For baseball teams, no easy games in GSL grinder

University High School baseball coach Scott Sutherland calls the Greater Spokane League a grinder.

“I really thought we could finish in the top four, but you just don’t know,” he said, following completion of a sweep of district rival Central Valley.

Then he ticked off a long list of GSL teams that also were capable of finishing as high or higher.

“The kids know there are not any easy games,” Sutherland said. “It will be a grind the whole way.”

Teams return to action Tuesday, and U-Hi (6-2) is currently tied for third with Ferris behind Mt. Spokane and Mead.

The Bears fell to 4-6 following 6-1 and 13-7 losses to the Titans, but they have split with Ferris and Mead, losing both times by a single run.

East Valley enters the week 2-6.

Last week University swept Lewis and Clark 11-3 and 13-2 along with the Bears. Aaron LaPlante had eight hits, the Jacobs, Olsufka and Schnibbe had six each as did Billy Moon. Two others had five.

CV beat Mead 6-5 and Ferris 10-7, both in eight innings. The Bears lost to the Saxons 5-4, a four-run seventh-inning rally coming up just short. Trevor Nearing had eight hits and Ryan Simmelink six.

The Knights lost 13-3 to Mt. Spokane and were swept 15-11 and 5-4 by Shadle Park. Ryan Campbell had five hits during the week, Skyler Schiller, Tanner Hamilton and AJ Mills four apiece.

“West Valley romped past Deer Park 27-0 and 11-4 to improve to 3-1 in the Great Northern League. Tom Peterson had five hits during the twin bill and Casey Sherrill four. Camron Bowman had four hits in game one. The Eagles (6-3 overall) split with Clarkston earlier.

“Freeman is off to an impressive 6-0 start, including an 11-0 Northeast A League whitewash of Colfax and wins over Bellevue Christian and Heppner, Ore., in Colfax’s invitational tournament.

Locals on track

Spokane Valley track and field athletes are among state leaders, and Central Valley boys and East Valley girls won their initial GSL double duals before the spring break.

Knight Tim Armstrong has run impressive 14.54 and 39.97 high hurdles times and University defending state champion javelin thrower Wes Nolen has thrown 195-3 for boys state leads.

West Valley’s Ashley Kenney is the state discus leader with a 134-10 throw.

The Bears boys swept North Central and Rogers in their track opener, while EV girls topped University and Lewis and Clark during GSL competition. CV girls and EV boys split their contests. U-Hi lost both meets.

Shawn Coyle was a double winner in the 800 and 1,600 for CV boys. East Valley’s Lori Bourgeous won the 100 and both hurdles on the track and Eleaya Schuerch three jumping events in the field.

Armstrong was a double winner for EV boys as was Case Parker in the 200 and 400.

Softball chase resumes

University (7-2) resumes its chase of GSL softball leaders Shadle Park and North Central this week.

The Titans closed to within a game of second place and host the Indians on Friday for a chance to tie.

Most recent wins came 10-0 over Rogers, 22-0 over Mt. Spokane and 8-2 over Central Valley (5-3 and in fifth place).

Alyssa Hawley led the potent offense with seven hits, including two home runs and a triple. Ashley Fargher, Ali Warren and Michelle Wells had six hits each. Fargher homered twice against CV, and Warren hit one against Roger.

The Bears beat Gonzaga Prep and Lewis and Clark, Mickenzie Alden with eight hits, Alexa Morales and Crystal Holt with five each.

East Valley (3-5) is in the middle of things in league following wins over Rogers, 15-14 in eight innings, and Ferris. Echo Abramson had seven hits and five others hit four apiece.

“West Valley is 3-1 in the Great Northern League after sweeping Deer Park 5-0 and 12-3. Rachel Meagley improved to 3-1 overall. Against Clarkston, the Eagles lost 8-5 in the opener but won the second game 14-1. Haley Bauman and Chelsea Bowman paced the offense.

“Freeman lost its NEA opener 4-2 to Kettle Falls.

Soccer teams contend

University and East Valley are among contenders in the GSL which passes the midpoint of its season this week.

The Titans and Knights are both 4-1 following U-Hi’s 1-0 victory on a goal by Michael Ramos and shutout goal keeping by Ryan Dixon. It was the first goal allowed by EV keeper Josh Peck.

EV blanked LC, Shadle, Rogers and Mt. Spokane in other matches.

U-Hi’s loss was to Lewis and Clark. The Titans have also beaten Central Valley, Shadle Park and Rogers.

CV (2-3) has lost all three matches by 2-1 scores, including in overtime to University. The Bears beat North Central last week. Sam Busby has scored five goals.

“West Valley (2-3) blanked Chewelah 7-0 in its latest GNL contest. Scoring leader Craig Nelson, Bryer Reynolds and Derek Courchaine all had two goals.

Ladies golfers begin

“Liberty Lake 9 Hole: First outing for club members included a low gross 49 in first flight by Karen Strauss.

Polly Soderquist and Emma Long each shot 67 in second flight, and Darlene Reilly 77 in third flight.

Net winners were Lorraine Martin with 38 in first flight and Mary Gehrman with 41 in second. Bette Devine, who had a chip-in on the 11th hole, had low net in third flight.

“Painted Hills Ladies League: On the first day of competition, Jeanne Allemand was in mid-season form. She shot low gross 45 to win A flight.

B flight winner was Liz Grafos with low gross 53, C flight went to Ellen Spalding with 59, and D flight was won by Nancy Wendelburg with 66. Susie McWilliams had a no-handicap 61.

Net winners were Theresa Zacher with 40 in A flight, June Hathaway with 34 in B, Kathy Walker with 39 in C, and Emma Long with 42 in D.

Long had a chip-in as did Melody Chesnut, both on the second hole.

“Trailhead Ladies Golf Club: The season began with a familiar face leading the way. Betty Grassl was low gross winner in A flight.

Sandi Hatcher had a chip-in and won B flight. Net leaders were Marcia Rowley and Sharron Collins.