For Weatherly’s 8-10 softball all-stars, the end came sooner than they hoped — but not before they gave one final effort that showed just how far they had come.

The Lady Wreckers pushed Southern Tioga to the final out in Monday’s Pennsylvania 8-10 state tournament elimination game before falling 2-1 in a dramatic walk-off finish.

Weatherly took a 1-0 lead in the top of the sixth, but Southern Tioga rallied with two runs in the bottom half to escape with the win and advance at the eight-team event held in Upper Darby Township.

“It was hot. It was a long weekend. But we came in loose,” said Weatherly manager Rachel Witner. “We were hungry. We got on base, we showed life. We played our game.”

And it was a game they nearly won.

Aubrey Clabia led off the top of the sixth with a walk, went to second on and stole third, then came home on an error to give Weatherly the 1-0 lead. The Lady Wreckers had already threatened in the fourth, when Kenzie Clabia singled and Cassidy Witner and Briella Vanblargan drew two-out walks to load the bases before a strikeout ended the inning.

Southern Tioga – champions of Section 3 – answered in the bottom of the sixth. After Wesley Seymour singled and Lainey Route walked, Carly Pequignot singled to load the bases. Julia Burt then delivered the game-winning hit — a single to center — scoring Seymour and Route.

“It was right there for us,” Witner said. “But I told the girls, cry because it’s over — but smile because it happened. What they did this summer was amazing.”

Briella Vanblargan started and struck out 11 for Weatherly in another gritty, determined effort. Despite taking the loss, she was sharp.

“She was confident, she wanted the ball,” Witner said. “She even got hit in the hand on a line drive, and kept going. I was just so proud of her.”

Seymour, who also scored a run, was the winning pitcher for Southern Tioga. She struck out 16, walked five, and allowed just three hits — singles by Kenzie Clabia, Mia Durham and Aubrey Clabia.

Weatherly, which was looking to bounce back after a 12-0 loss to DuBois in the opener Sunday, showed poise at the plate throughout Monday with five walks in the game — drawn by Izzy Durham, Cassidy Witner, Briella Vanblargan, Aubrey Clabia and Auri Rambaran — to go along with no errors in the field.

Aubrey Clabia also stole three bases, and Kenzie Clabia added one.

Pequignot and Seymour each had two hits for Southern Tioga, with Burt going 1-for-3 with two RBIs. All of the sixth-inning damage came with one out.

Still, for Witner, the game was just one piece of a bigger picture.

“Our girls are small — but they’re mighty,” she said. “We’re Weatherly, and we can play anywhere, against anyone, anytime. These girls showed that.”

Witner also praised her coaching staff — assistants Kayla Durham and Autumn Gilbert — and spoke about the close-knit bond shared by players and families.

“They didn’t get sick of each other once. They were sleeping in each other’s rooms at the hotel, making memories. It was like a summer vacation they’ll never forget,” Witner said. “They’ll carry this with them forever.”

Though the season ended, the legacy remains.

“This is a team I’ll always remember,” Witner said. “They played hard every inning, every game, and they did it the right way. I couldn’t be more proud.”

SPECIAL SEASON ... Weatherly had an unforgettable summer, advancing to the state tournament after winning District 18 and Section 6 titles while representing their community with unwavering spirit, heart and commitment to the game and each other.

Team members include: Kenzie Clabia, Izzy Durham, Cassidy Witner, Briella Vanblargan, Jenna Jones, Reya Gregory, Mia Durham, Aubrey Clabia, Auri Rambaran, Myah Makowiec, Audrey Wagner and Korah Gilbert.

They were led by manager Rachel Witner, with assistant coaches Kayla Durham and Autumn Gilbert.

LOOKING AHEAD ... Mia Durham, Aubrey Clabia, Korah Gilbert and Reya Gregory will be returning to the squad next season, while eight others will move up to 12U softball.

Weatherly 000 001 - 1 3 0

Southern Tioga 000 002 - 2 5 1

Vanblargan and I. Durham; W. Seymour and O. Seymour. W - W. Seymour. L - Vanblargan.