MISSOULA — Tim Gray, manager of Missoula Zootown, announced the second-place medals for his players after a 10-2 loss to Hawaii at the Little League Senior Softball West Region final at the Dale Clawson Complex. This was the same team that had eliminated Zootown in last year’s final.
As he came to the end of the list, he showed visible emotion. “Those last four won’t be coming back next year as they’re aging out,” Gray shared. “I have nothing but love for all of them.”
The bond between the coaches and players was evident as the team huddled one last time after the game.
Hawaii advanced to the World Series in Delaware with a win over Zootown, just hours after Zootown’s victory over Northern California in the semifinals.
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Hawaii demonstrated exceptional skills on the field, making it challenging for Zootown to score runs, according to Gray. “They field everything. Everything. It’s really hard to find holes and to put runs up, and that’s why you have to play solid all the way around to beat ’em.”
Despite a strong effort from Zootown, Hawaii took an early lead and maintained it throughout the game, securing their victory.
Reflecting on the season and the final result, Gray expressed his desire to win it for the players who were playing their last game under him. “I really wanted to take them and win it for them, but we didn’t pull it off.”
After the game, both teams came together for pictures and mingling, showcasing the true spirit of Little League softball, according to Gray. “They’ve made some lifelong friends that they will keep forever. I guarantee they will stay in contact as long as they can.”
Carson Cashion is a sports writer for 406 MT Sports. Contact him at carson.cashion@406mtsports.com
