The Lady Vikings are heading into another fast-pitch season with three early non-league wins in their pocket.

The girls took down the Wolverines in a season opener on March 13 at Buck Park before a large crowd of Friday Harbor and Orcas fans.

“We definitely had first game rust and jitters but the girls worked through that and played well,” said coach Scott Harris. “We were pleasantly surprised that our team, starting with our pitchers, looked solid.” The Friday Harbor team came over for an impromptu game when Mossy Rock cancelled their long trip to Orcas due to the potential for a rain-out.

“We had some young girls really step up and play well for us,” said Harris. “Freshmen Olivia Garcia and Lana Bronn started for us. Huxley Smart, Sophie Thixton and Ashley Kline all contributed as first year players.” Both teams subbed freely to tune up for the season, and Harris placed priority on familiarizing the newer players with base-running. Emily Bodenhamer was 3 for 3 at the plate, with three singles and four stolen bases. In the circle, Junior Adria Garcia and senior Bobbi Lowry split the game and both had good solid outings. The final score was 5 to 3.

On March 20 the Lady Vikes won two more three-inning games as part of a four-team jamboree hosted by La Conner. In the first of the shortened games, Orcas beat Darrington 11 to 2.

“Mackie Taylor had a perfect on-base percentage, Emily Bodenhamer too,” said Harris. The Vikings hit well, led by Lanie Padbury with a triple, and displayed aggressive base-running with 18 steals. Lowry pitched two strong innings, with 3 K’s, and Garcia finished up the last inning of the game by striking out four Logger girls.

In their second game the Vikings demolished Friday Harbor yet again, at 9 to 2.

“The ball was jumping off the bats for all the Vikings, led by senior Lanie Padbury with two doubles,” said Harris. “The Vikings continued to run bases hard, stealing 7 bases in 3 innings.” He was pleased to see the team already showing improvement since their opener against Friday Harbor. The Vikings will be up against the Wolverines in three Northwest 1A/2B League games this season, beginning with a April 17 double-header in Friday Harbor.

“The jamboree was a great opportunity to continue the tune-up process as we draw near to the league opener next Friday (March 26) against Concrete,” said Harris. “We have the targets on us since we are the defending league champions; we have to be prepared each and every game for our opponents’ best. So far things look real good this season; I really like what I’ve seen over these three games. First of all I love our girls’ attitudes: they’re fun to be around, they enjoy one another and they work very hard. On top of that, they’re a very very athletic group. I want to encourage everyone to come out because these young ladies are exciting to watch; they’re representing themselves very well. Our whole program is absolutely loaded with talent,” said Harris. The next home game is scheduled for March 24, 2 p.m. at Buck Park against Bellevue Christian.