Last Saturday Orcas fans watched the Lady Vikings battle it out against the 1A league’s undefeated Cedar Park Christian Eagles, who have competed at 1A state champs in past years.

“I wanted to see how our team responded to a high-caliber opponent, to see how we would do under pressure,” said coach Scott Harris.

Despite a strong showing by the Vikings, the Eagles swooped in for the last run, carrying off the non-league game 5-4.

“We jumped out of the gate fast and kept them scoreless in the first inning, allowing just one hit in the bottom of the first,” said Harris. “Our first two hitters, Bodenhamer and Nigretto, got themselves on base by walks. The two advanced on passed balls, and on another passed ball Emily Bodenhamer in a spectacular fashion came flying in from third headfirst with a superman style dive, scoring the game’s first run for the Vikings … With Nigretto on third and two outs, Lana Bronn, with a sharp eye, got herself to first on balls. On the first pitch Lana Bronn stole second base. With runners on second and third, Adria Garcia walked to load the bases, and then Katherine Tidwell stepped up to the plate and ripped a shot through the infield to right field, scoring Nigretto and Bronn. Pinch runner Huxley Smart came blazing into home with aggressive baserunning and got called out at home on a close call, ending the inning with three runs on the board for the Vikings.”

During the next two innings control of the game went back and forth, and Orcas gave up one unearned run to Cedar Park in the top of the second. The Viking defense got a little loose in the top of the fourth, giving up two unearned runs on three errors, and in the fifth inning both teams scored runs, bringing the score to 4-4. In the top of the sixth, Cedar Park put another run on the board, and in the bottom of the seventh the Vikings put themselves in a great position to tie the game with two runners in scoring position.

“Aliviah Garcia ripped a shot, but a great leaping catch by the second baseman and a throw to a base on a missed tagup ended the inning and the Vikings chance to close the gap,” said Harris. “It was a valiant effort in battle. It was an exciting game to watch, both teams played hard and well. It was a great opportunity for us to mature as a team: you always hate to lose, but you can take a lot away.”

Adria Garcia pitched seven strong innings, had five strikeouts and only gave up one earned run (her earned run average was 1.22).

Emily Bodenhamer went 2 for 2 at bat, with four stolen bases (chalking up 14 for the season so far). Kathryn Tidwell went 2 for 3, with two RBIs. Bella Nigretto and Lana Bronn each scored one run. Aliviah Garcia had four assists. On defense, Brook Bruland netted 10 put-outs; Bodenhamer four; Adria and Alicia Susol each three.

“I’m very happy with where they’re at, at this point in the season,” said Harris. “We’ll celebrate our successes and learn from our shortcomings.”

Box scores from the game are available online here.