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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Pitchers lead Selkirk into softball postseason

Pitchers Kirbi Anderson, left, and Courtney Holter have been an awesome combo.

Courtney Holter has been perfect in the classroom all four years at Selkirk, and similar success has followed her on the softball field this spring.

As the highest-ranked senior academically in a class of 23, Holter will give a speech during the graduation ceremony June 9.

So what does Holter consider most daunting? Being one out away from completing a perfect game – which she did this year – or giving a speech in front of peers and family?

“I think I’d probably be equally nervous but it would be a different kind of nervous,” Holter explained.

Holter hasn’t been alone in the perfection element on the softball field. She has split time on the mound with junior Kirbi Anderson. Selkirk takes an 18-0 record into postseason, and the pitchers are each 9-0.

“There’s no real difference,” said Andy Anderson, Kirbi’s father and one of the Rangers’ three coaches. “It doesn’t really matter who we put out there. We get the same stuff – quality stuff.”

The statistics are strikingly similar. Holter has allowed nine runs in 44 innings, striking out 56, walking 15 and giving up 27 hits. She’s had four shutouts and two no-hitters to go with the perfect game. Anderson has allowed 14 runs in 39 innings, striking out 55, walking eight and giving up 23 hits. She’s had three shutouts and one no-hitter.

Just two of Selkirk’s games have gone a full seven innings.

For a second straight year, Holter has been named the Panorama League’s most valuable player.

The duo not only shares pitching chores but each also plays shortstop when not pitching.

Holter throws about 4 mph harder than Anderson. But Anderson is considered the most consistent.

“Kirbi is around the plate more and has one extra pitch than Courtney,” Andy Anderson said.

Selkirk took fourth at the State 1B tournament last year. Although a couple of key seniors graduated, success was expected this year – especially with Holter and Anderson stifling opponents.

“We knew we’d do well but maybe not this well,” Andy Anderson said. “We felt coming into the season we could challenge for a state title. We talked about it with our girls too. After the first day of practice we put it on the back burner.”

Holter and Anderson have been playing since fifth grade. Holter is a small school’s dream – a three-sport athlete. She’s been an all-league basketball player the last three years and an all-league selection the last two years in volleyball.

“She’s an incredible athlete,” Andy Anderson said.

Kirbi Anderson started last fall in volleyball but doesn’t play basketball.

“They both have great work ethics,” the coach said. “I tell all of our young kids that they’ve gotten where they’re at because they’ve worked really hard.”

Sometimes too hard. Kirbi Anderson has worn out three pitch-back nets at a cost of $40 a pop. It’s allowed her to work on her game by herself at home.

She will likely be the full-time pitcher next spring.

Anderson hasn’t looked any further ahead, though, then the next couple of weeks.

“We want a state title so we’re going to go get it,” Anderson said. “Our team is like a family. We all work together well.”

Holter agreed.

“The duo enjoy pitching for the same reason – the ball is in their hands and the game is essentially in their control.

Holter knows her playing days are coming to an end soon.

“The thing I’ll miss most about Selkirk is my friends because most of them are younger,” said Holter, who plans to attend Washington State University. “It’s sad that they’ll still be here playing sports without me. It’s such a close-knit community.”

It’s a community that has rallied around its softball team. One that’s led by an efficient one-two punch.