U-Hi, Shadle In Fitting Finale
Prep softball
One hit was enough to send Shadle Park back to the District 8 4A softball final, but not enough for Central Valley to join the Highlanders.
Shadle defeated Lewis and Clark 3-2 on a third-inning, two-run double by Ashley Lynn, who subsequently scored the winning run.
A bases-loaded triple by Amber Shields that rallied CV to a 5-3 sixth-inning lead over University did not hold up.
The Titans ultimately prevailed 6-5 when Nancy Nguyen stole home with two outs in the bottom of the seventh.
The Highlanders and Titans play at 6 tonight at Franklin Park for the district championship following the CV-LC game for third and fourth places at 3:45.
Lynn’s triple off a Kayla Adams’ change-up was pulled to left field, scoring Andrea McGrath and Katie Hoffman, both aboard on errors. Annie Boyd bunted in Lynn with the decisive run.
“I kind of knew before I got in the (batter’s) box it was going to be a change,” said Lynn. “I saw it earlier and took a swing at it.”
The third inning was just enough for Shadle, which was outhit 5-3 by LC and survived a sixth-inning comeback attempt by the Tigers.
LC loaded the bases to open the frame and scored on Tiana Maua’s two-run single. But a double play on a popped up bunt ended the threat.
“I tell you, it was interesting,” said Shadle coach Janie Vandeberg. “It was tough after having a week off.”
LC coach Dennis DeBill was pleased despite the loss, particularly with his sophomore pitcher.
“It was one of the kids’ better games, really,” he said.
University was breezing 3-0 behind Megan Owen’s perfect game through five innings. Then CV erupted.
An innocent fly to right field became a sun-hindered single. CV scored following a walk and pair of bunts.
Then Shields hit her long fly ball triple to right and scored on Carina Ebat’s ground out.
But the Titans came right back in the bottom of the inning. Kalli McGilley doubled with one out and sophomore Jenni Shollenberger tripled, then scored to tie the game.
“I knew we would come back,” she said. “And I knew I had to get a hit.”
CV pitcher Natalie Shields got past U-Hi’s dangerous duo of Vanessa Shelton and Owen in the seventh, but sophomore Jill Oglesbee singled and moved up on a wild pitch.
An error on Sarah Bishop’s ground ball enabled the Titans to run their walk-off double steal and Nguyen slid around the tag for the game winner.
“It’s what U-Hi’s known for doing,” said coach Jon Schuh. He just couldn’t see for sure if she was safe.
Monday’s games set up a repeat of last year’s final day. U-Hi has one district title to show for its previous four league titles. Shadle is defending champion.
“It’s always big to play U-Hi,” said Vandeberg, “and only fair it should come down to the first and second place (regular-season) teams.”
Brianna Shasky struck out six and Beth Bercier went 2 for 4 as Lakeside (17-1, 11-1) defeated visiting Deer Park 7-1 in the first game to clinch the Great Northern League title. Caryn Grubbs went 2 for 3 and Kristin Krummel went 2 for 4 and started a double playr with a diving catch in right field, leading Lakeside to a 5-2 win in the second game. Top-seeded Lakeside and No. 2 Medical Lake (13-6) have opening-round byes to Saturday’s District 7 2A tournament at Medical Lake. Loser-out openers are Chewelah (5-15) vs. Pullman (11-5) and Riverside (10-10) vs. Deer Park (7-13).