MARYSVILLE The Stilly Valley Falcons enjoyed a long run in the Strawberry Tournament, playing five games en route to the consolation game.
The Falcons fell there to Sky Valley, 3-0.
Their journey included a perfect 3-0 record in their pool to qualify for the tournament playoffs, with a 4-3 win over Walkers Coffee Company. That victory ensured the opportunity to play for a trophy, whether for first in the championship game or third in the consolation game.
A 3-0 loss to the South Everett Red Sox in their next playoff game, unfortunately, made it the latter.
Falcons manager Scott Kolling said he and his players didnt find the loss as disappointing, however, relating a tournament anecdote. The Marysville National team Pepsi won in a forfeit in the tournament pool play and were just looking for a chance to play. With a shortage of players to give Pepsi a non-tourney game, Kolling and the Red Sox combined to give Pepsi a scrimmage.
It was cool because it was a big rival game, and by the time it was over, they were good friends, Kolling said of the teams dugout bonding. And then a week later, we were playing against each other for the championship (appearance).
Kolling added praise for the Strawberry Tournament, which draws second- and third-place teams from area Little League squads. (Leagues first-place teams almost always go on to play in tournaments of champions.)
We are just excited to see the kids get out and get recognized against other teams, Mill Creek, and other teams, the Marysville-area resident said.
Being from Marysville, it was ironic to win in games against a Marysville team (Walkers Coffee Company), Kolling added of his teams most hotly contested game, one that the Falcons won after two extra innings. We might have taken a little wind out of our sails.
The consolation game against Sky Valley was the Falcons last of the Little League calendar. Players now look forward to the all-star season, which begins June 28. Teams were announced June 16 after the Globe and Times went to press.