FARMVILLE — Hearts sank on Tuesday night, as the Prince Edward-Farmville Youth Association (PEFYA) Belles fell 16-3 to Crewe-Burkeville in the state championship game. With the loss, PEFYA was crowned state runner-up.

“I don’t think any of our PEFYA softball teams have gone this far before. The Angels winning the state tournament this year was something that we have never done,” PEFYA Manager David Schmidt said.

“I don’t think the Belles have ever made it out of the district tournament. We are exceptionally proud of them.”

During the game, Hannah-Gray Schmidt scored a run. Mary Grace Amos hit her fourth home run in the state tournament, driving in Taylor Thomas.

“At the end of the day, the girls weren’t really upset because they lost. They were upset because their time together came to an end and they had fun playing together,” said Schmidt.

The Belles began their state tournament last Friday and had to work hard to make up for the loss of a teammate. Abby Roach, who was injured in the first game of the District 1 tournament, had still not healed completely and was not able to play.

PEFYA took a 20-2 win over Bedford on Friday, then a 12-5 win over Amherst on Saturday. They were set back by Crewe-Burkeville on Sunday, losing 12-2. However, PEFYA returned on Monday night with an 18-7 victory over Amherst, which advanced the team to the championship game against Crewe-Burkeville.

“I am very happy and proud to be a part of these girls’ coaching staff. This team loves to play ball and it shows. The best part of this team is they all got along, and that is why it was fun to coach them. I would love to have them back playing again because they are a great bunch of kids. I am proud of all of them,” Schmidt said.

“For next year, we are going to work on fine-tuning the fielding and getting back to hitting well against slow pitchers.”