Courtesy article by Gerardo Bolong

For the fourth consecutive season, the Seattle Christian fastpitch softball team will marshal its troops at the Columbia Playfield in Richland for the Class 1A WIAA/Dairy Farmers of Washington/Les Schwab Tires state tournament.

While performing the traditional decorating of the team bus on Wed., May 25, senior players recalled their experiences.

"I'm grateful I was able to play from the beginning of this season," said oft-injured Hannah Ruffcorn, who suffered a season-ending injury last season before incurring another season-ending injury a few weeks ago. "The seniors were able to lead well and we learned to communicate well, non verbally, as well as out loud. We gave it our all and fully respect and love each other."

Tri-captain Lisa Kumasaka, who is Lewis & Clark College (Portland) bound, added her thoughts.

"Making it to state every year was a great experience," she said. "The hard work the coaches put in and the great attitude of our team are just memorable. I'll really appreciate winning district last year and tri-district the year before."

When it comes to highlights, tri-captain Abby Hay has many.

"I just want to soak it all up and make the most of every moment," she said. "I appreciate having fun with my team with all the friendships and family in all four years. My teammates are all my sisters."

Another Lady Warrior drew upon her recollections.

"Hannah Glynn's play to end district (against Klahowya) was pretty iconic," related Mikayla Kogel. "Everyone was stepping up. My first state game last year, Ill really remember because my hit started a process of continuing hits."

Learning experiences highlighted Megan Holmberg's time as an SC player.

"I learned humility in a team setting," said Holmberg. "Recognizing that even if I'm not playing directly, I want the team that's on the field to be the best it can be."

Although she has another season remaining, junior tri-captain Kelli Ronish acknowledges the achievements of the team blend.

"It's been a good season," said Ronish. "We had lots of juniors and seniors. Experience is big with a role of leadership."

The team departed from SeaTac at noon on Thurs., May 26, for the May 27-28 tournament amid a rousing send off from the K-12 students and faculty of Seattle Christian Schools.

The first challenge for the Lady Warriors will be at the Columbia Playfield on Fri., May 27, in a high noon showdown against Deer Park. As a member of the Northeast A League, which also consists of Chewelah, Colville, Freeman, Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls), Medical Lake, Newport and Riverside, the Lady Stags (13-8) finished fourth at 9-6 before upsetting No. 1 Colville, 6-2, and losing to Lakeside, 11-10, en route to the District VII No. 2 seed to state. Kylie Sweeney, Courtney Strickland and Payton Erickson are solid hitters for Deer Park.

In addition to Deer Park, Lakeside, Colville and Seattle Christian, teams from Montesano, Bellevue Christian, Cle Elum/Roslyn, Zillah, Castle Rock, Nooksack Valley, Lynden Christian, La Center, Chimacum, Omak, Sultan and Kiona Benton are represented in the 16-team field.

"I'm just happy for all the girls," said head coach Rick Ronish. "We've been stressing the hitting against fast pitching this

week. The Klahowya pitcher was fast and the Deer Park pitcher will throw hard. If we play Sultan, the pitcher is also fast. Playing like we did at district, allowing no free bases, we'll be fine for the first day."