The Havre de Grace Little League junior softball all-stars dropped their first game in Maryland State Tournament play Saturday in Hurlock.
Havre de Grace got off to a slow start, falling behind 9-0 before eventually losing 12-5 to the District 7 champion, St. Mary's American Little League.
Havre de Grace pitcher Ashley Algard struggled in the heat, lasting an inning and a third and leaving for relief, behind 3-0.
Riley Arnold came on to pitch three and two-third innings before Algard came back on to work the last two innings, allowing both to be eligible for Sunday's elimination game. Havre de Grace will face Caroline County or Delmar at 3 p.m.
Havre de Grace rallied for four runs in the fifth and one in the sixth. Arnold singled in two runs and two more scored when Megan Thompson's ground ball was misplayed by the second baseman.
The run in the sixth came when Algard laced a triple and special pinch runner Jenna Kitts scored on a passed ball.
Rebecca Ashman had two hits, while Kateri Peters, Samara White and Thompson also had hits.
Havre de Grace pitchers yielded seven hits and three walks and hit four batters. Havre de Grace also made four errors.