Hughesville American Legion Post 35 concluded a historical run Tuesday, receiving some outstanding pitching but dropping a hard-fought 3-1 contest to Bristol Post 382 at the American Legion State Tournament. Hughesville (20-7) captured its first Region 5 championship, competed at states for the first time and finished fifth in Pennsylvania.

All that despite being the smallest team in the eight-team state field. While Hughesville carried plays from its town (3A) and Montgomery (2A), the other schools pulled from much larger areas, including regions which featured 4, 5 and 6A squads. Hughesville also won its first ever state tournament game, defeating Belle Vernon in the opening round.

Jackson Bower, Logan Kiess, Trent Wetzel and Tanner Clayton combined on a four-hitter Tuesday, while Eli Olshefskie hit an RBI single. Clayton also produced a hit and Kiess walked twice.

Combined with its Junior Legion team, Hughesville went 32-8 this summer. It also captured the Susquehanna Valley League regular season title. With both the Senior and Junior Legion teams featuring Hughesville and Montgomery high school players, those two combined schools finished 65-15 this year.

American Legion State Tournament

Bristol 3, Hughesville 1

Bristol 000 120 0–3 4 1

Hughesville 000 010 0–1 2 3

Selsa, Held (7) and Lentchner. Jackson Bower, Logan Kiess (1), Trent Wetzel (6), Tanner Clayton (6) and Tyler Wetzel. W–Selsa. L–Kiess.

Top Bristol hitters: Armstrong 1-2, 2 BB, R. Top Hughesville hitters: Eli Olshefskie 1-4, RBI; Clayton 1-3.

Records: Hughesville 20-7.