STERLING — The Rochelle Little League Major League Girls All-Stars gave it their best this week, but their hard work wasn’t enough to overcome a series of tough opponents during the Illinois Little League District 19 Softball Tournament at Sterling’s Westwood Sports Complex.

Rochelle faced Rock Falls in the first round of tournament action on Wednesday, with the girls battling but falling by a final score of 14-2. Paige Donoho reached base twice and scored after a hit-by-pitch, and four other players reached on walks including Adrianna Davis, Layla Pelan (who also scored), Maleah Pointer and Korena Pointer.

Rochelle’s lone hit came courtesy of Addison Friestad, who doubled in the third inning.

“The girls gave it their best effort but we are in a tough district,” head coach Angie Smardo said. “The competition is tough.”

Looking to keep their postseason hopes alive, the Rochelle All-Stars faced Freeport on Thursday. The girls found more rhythm on the offensive end, but Freeport’s bats proved too difficult to contain, as the team went on to defeat Rochelle 15-5 and knock the girls out of the district tournament.

Rochelle scored a team-high four runs in the second inning after Megan Thompson walked and Adaleiah Villalobos singled to get the offense started. Pelan singled soon after, and a walk to Maleah Pointer preceded an RBI triple by Morgan Smardo. Grace Luxton plated Rochelle’s fifth run in the third inning, and Marisa Whaley singled in the fourth inning to reach base for the first time.