International Falls’ 11-12 year old Little League Softball team won the state tournament Sunday in Chanhassen and will now play this weekend in the Central Regional in Carthage, Mo.
International Falls’ All-Star team — made up of players from Littlefork, Big Falls and International Falls — lost the first game at state Friday to Chanhassen, but rebounded with a win Saturday and Sunday to advance to the Central Regional.
The state of Minnesota has four districts, but only District 4 (I. Falls) and District 1 (Chanhassen) sent teams to the state tournament.
The Falls lost 20-10 in four innings Friday under the lights before winning 14-4 in four innings Saturday. The Falls gave up three runs in the first inning Saturday, but Larissa Good surrendered only one run the rest of the way to pick up the complete game victory.
On Sunday, playing on back-to-back days in sweltering heat, International Falls won 21-14, but it wasn’t easy as Chanhassen sprinted out to a 7-0 lead in the first inning. It was 7-3 after the first and International Falls capped the comeback by leading 21-14 heading into the top of the sixth.
“We hit the crap out of the ball,” International Falls head coach Evan Amdahl said, noting Ashley Jonson led the way with three doubles.
Chanhassen loaded the bases with one out in the top of the sixth, but Good snagged a line drive at second base and threw to first to end the game on a double play. Amanda Nelson, who came on in relief in the first inning, picked up the win.
“That was pretty exciting,” Amdahl said.
International Falls opens Central Regional play on Saturday against Missouri. The round robin format continues with games against Illinois, Ohio and North/South Dakota. There are 13 teams in the regional and the winner advances to the Little League World Series.
There will be a send-off for the International Falls squad at 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Hardee’s. The bus plans to leave around 10 p.m.
