MISSOULA, MT (MPG) – A run that left the Colusa Area Little League Senior All-Star Softball team as one the remaining four in the Western Regional ended on July 23, when it suffered a 1-13 loss to host Missoula.
Opening the tournament by going 2-2 in pool play with victories over Nevada and Colorado and losses to Missoula and Hawaii, Colusa got off to a fast start in bracket play by crushing Oregon 22-8 and then edging a second Montana team 6-5.
Yet, it was not to be, as the NorCal champions could not avenge their earlier loss to the hometown Missoula squad and as a result saw their season come to an end.
But despite the setback, this group of players, making its second straight appearance in the regionals under manager Lisa Miller and coaches Tony Garofalo and Heather Nall, still did themselves and Colusa proud as Miller explained.
“I have coached most of these girls since tee-ball and I could tell that there was something specials about them,” Miller said. “You can put them in any situation and they will battle no matter what. Seeing them grow into amazing athletes and great leaders is what coaching is all about. I am so proud of each one of them. They left it all on the field in Montana and that’s all we asked of them.”
This years’ squad included: Leyla Avera, Marlie Berry, Ava Garcia, Maci Garofalo, Mallori Garofalo, Abril Guzman, Peyton Miller, Cece Mitchum, Kennedy Nall, Cindel Oliver, Bella Romero, Braelyn Santana, Elli Santana and Natalee Stegall.