The Orcas softball girls chalked up another easy pre-league win on March 24 against Bellevue Christian. The score hit 11 to 1 in the 5th inning, triggering the ten-run lead mercy rule and concluding the game. The match had been scheduled as a home game, but was moved to Mt. Vernon to accommodate Bellevue Christian’s transportation logistics.
“It was another good indication of our progression,” said coach Scott Harris. “We hit the ball better and our defense is getting tighter and tighter led by our pitchers. Their consistency in fielding and making the right decisions in throws is getting sharper and sharper.” He said catcher Lindsey Anderson is really starting to take command of the game from behind the plate, and her hard and accurate throws are discouraging opponents from attempting to steal. On offense, Lanie Padbury hit a triple, then came home on a throwing error to score the first run of the game; April Hofmann also hit a triple.
“Newcomer Huxley Smart is really taking ownership of her role as a runner and is really quickly becoming a real lethal runner for us,” added Harris.
The Lady Vikings expect a stiff fight at their next home game on March 30, a double header against La Conner at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This game will serve as the league opener, as the previously scheduled opener last Friday was rained out.
“That game is huge for us,” said Harris. “We’re nervous to have such a big game so early in the season.” As always, the team aims to win the league championship, and La Conner is one of the big three contenders for the title, along with Friday Harbor. The top two teams in the league go to district championships, but Friday Harbor goes to the Northwest 1A league while La Conner and Orcas go to the 2B league, making the La Conner Braves the Vikings’ main rivals. Last year the Vikings won two league games against La Conner and lost one; the Braves beat them at districts, but the Vikings got the upper hand again at the state playoffs. Harris said every game against the Braves was decided at the bottom of the 7th inning, by just one run.
“It’s a good rivalry, they’re hard to compete against because there’s talent,” said Harris.
