Maricopa Little League’s All-Star team ended its postseason run last night with a hard-fought 7-5 loss to Chandler National Little League in the Arizona state tournament. 

Chandler National were the champions in Arizona Little League’s District 13, which encompasses Chandler and Tempe. Maricopa advanced to the state tournament after clinching the title in District 4, which encompasses all of Pinal County, earlier this month.

Despite the defeat, League President Jonathan Weiss praised his team’s effort and resilience.

“I’m extremely proud of the boys and the success they had,” said Weiss, who has led the program since 2022. “They earned the right to play on the field with the best in the state. They went out there and played their hearts out. That’s what counts.”

The loss wraps up a strong summer for Maricopa, invited to host the state tournament for the first time ever.

The 11- and 12-year-olds team played Goodyear on Saturday night, falling into the loser’s bracket after dropping a 5-2 contest to the visitors. Goodyear went on to rout Prescott 16-0. That undefeated team plays again tonight at Maricopa’s Lake View Park.  

The tournament continues in Maricopa through the weekend, with the state championship to be played Sunday at 7:30p. The full Arizona Little League State Tournament bracket can be found here.