ALACHUA, Fla. — As one of the youngest teams at the Babe Ruth Softball 12U World Series, Washington was simply happy to be considered among the best teams in the country, entering the competition with a nothing-to-lose attitude after an all-star season full of success and growing pains.

What began as a season destined for development and chemistry building ended at softball’s biggest stage in Alachua, a good sign for what future has in store. If anything, Washington gained valuable experience.

“Before the World Series we did not know what to expect,” said head coach Franz Holscher. “After scouting a few games, my goal was for us to win two games. I didn’t really expect us to advance from pool play. As they have done from the beginning the girls exceeded our expectations. Pitching, catching, and defense were our strengths. It was truly a great experience.”

Competing against the weather, up against quality squads, the team finished pool play on Sunday with a 2-1 record, enough to qualify for the double-elimination bracket stage. But the beginning stage didn’t come without adversity.

Washington dropped the tournament opener to Prairie Village, Ky., 8-3, and was held to just five hits. With Prairie Village leading 1-0 at the end of three innings, the team’s offense came alive, posting five runs on three walks, a fielder’s choice and two singles. Washington pulled to within three runs in the bottom half of the frame, but couldn’t close. For Washington, Cameron Rose led the way with two hits.

The North Carolina Eastern Division state runner-ups shook off the difficult start and came back in the second game of pool play with a decisive 10-1 victory over Sparta, N.J. Pitchers Hannah Daniel and Savanna Craft combined to throw a one-hitter, striking out 10 and walking just three. At the plate, Sydney O’Neal, Cierra Linton and Craft recorded two hits and one RBI apiece in a winning effort.

In the final game of pool play on Sunday, Washington erased an early deficit to come back and beat Hamilton, N.J., 4-2, locking up a place in the bracket. Down 1-0 entering the third inning, an error, a single from Grace Paszt, a walk and a single from Rose gave Washington a 2-1 lead. The 12U All-Stars posted runs in the fourth and fifth innings to seal a hard-earned win. Hannah Davis picked up the win, tossing five innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits. She finished with seven strikeouts. Kipper Case scored a run and proved to be a threat on the base paths.

In Round 1 of bracket play, Washington met a familiar foe in neighboring Pitt County, the same team that defeated the 12U All-Stars in the Eastern Division title game. Unfortunately for Washington, revenge would not be in the cards, as Pitt County powered its way to a 6-0 shutout. O’Neal and Mary Emma Holscher had the only two hits for Washington in the loss. Pitt County scored all six of its runs in the fourth and final inning to secure the win.

Despite the crippling blow, Washington followed the loss with another shellacking of Sparta, winning the second round game, 7-0. Craft pitched another gem, limiting the opponent to just two hits and two walks, finishing with nine strikeouts. Both Holscher and Rose notched two hits and an RBI, while five other players for Washington finished with base knocks.

Washington’s run came to an end against perennial World Series representative Fern Creek, Ky., which held Washington to three hits in a 5-0 loss — singles by Rose, Daniel and Jenna McHargue.

“Tournament officials awarded Rose, Daniel (twice), Craft, Holscher and McHargue World Series (individual) game MVPs,” Holscher said. “Emma Tucker caught all the innings pitched by Craft and O’Neal caught all the innings pitched by Daniel.”

With the 3-3-tournament record, Washington closes out an impressive all-star season with a 13-7 record. Looking ahead, the team has the possibility of returning all but two of its 10 players.

“We will miss Rose and Paszt when they move up to 14U next year,” Holscher said. “Hopefully the other eight girls will return to play 12U again next year. In any event, I am confident that we will be very strong next year with higher expectations.  We would like to thank the community for all the support we have received.”