Seniors Appreciate Ups, Downs Molsberry, Hull Play Key Roles In Reversal Of State-Bound Ferris

When the word came down three years ago, Brent Molsberry moved up to varsity and Pat Hull stayed down at junior varsity.

But three years isn’t much time when it comes to the Ferris’ boys soccer team. In fact, the Saxons’ entire world changed drastically in one year.

Ferris (18-1) plays in the State AAA semifinals at 7:30 Friday night at Selah High School against Bellarmine Prep (15-1-1). The winner plays for the title at 8 Saturday night against either North Thurston (15-4) or Eastlake (15-0).

Molsberry and Hull are the lone senior starters on the talented roster. Molsberry, a four-year letterman, and Hull, a varsity player since his sophomore year, have witnessed the highs and lows.

Just last year, with much the same group, Ferris finished seventh in the Greater Spokane League.

Robin Crain became coach this year, leaving behind North Central, and Ferris won every match until a district title-match shootout with NC. Crain’s easy-going style caught on immediately with the junior- and sophomore-dominant Saxons. The seniors took notice, also.

“He’s kind of laid-back, I guess,” said midfielder Molsberry, voted co-captain with junior Billy Sleeth. “We have a lot of fun at practice.”

“Last year we won just (three) league matches,” Hull said. “I think Crain’s coaching style really helped us out.”

Ferris supplied furious defensive pressure all year, allowing just two goals in GSL matches.

The offense suffered a blow when Garth Cummings became ineligible after the league season. To compensate, Crain shifted Hull to sweeper and put Sleeth at midfield. Sleeth and junior Abbas Faridnia have a history of working well together.

Its offense clicking, Ferris avenged the district loss by beating NC 5-0 at last weekend’s state quarterfinal. The Saxons qualified for their first final four.

“We’ve always kind of had talent, but it finally came together this year,” Molsberry said. “It’s nice it came together before I’m not there anymore.”

Molsberry, Hull and classmate Kyle Kasman all plan to attend Western Washington University. They’ve talked of forming an intramural team if they don’t attempt to walk on with the Vikings.

Molsberry, born in Iowa City, Iowa, has lived in Spokane since he was 1. He started playing soccer as a first-grader, and has played for the Breakers select club with Hull.

Hull has since latched on with the Falcons, a premier league team. His family moved to town from Colorado 10 years ago.

Molsberry has tried nearly every position with the Saxons. He and Hull became full-time starters last year.

“We’ve had good, all-around defense,” Molsberry said. “No one person is really the star on our team. Everyone’s involved in the games.”

“(Goalkeeper) Tommy (Servine) hasn’t really been tested yet,” Hull said. “He’s liking it back there.”

Softball

University (25-1) opens the 16-team tourney at Yakima Valley Community College’s Larson Park at 10 a.m. Friday against Bothell.

U-Hi coach Ken VanSickle said his team enters with confidence because ace Cheryl Andrizzi had success at state last year, as a sophomore, late-season replacement.

“And the defense has been a strong point all year,” VanSickle said. “If you have those two ingredients, you’ll be in a lot of games.”

The Titans play again at 2 p.m. if they lose, 4 p.m. if they win.

Columbia River beat South Kitsap for last year’s title. Both are in this year’s field. Columbia River is in U-Hi’s side of the bracket.

Semifinals are at 10 a.m. Saturday. The title game is at 4 p.m.

Tennis

Mead and Ferris take three athletes apiece to tourneys at the Yakima Tennis Club.

Mead’s boys will battle Mercer Island for the team title. Mead’s Ryan Moran, the third seed in singles, opens with Fort Vancouver’s Wes Pierre. Tory Gambill/Brett Kaiser of the Panthers, No. 2 in doubles, start against Sehome’s Dave Presley/Mike Goodman.

Mead coach Bill Wagstaff said Mercer Island has an edge because of its two seeded doubles teams. Mead finished tied for fifth last year, with Moran placing fifth and Kaiser/Eric Donovan losing in Saturday’s consolations.

Ferris’ Josh Dyk/Nick Mays in doubles are the first Saxons boys at state in seven years. They open against third-seeded Adrian VanDooren/Nick Vickstrom of Bellarmine Prep.

Darcy Ruemping of Ferris begins girls singles play against Shorewood’s Andrea Kealer.

Baseball

Region IV-AAA champion Kennewick (23-1) plays Hudson’s Bay (20-5) at 7 p.m. Friday at Yakima County Stadium. Newport (20-5) and Port Angeles (21-6) meet at 4 p.m.

The championship game is 4 p.m. Saturday. Newport placed fourth in ‘96.

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