ROCK FALLS — The Rochelle Little League 12U Softball All-Stars finished third in the Illinois Little League District 19 Championship tournament this past week. Rochelle (1-2) opened the tournament with an 18-1 loss against Sterling on Wednesday before defeating Rock Falls 23-6 in the consolation bracket on Thursday. Rochelle faced Freeport in the consolation finals on Friday, falling 6-5.

Sterling

Rochelle totaled five hits and two walks in the loss to Sterling on Wednesday. Dylan Etes and Phelisity Lopez each recorded hits in the first inning, while Mary Chadwick drew a walk in the second inning. Jaylyn Pointer walked and Audrina Rodriguez reached on a hit in the third inning.

Rochelle scored its lone run in the fourth inning, when Jaclynn Lira recorded a hit and scored on an RBI base hit from Aeriss Williams. Sterling took a 1-0 lead in the first inning before plating 11 runs in the third inning to go ahead 12-0. Sterling then scored six runs in the fourth inning.

Rock Falls

Rochelle blew Rock Falls away in the first inning, scoring 15 runs with all nine starters crossing home plate at least once. Six Rochelle players including Jaylyn Pointer, Phelisity Lopez, Aeriss Williams, Vivian Novak, Camryn Metzger and Audrina Rodriguez scored twice in the frame. Rock Falls recovered with five runs in the second inning to make it a 15-5 game.

Camryn Ranken and Briel Metzger each scored for Rochelle in the third inning, giving the team a 17-5 lead before Rochelle added six more runs in the fourth inning. Dakota Hamilton delivered a three-run triple, while Metzger and Dylan Etes each scored after drawing walks.

Freeport

Briel Metzger led Rochelle on the mound Friday evening, throwing five innings and allowing only two earned runs while adding six strikeouts. Phelisity Lopez stepped up on defense for Rochelle, making three catches in center field. Six players recorded hits including Briel Metzger, Camryn Metzger, Audrina Rodriguez, Mary Chadwick, Dylan Etes and Jaylyn Pointer.