CARTHAGE, Mo. - The Harney All-Stars of Rapid City closed out their Little League Softball Central Region Tournament run with a fourth straight loss, 11-1, against Kansas on Thursday, but Harney coach Dave Johnson still found reason to be pleased with his team's effort.
"Was I happy with the result? No," Johnson said. "I was pleased with the way we played.
"I finally saw the Harney team that won the chance to play here," he said. "They were fired up, but we were overmatched."
Kansas scored five runs in the third, then added three runs each in the third and fourth frames to put the game away. Kansas scored 11 runs on 10 hits and committed three errors.
Harney was held hitless, but Emily Witcraft scored Rapid City's lone run on a walk, a couple of passed balls and an overthrow.
"We put the ball in play, but right at them," Johnson said.
Abbie Wahl took the pitching loss for Harney, which committed three errors. Rapid City finishes tourney pool play at 0-4, and will start the return trip today.
Only the top two teams in each of three pools advance to the playoff round, which starts today.
"We're young. Hopefully we can make the trip next year," Johnson said.
