By Gerardo Bolong
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Positive feelings and strong play softball claimed the field for the Seattle Christian Warriors.

Stealing and picking up extra bases virtually at will, Nisqually 1A Seattle Christian used solid hitting and alert base running to complete an unbeaten and un-scored upon non league part of the spring softball season by defeating visiting 3A Seattle Prep 9-0 on Thurs., March 26.

"This was a good preseason," said Warrior head coach Rick Ronish. "They've played well and I love the chemistry. They've done everything we asked them."

With spring break and a one week InterSCession for students coming up on the calendar, Seattle Christian will not return to game action until April 14 with a league opener against Bellevue Christian on the field at the Hidden Valley Sports Park.

Under the glowing sun and azure skies at SeaTac, Seattle Christian tallied what would be enough runs to win in the initial inning.

Kelli Ronish reached first base on a one-out walk and promptly stole second base. In an attempt to throw out Ronish, the Panther catcher threw the ball into center field, allowing Ronish move up another base. Left handed batter Lisa Kumasaka flipped an RBI single into the outfield before advancing to second base on a wild pitch. Alyssa Baucom followed with a single ahead of Hannah Ruffcorn's run-scoring one-baser.
"Our pitchers are strong and we have a strong community," Baucom said. "It's a family."

In the second inning, Makenzie May's one-out infield single and stolen base preceded a Ronish single. Up stepped Kumasaka to rifle a two run double. Baucom drew a base on balls, allowing Ruffcorn an opportunity to drive another run home on an infield ground out. Carlee Ronish walked and stole second base and then, Abby Hay pulled a pitch to left field to score the fourth run of the inning.

Catcher Hay was quite comfortable about the situation.

"I'm feeling great," she said. "All our pitchers are working hard and are super accurate," she said. "I know they can field their positions."

Unlike their previous five-inning wins, the Warriors went the seven-inning distance as their foes tightened the pitching and defense to give up only three more runs over the final five innings.

Two runs scored via bases loaded walks in the fifth inning as SC made the score 8-0.

Right handed batter Natalie Vittitow punched an opposite field, soft liner RBI single just over the infield to plate Lexi Bates to account for final run of the game.

Kumasaka pitched a complete game two-hitter with three strikeouts while ending a second inning Panther threat by snagging a line drive directed at her before throwing the ball to second baseman Ruffcorn to double up the runner that was straying from second base on contact.

"I felt good about the pitching and what the fielders were doing behind me," she said confidently.