TACOMA — Those fascinated in the out-of-the-ordinary would have loved this year’s Class 4A softball state tournament.

In a tournament that produced a six-way tie for third place, the Lady Tomahawks weren’t immune to the oddities that took place at SERA fields in Tacoma, losing two games after winning in the first round May 29.

“I’ve been here enough to know that it’s who’s playing the best at the tournament that is what counts,” said Marysville-Pilchuck coach KT Allyn. “Not where you come in ranked by newspapers or in the bracket.”

The Tommies were just five outs away from defeating eventual state champion Kelso in the second round, but the Highlanders scored five on three straight doubles in the sixth inning to secure a 5-3 victory.

“They had some ideal locations for some hits,” Allyn said. “Sending three right down the line in the outfield — you can’t really defend that.”

The loss pitted the Lady Tomahawks against Stadium’s Tigers, who jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning of a five-inning game to win 5-2, knocking M-P out. A win against Stadium would have earned the Tommies a share of third place, as rain completely wiped out the first day of the scheduled two-day tournament, forcing the entire season to be decided on one day. As a result, the consolation games were five innings.

“It’s unfair that these girls work three months to get here and then it comes down to one day,” Allyn said. “And they don’t get the chance to play for anything but a tie for third place. I think they deserved to play in a two-day tournament.”

Nevertheless, M-P relied on its trademark of overpowering offense in the first game of the tournament, demolishing Richland 11-1. Having an outstanding tournament was junior Morgan Martinis, who had four RBIs with a triple and a home run. Katie Buck also hit a home run against Kelso.

While the overwhelming majority of players will be back for another season, Allyn couldn’t stop from stressing the importance of senior Jen Rosie, who pitched and played second base.

“Being a four-year player, she was a leader on the team and being the only senior, she had to go through all of the experiences of playing Everett and playing at home for the last time alone,” Allyn said. “And she is special to me because she is the only player on the team I’ve had for all four years. She will be missed.”

In the era of fastpitch, which started in 1992, M-P has reached the state tournament 14 times.