BELGRADE — With an unprecedented fourth-straight Class A state title hanging in the balance, the Polson Lady Pirates softball team came just short of making history this weekend, falling 2-1 in a heartbreaking extra-innings championship game loss to archrival Frenchtown.

“That championship game, we were so close,” said head coach Larry Smith.

“We had some miscues - one in the seventh that we paid for, and another in the eighth,” Smith said, referring to an error that allowed the game to slip into extras, and then a misplayed liner to left that enabled the Broncs to score the deciding run.

“With two great teams, it’s not so much one team is going to win it as one team is going to lose it,” Smith continued.

“Morgan Ray, their pitcher, pitched fantastic all tournament. Especially that first game, she kept us at bay,” said Smith, giving credit to the Broncs’ ace.

Ray wasn’t the only one bringing the heat in the pitcher’s duel, as Polson’s one run nearly stood up thanks to the efforts of their own ace, Shay Duford, who ended her high school career with guns blazing.

Duford took care of business with the bat, as well, scoring Polson’s only run after doubling in the first inning.

The winningest pitcher in Montana softball history, Duford will soon be competing at the next level, when she enrolls at Spokane Falls Community College.

“It was a privilege to coach [her],” said Smith, who called his star pitcher an “inspiration.”

“She worked hard for every bit of credit that she’s gotten.”

Besides Duford, the other members of Polson’s extraordinary senior class have lots to be proud of whenever they step back to reflect on their incredible four-year run.

“They have nothing to hang their heads about,” said Smith. “Once the hurt leaves, they’ll look back on their career and say ‘Wow.’”

But Smith and his returnring players seem determined to start a new winning streak next year.

“It’s up to you now,” Smith told the younger members of the team. “Remember the taste that’s in your mouth now.”

For stats from this game and other state tournament sporting events, visit our website at www.leaderadvertiser.com.