this season, playing against 14-year-old teams.

“We can compete against the best teams out there — or we can lose two in a row and be out,” Reiser said of this weekend. “It’s whether we pitch well, hit well ... The kids know that. They also know what they’re capable of.

“It’s a new adventure for us. We’ll see if we can rise to the challenge.”

Joining Phillips and Voltz on the team are catcher Tyler Buterbaugh, first baseman-pitcher Rocky Kopac, second baseman Braden Clark, third baseman Zach McMillen, left fielder Keagan Fraser, outfielder Zach Wilson, outfielder-catcher Eli Reese, outfielder-catcher Brady Collins and center fielder Isaiah Sybert.

“These kids have jelled really well together,” assistant coach Josh Phillips said. “They not only enjoy playing baseball on the ball field, they enjoy each other’s company as friends away from baseball.”