The Vikings baseball team (1-4) lost a close game 4-2 against the Concrete Lions (7-4) on April 9.
After giving up three runs in the first inning, Orcas fought back, scoring two runs in the second inning helped with singles by Anthony Kaskurs and Daniel Briggs along with RBIs by Briggs and Pasha Bullock.
Coach Jim Passer said pitcher Rylan Date “threw a great game.” Passer was pleased with the Vikings effort against one of the better teams.
“We played better, we are much improved and played them tough,” he said.
On April 19, the Vikings (1-5) lost 9-5 to a strong LaConner Braves team (8-5) in an energy filled game in Skagit Valley. Devon Stanzione scored three runs on a dropped fly ball, but despite the LaConner defensive error Orcas played tough keeping the game tied 4-4 by the fourth inning with Miles Harlow pitching against an experienced Brave team. However, LaConner opened up the fifth inning scoring in deteriorating conditions with the game called shortly thereafter due to rain.
“We competed and played hard,” Passer said. “I like what I am seeing. The guys are working hard and we are about to turn the corner.”
The Vikings next play Cedar Park Christian.
Softball
Fresh off their first season loss, the Orcas softball team (6-2) traveled to Concrete (2-6) in a dominate 19-0 win against the Lions in a game shortened due to the 10 run lead rule on April 9.
Pitcher Aliviah Garcia had a no-hitter going into the fifth inning, and according to Coach Jason Nichols, “We have worked on her change up and its worked quite well.”
On April 12, the pumped up Vikings (7-2) invaded LaConner (7-2) in a smashing 24-7 win against a strong Brave team in another shortened game.
Nichols said the team “hit a lot in practice” since the Vikings knew to win they would have to hit the ball hard against the Braves, who had beat Friday Harbor earlier in the season. Practice paid off as the Vikings busted out a whopping 27 hits in five innings.
“Our bats were on fire, everyone was crushing the ball,” said Head Coach Scott Harris.
After six runs in the top of the first inning, it was clear the Vikings came to play with each starter getting at least two hits. Lana Bronn went 4/4, Aliviah Garcia 3/3, Shelbi Rogers 4/4, Bella Nigretto 4/5 including a booming homer, Alicia Susol 2/4 and Alenna Garcia two hits. Aliviah pitched a strong game according to Nichols, only giving up runs late in the game as the heavy rain became a factor. Harris said the game “was an important league win.” Orcas next plays Darrington.
Golf
The Vikings golf team traveled to Similk Golf Course to play LaConner on April 9 with Graye Parnell shooting his best tournament round of 42. The team then hosted Grace Academy at the Orcas Island Golf Course on a rainy April 12. Orcas was led by William Coe, who shot a 43, Roo Smith 44, Mara Nutt 67 and Zach Kostechko a 73.
