Danielle Orvella and Kelli Sugro combined for a seven-inning, 7-0, shut out girls' fastpitch softball victory against young Federal Way at Federal Way High School on Friday, March 20.
Orvella notched seven strikeouts with four walks over the first four innings while Sugro set down nine batters on strikes the rest of the way and allowed one base runner on a seventh inning base on balls.
"We're very young with no juniors," said sixth-year Eagle head coach Rosemarie Burke. "I've got the best kids. They're very motivated and understand the concept of team. They have the work ethic to go along with high athletic potential. They've committed themselves to two hours of practice in the moring (on week days) and after school. we also have practice on Saturday."
With youngsters starting at key positions Federal Way trailed only 3-0 after five comlete innings as Kentridge notched single tallies in the second, third and fifth innings before five hits, including a Kayla Andrus double, in the fifth inning led to three additional runs. The Conquerors tacked on a final run in the seventh.
For the Eagles, their best chance of scoring was in the third inning when Amanda Steffins reached first base on an infield error with one out. Lexis Pawlowski received her second walk of the game, this one on four pitches, to set up a scoring opportunity.
Orvella reached back for two consecutive strikeouts to end this chance.
The other Eagle base runners reached the basepaths on walks, as well. Sadie Bynum walked in the second and seventh innings while Olivia Timothy walked in the fourth inning.
Following an 0-20 record last season, coach Burke looks to hike the victory total up to five or more depending on the development of the young squad.
Thea Davelaar returns in the outfield. Alex Boenisch plays catcher and the outfield while Olivia Timothy works in the outfield and first base.
For Federal Way, the player roster, with year in school, includes Emily Victor (10), Olivia Timothy (12), Sadie Bynum (10), Amanda Steffins (9), Kayla Quiroga (9), Thea Davelaar (12), Sarah Tarica (9), Tanisha McGruder (10), Lexis Pawlowski (9), Alexis (Boenisch) and Mercedes Vongsaveng (9).