In what Coach Scott Harris described as “a great battle,” the Orcas Island girls’ softball team earned their way to the State Championships with a 13-3 victory over Quilcene at home on May 13.

The Quilcene Rangers opened the first inning with a single run. The Lady Vikings answered back in the second inning to tie the game 1-1.

The Rangers scored another run in the third inning to retake the lead 1-2. Orcas scored two more runs in the bottom of the third to go ahead 3-2.

Quilcene battled back to tie the score 3-3 in the top of the fourth inning. The Vikings scored the go ahead run in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead 4-3.

The Vikings’ pitching shut down the Quilcene offense in the top of the fifth, sending the batters down in order, three up, three down.

Sophomore Lanie Padbury led off the bottom of the fifth with a solo home run, igniting the Vikings offense. Renae Padbury hit a bases clearing double giving the line-up confidence. The Vikings batted around the order with consistent hitting and the game was called when Orcas led by 10 runs, 13-3.

“Our girls have really matured throughout the season,” said Coach Harris. “We’re in a rhythm now and have the confidence to battle through.”

The Lady Vikings face Selkirk of Ione on May 23 in the opening round of the State Championships in Yakima. “The Selkirk Rangers are 20-1 this season and are one of the toughest teams in the B League,” said coach Harris. “We accept the challenge and will work hard. We deserve to be there, have the talent to do well and are excited about the possibilities.”