Prep softball notebook: CdA sweeps Lake City, secures league title
It’s no wonder that the Coeur d’Alene softball team may have been a little hyped going into its doubleheader against cross-town rival Lake City on Tuesday.
For the Vikings, it was Senior Day.
Coeur d’Alene bounced back from a slow start to sweep Lake City and defend its 5A Inland Empire League championship with 5-4 and 11-2 victories.
“I’m happy we got out of the first one with a win,” first-year CdA coach Darren Taylor said. “I’m not surprised we got out to a slow start. The seniors seem to get all riled up and it’s tough to focus on (Senior Day).”
Jane Wilkey provided the winning run in the opener with a solo homer.
Then the Vikings (18-0 overall, 10-0 league) settled down and looked like the team they’ve been all season in the second game.
Bre Burke smashed a three-run homer and Kylie Smith added a two-run shot as the Viks controlled things from start to finish.
“We went back to our formula – have fun and let our offense take over games,” Taylor said.
In the opener, LC (17-6, 8-4) had a chance to open a big lead in the first. The Timberwolves opened with three straight hits against Burke (16-0), scoring two runs. But the T-Wolves stranded the bases loaded.
“I like the way that we win different ways,” Taylor said. “Sometimes we hit really well, sometimes we play great defense, and other games when things aren’t going right we find a way to pitch it when we need to.”
CdA concludes regular-season play Friday with a makeup doubleheader at Lewiston. The Viks will host the regional tournament Tuesday.
Season concludes
The Greater Spokane League’s top seeds were a foregone conclusion early. Shadle Park is the top seed in 3A and University is the top seed in 4A.
But that doesn’t mean other teams aren’t capable of surprising come the district tournaments.
While Shadle and U-Hi dominated for the most part, teams like Mead, Central Valley, Mt. Spokane and North Central could have a say in which teams advance to the subregional with the Mid-Columbia Conference.
Still, Shadle and U-Hi came away from its marathon game last week – a combined 19 runs, 30 hits in 11 innings – poised for the postseason.
“That’s good for our girls to get into an (extra-innings) game,” U-Hi coach Jon Schuh said. “We haven’t had that happen. I’m proud of my girls how they battled. And my hat’s off to Shadle. We proved we could hit a girl (Jaya Allen) with velocity. That’s a big confidence boost.”
Shadle assistant coach Scott Kine makes all the offensive calls from the third base coaching box. Head coach Guy Perham stations himself in the first base box.
Kine loved what he saw in what essentially was the league title showdown.
“It was billed to be a great game,” Kine said. “I don’t think a fan left here not being satisfied. We’re going to savor this.”
Something to savor
Sandpoint captured its first 4A Inland Empire League title with a sweep over Lakeland last Saturday.
The 4A classification was created for fastpitch in 2001. The sport replaced slowpitch in 1997.
It’s a huge breakthrough for a program that has languished since fastpitch was instituted.
Sandpoint (12-5, 7-1) defeated Lakeland 14-11 and 13-9.
The Baldree sisters led Sandpoint on Saturday. In the first game, Cody Baldree hit two homers, including a grand slam, knocking in six runs, and pitcher Bri Baldree had 12 strikeouts.
The teams split earlier this season.
“It’s always interesting,” WV coach Paul Cooley said of the matchup with Pullman. “We won there and they beat us at home.”
A pair of young players are leading the Eagles. Sophomore Elle Hildahl is hitting .581 and freshman Maddi Thompson is hitting .564 with a team-leading four homers. Morgan Albright, one of three seniors, is hitting .565.
Champs again
Northwest Christian clinched its third Northeast 2B title in the last four years last week.
The Crusaders, who finished 16-0 in league, have a bye in district play until May 17.
“The girls were really excited about it,” NWC coach Renee Stewart said of the league title. “They weren’t picked very high before the season.”
Sophomore pitcher and leadoff hitter Mattea Nelson leads NWC in most categories. She was 15-0 in league and is hitting .689.
The NEA sends three teams to state this year. Colville, Lakeside and Chewelah appear to have the inside track to those berths.
For Lakeside, center fielder Hailey Lesser leads in hitting at .490 (24 for 49). And in the circle, McKensie Brittos (8-1) and Shelby Claassen (6-1) have set the pace.