Roadrunner Little League made it to regionals last year. The Albuquerque team plans to win it this year.

Roadrunner Little League will enter the Southwest Region Tournament with some lofty — albeit self-imposed — expectations.

A year ago, there was something of a happy-to-be-here mentality that surrounded the Albuquerque team. And as the first Roadrunner squad in more than 50 years to advance to regionals, a certain level of giddiness was to be expected — especially when a team of 11- and 12-year-old boys was involved. This time around, both returning players and new arrivals have a distinct mission in mind.

“I’m looking forward to winning a tournament and going to Williamsport,” said first baseman/right fielder Harry Brunton, referencing the site of the Little League World Series.

Brunton’s sentiment is far from unique among this group. In 2023, Roadrunner was sent to the loser’s bracket early during the state tournament and had to scratch and claw just to make it to regionals. This year’s team rolled through the district and state tournament in the Majors division, compiling a 7-0 record and vanquishing its opponents by a combined margin of 64-7.

“Last year I could tell you that nobody expected us to win state the way we won it. We had kids that came through in big spots last year that made a big difference. But we were not the best team last year; we just had the most will,” said manager Joe Rogillio, who was an assistant coach last season.

“This year the team was expected to win district. They were expected to win state. And honestly, we’re ready to go out there and expect to win Waco (regionals). That’s just the mentality of these boys this year.”

Roadrunner will have a distinctly different look as it heads to Waco this year: Seven of the 12 players on the roster weren’t a part of regionals last season. Additionally, Rogillio points out that the overall composition of the team includes 11 players that are 12 years old and one that’s 11 but “plays like a 12-year-old.” The team was significantly younger last year.

“A lot of veteranship, and a lot of guys that have seen big games,” Rogillio said. “There’s no game that’s gonna be too big for these boys. They’ve seen it all. They’ve just got to go out there and compete.”

For the kids that did play in Waco last summer, there’s a renewed sense of focus after being a little bit overwhelmed on the big stage for the first time.

“Last year was more like we were happy to be there,” said third baseman/pitcher Tyriano Cordova. “This year, we want to win.

“I think we’ll be more prepared since our coaches know what’s already out there.”

Pitching and defense are the foundation of this Roadrunner outfit. It’s what allowed them to persevere against hard-throwing starters from Carlsbad and Eastdale at state — and it’s also a testament to the way all the pieces — old and new — fit together.

“We have a lot of players that can back us up in different positions,” said Tucker Kollar, a newcomer to the team who plays third base and left field. “If somebody’s in a bad spot, somebody will help them up.”

According to right fielder Jordan Fricks, who is also one of Roadrunner’s new players, there’s a feeling of positivity throughout.

“I enjoyed working together as a team,” he said. “If you’re not pitching well, we back them up. And they come back. (If they) strike out at the plate, you come back, pick them up and help them be a better teammate. That’s what I like about our team.”

Roadrunner arrived in Waco on Monday. The players will share three rooms, with four boys to a room. That might get a little chaotic, but for a group that’s been bonding at pool parties all summer, it’s also part of the fun. They’ll also enjoy some of the other festivities associated with regionals during the week before playing the winner of Arkansas-West Texas on Friday. Unlike last year, Roadrunner has a first-round bye.

For the veterans, there’s a sense of awareness that accompanies being in the spotlight for a second time.

“We kind of don’t need to go for the experience, we need to go to win the tournament,” Brunton said. “Not to get afraid of the cameras and teams that we play, if they’re big or small.”

Of course, a few butterflies are bound to come with the territory.

“Probably like the first game, I’ll have a little nerves,” Fricks said. “And then I’ll just shake it off and keep working.”

There’s been a lot of hard work involved to get to this point, and Rogillio credits the team, parents and coaches for helping produce the right formula. There are expectations, sure, but it’s also supposed to be fun.

“These boys have sacrificed this summer for this game,” Rogillio said. “Just try to make sure they understand that they’re still kids, and they’re here having fun as they prepare for baseball. That’s all they’re doing is preparing for baseball.”

Take a look at Roadrunner Little League practice