The Marquette Major Little League All-Star softball team (age 10-12) fell behind 4-0 in their state tournament opener on Thursday against Taylor North. The girls rallied late, but came up short, 4-2, in downstate Schoolcraft.
Taylor scored two runs in the first inning and added an unearned run in the third inning. A fourth run came home on a groundout in the fourth inning.
With two innings left to play, Marquette battled back.
In the fiffh inning, Ellyn Mohrman led off with a single and scored on a hit by Kaelyn Anderson. Then Kaelyn Hongisto bunted and the Taylor catcher couldn't handle it, and then Hazel Nyberg put down a nice bunt to bring home Andersom.
It was a 4-2 game at that point, but two strikeouts ended the threat.
Marquette had one more chance in the top of the sixth inning. With one oui, Lucy Dellangelo drew a walk, and Anna Tesonavich got a bunt single to put two on. But Jaelyn Gusfason struck out swinging to end the game.
Paige Buckmaster and Kaelyn Hongisto shared pitching duties for Marquette, with each allowing two runs.
Marquette faces Clare Friday night at 6:30 as pool play continues.
