Last summer, seven of the 12 players on the Stafford Little League Junior all-star softball team earned valuable experience despite elimination from the state tournament.

“We lost two close games, by a run and two runs, but when you play tough games, whether you win or lose, you learn how to handle yourself in pressure situations,” said Ron Bayer, whose squad captured the state tournament on July 14 with a 6-1 victory over Teaneck Southern.