PINE GROVE – It looked like a team of destiny as Marian softball bolted out of the gate in roaring fashion Tuesday at Susan Y. Stump Field.

The Fillies battled inch-for-inch with one of the premier softball teams in Pennsylvania — Tri-Valley, which captured its sixth straight District 11 Class 1A championship.

All the signs pointed favorably toward the Fillies before the Bulldogs once again found a way to get things done.

In true championship-caliber fashion, Tri-Valley rallied from a five-run deficit to earn a 14-8 victory and advance to the PIAA tournament next week, while Marian packed away the gear for the season.

The way it started, Marian hit the roof. Its confidence level bloomed, and the carpet ride was sailing smoothly.

How good was it? The Fillies sent 10 batters to the plate and carved out a 5-0 lead, getting a bunt single from Gracie Sendatch, an RBI triple from catcher Hailey Treskolasky, an RBI single from Malina Letcher, another run-scoring single from Chloe Cannon, and a sacrifice fly from Ciari Wolfgang.

“We were so excited after that first at-bat, but I knew we were up against one of the best softball programs,” head coach Lindsey Reinoehl said with reservation. “They have so much tradition, and I have a lot respect for that team.”

The Dawgs began an uphill battle, and answered with a three-run rally aided by errors in the field. Summer Cupsta-Klinger singled before Alina Leonard reached on an error. Schwalm later lined a single to center that turned into a three-run play after a Marian error cut the lead to 5-3.

“I warned the team at practice this Marian team has confidence,” Marty Shade, who has more than 530 wins under his belt as manager of the storied program, said. “They’re hitting the ball well … they came out and I said here they go.”

Good teams win ball games; great teams find a way to win a big one.

Tri-Valley picked up another run in the second to close within 5-4 when Leonard came around to score on Schwalm’s single. Marian threatened again over the next two innings, but Schwalm repeatedly worked out of trouble and helped steady the Bulldogs.

The highlight of Marian’s fourth inning was senior Letcher, who uncorked a booming home run to left-center field that drove in the team’s hottest hitter, Treskolasky, who was fabulous all day, going 4-for-4 with a triple and two runs scored.

“I was looking for a fastball,” Letcher, one of Marian’s seniors playing her final district game, said.

Shade said the Misericordia-bound student was a key piece all season.

“We made some moves to strengthen our left side of the (infield) by putting her at third base. After she hit that home run that felt good for us at the particular time, but you know (Tri-Valley) finds a way to make things happen. That’s why they’ve won so many district championships.”

Indeed, the Bulldogs answered immediately after falling behind 7-4. Tri-Valley scored four times in the bottom of the fourth on five hits. Leonard and Schwalm both singled before Savanah Stiely ripped a two-run double to left. Olivia Lupole followed with an RBI single, and Kenzie Tobin later added another run-scoring hit to give the Bulldogs their first lead at 8-7.

Then the crushing blow came in the sixth inning. Tri-Valley scored six runs while continuing to capitalize on extra opportunities and defensive miscues. Cupsta-Klinger and Olivia Witmer each delivered doubles during the rally.

“We gave them extra-outs, and they took advantage of that,” Reinoehl said. “That hurt us (late) in the game. And (if) one extra call goes our way … you never know what could happen.”

That’s something the Fillies will look toward next spring.

“Hey,” Shade said quickly, “they’re a team to be reckoned with next year … that’s a very young team. They’ve got good players, watch them next (season).”

WEB GEMS … Pugh was nothing short of sensational. She made several superb plays at shortstop, including backpedaling on a short pop into shallow left field.

QUICK CHANGE … Shade sensed Marian was having BP after an inning. He yanked the starter and called on ace Schwalm, who settled the Bulldogs down after the opening inning. Marian was very aggressive at the plate.

WHAT A SMACK … Letcher made her final district hit a memory-maker with her home run. “I (hated) to lose, but it was a great way to end my career.” Besides Letcher, Marian also loses Maggie Turrano to graduation.

CRACKING … Treskolasky led all Marian hitters with four hits. The Fillies also got hits from Sendatch, Letcher, Pugh, Upanavage, Cannon and Knock. Tri-Valley was led by Schwalm and Lupole with three hits each, while Snyder and Cupsta-Klinger each added two.

ONE OF THE BEST … Marian catcher Treskolasky has the makings of a collegiate star. Her setup behind the plate is outstanding, her arm strength is terrific, she can hit for power and, more importantly, the kid can run. Summer travel ball will get her noticed.

Marian 500 200 1 — 8 11 6

Tri-Valley 310 406 x — 14 14 4

Upanavage and Treskolasky; Leonard, Schwalm (2) and Rodichock. W — Schwalm. L — Upanavage.