Top-notch competition resulted in a tough tournament experience for a local baseball team.

The Plateau Avengers, a 14U club, dropped two games last week in California and were eliminated from Pony League West Zone competition.

It was noteworthy that the Plateau teens were in West Covina, Calif. To qualify, they had emerged as the No. 1 Pony team from Washington.

Once in West Covina, a city nestled in the San Gabriel Valley a bit east of Los Angeles, the Avengers opened tournament play July 28 with an 8-2 loss to Arizona. In the losing effort, Max Favero had a big day. He went 3-for-3 at the plate, including a home run to left field.

Dropping into the loser’s bracket, the local squad took the field Friday against the host team from West Covina. The Avengers had a rocky outing, falling 12-0.

The Avengers’ roster includes Jackson McCann, Aaron Swanson, Ryan Firle, Mathew Trudgeon, Jonah Schampera, Robbie Vandergrift, Max Favero, Cameron Couch, Allen Firle, Austin Amburgy, Kayden Loop, Ryan Martinez, Jackson Zuydhoek, Tanner Jewell and Tyler Ediger. The head coach is Errin Jewell and he is assisted by Troy Couch and Allen Firle.