AUBURN - It was a courageous effort that fell just short of its desired outcome last Tuesday at the South King County Ball Fields.

Leading 9-6, the Soundview of Northeast Tacoma All Star team ran afoul of an 11-run Fife/Milton/Edgewood fifth inning bombardment before dropping a 17-12 verdict to its unbeaten opponents in the championship round of the 2008 Washington state District 10 Little League softball tournament.

FME blasted out seven hits while taking advantage of SV pitching and fielding woes in the fatal fifth. Soundview gamely fought back with three runs in the sixth inning before yielding the field for the final time.

For the enthusiastic, young girls of SV, the effort sustained throughout the tournament was considered fabulous.

"I couldn't be prouder of the kids," exclaimed Soundview manager John Davis. "My philosophy is good sportsmanship and having fun. The girls played 110 per cent better when they were smiling. We just wanted to keep them having fun."

On Tuesday, Fife/Milton/Edgewood took a 3-0 first inning lead before the battlers of Soundview struck back in the top of the second.

Autumn Pancratz, who batted 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI, hammered a leadoff double and reached third base on an outfield miscue. Pancratz scored when the next batter grounded to first base. The first baseman tried to throw home to catch the streaking Pancratz, but the throw was too late. One out later, Julia Jones singled the second run home.

After Fife/Milton/Edgewood countered with a run, it was Soundview's turn to respond in the top of the third. Jessica Davis walked ahead of a Pancratz single. Both runners advanced one base on a wild pitch. An attempted pickoff throw to third base by the FME catcher went awry, allowing both SV runners to score. Erin McCune walked and Jones tripled her home for a 5-4 Soundview margin.

Again, FME tied the score at 5-5, but Pancratz led SV back with an RBI single sandwiched between walks and wild pitches that sent SV soaring to an 8-5 lead that Fife/Milton/Soundview narrowed to 8-6.

Angela Leingang's run-scoring fielder's choice in the sixth stretched the lead to 9-6 to set the stage for Fife/Edgewood/Milton's bombs away inning.

"I'm happy I can be one of the Soundview All Stars," declared Davis. "It's good to be with friends. We had fun, played hard and did our best."

Throughout the tournament, the All Stars from Northeast Tacoma experienced fun and excellent achievements.

"I played last year and I really like playing softball," declared Jones, who batted 3-for-4 including a triple, double and three RBI.

Sarah Kim hurled a no-hitter in a Soundview 3-0 conquest of Kent in the tournament opener.

"I really tried to mix up my pitches and keep them confused," said a smiling Kim, who pitched a great tournament.

FME sent SV into the single elimination round with a 12-2 win despite a Pancratz home run.

"I try to focus and listen well," said Pancratz, who was also outstanding on defense.

Soundview bounced back by literally stealing a 10-3 verdict from Bonney Lake/Sumner to earn the rematch with Fife/Milton/Edgewood.

According to SV statistics, Gabby Hickok's seven steals led a team effort of 38. Three other players had six steals each.

The district runnerup Soundview player roster includes Gabby Hickok, Emily Pfrommer, Sarah Kim, Angela Leingang, Khalia Courtney, Jessica Davis, Autumn Pancratz, Kallie Broughton, Erin McCune, Jukia Jones, Jamie Mars and Ann McMonigal.

Assisting manager Davis are coaches Bruce Jones and Dave Kim. League president is Justin Hinkle.

Fife/Milton/Edgewood's district champion players are Tarrah Bechler, Gracie Freeman, Angelina Pintos, Julianna Olson, Carly Kilcup, Amanda Lewis, Breanna Richardson, Claire Smith, Ali Roselli, Peyton Roy, Danielle Twichell, Victoria Berg and Andi Nelson.

Troy Roy is the FME manager. Dave Richardson and Walt Smith are the coaches. Mike Beardsley is the charter president.