East softball players get to play

Spokane high school fastpitch softball players will, for the first time, be involved in the Senior All-Star Challenge Saturday at the University of Washington.

It is the sixth year of the event, but the first for players from the entire state.

Sponsors are Cloud Nine Sports, Washington State Coaches Association, Risan Athletics, Team Seattle National Events and the Amateur Softball Association.

Shadle Park’s George Lynn and University’s Jon Schuh will coach the Eastern team that encompasses players from Districts 5 through 9.

“Jon and myself have been trying to get this going,” Lynn said. “The goal is to put seniors in one more all-star venue.

“For girls who have never played at Husky Stadium, they’ll be in awe. It’s a great way to go out.”

Local team members are Samantha Skillingstad, China Frost, Jesica Berlinger and Jenn Schwartz off three-time state finalists Shadle; Riki Schiermeister, Shelby Bethel and Lexi Obenchain from U-Hi; Molly Anderson from Gonzaga Prep, Katie Kine from Mead; and Stacy Gray from Mt. Spokane. They’ll be teamed with eight other players, from the Columbia Basin League and Chelan.