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A pair of Montgomery County softball rivals competed in Litchfield on Tuesday, May 7, but the teams joined each other before the game to recognize one young Hillsboro resident who is battling a rare disease.

The game between the Hillsboro Hiltoppers and Litchfield Purple Panthers was dubbed the Grace Game in honor of Grace Herschelman, the seven-year-old daughter of Kyle and Mary Herschelman. Grace was diagnosed with a disorder called Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy, more commonly known as INAD. Children with the disorder experience difficulty in developing motor and intellectual skills and, in some cases, regress in their development.

Before the game began, Kyle Herschelman thanked everyone in attendance for their support, stating that their family has been blessed to receive so much support from the surrounding communities. To learn more about Grace and to follow her journey, visit the website, a-grace-filled-journey.blogspot.com.

The Hiltoppers defeated Litchfield five innings by a final score of 16-3.