by Marty Zier
Sports contributor
The Lady Vikings softball team powered through two doubleheaders last week, winning all games against Darrington and La Conner.
The Vikings started with a road trip to Darrington to face the Loggers on April 24. Orcas won 24-7.
“Portia White started and pitched two innings allowing two hits, two earned runs, five walks, but left the game in the third inning with a knee injury while batting,” said Coach Kevin White. “Emma Rodgers took over pitching and in two innings, allowing no hits, one earned run and three walks. We finished with 12 hits led by Jessie Nichols, Lindsey Simpson and Katy Minnis, each with a double. Ella Nelson had a triple while Katy a home run. Ella had six RBIs (run batted ins) to lead the team.”
The Vikings maintained their dominance in game two, with Emma pitching, allowing only two runs and winning 20-2.
“Strong hitting continued as they were able to come away with another solid win,” said White. “We were patient at the plate and played our game.”
The Vikings trained their focus on the La Conner Braves and fought back for an 8-7 win in game one on April 27.
“Flora Lister pitched a complete game and got the win late,” said White. “It was a tight game all the way through, and we clawed back into the game, inning by inning. Lindsey had a bases-clearing single; a game-winning hit in the bottom of the seventh inning that gave us the victory.”
In game two, the Vikings won 16-1.
“Our bats continued to heat up as we saw Jessie hit a home run and our hitting continued to fire on all cylinders,” he said. “We took care of business in three innings as Flora pitched for the win in game two, allowing only the one run.”
The Vikings finish their regular season with an anticipated rematch with Friday Harbor May 1 after their last double header was shortened due to rain.
“We look forward to the match-up against the Wolverines again as we continue to fight for a league title,” said White.
After the regular season ends, the Vikings will travel to Blaine, Washington for a tournament to prepare for the 2B/Bi-Districts Tournament at Janicki Fields in Sedro-Woolley, May 19.
League standings prior to the Friday Harbor contest are Orcas Island (9-1), Friday Harbor (6-0), La Conner (3-3), Darrington (0-5) and Concrete (0-9).
The Vikings baseball team traveled to Darrington and swept the Loggers in a doubleheader, 16-2 and 24-6 on April 24. Momentum continued for the Vikings as they beat the La Conner Braves 10-0 on April 27.
Orcas has two chances to narrow the gap with Friday Harbor with two consecutive league games against the Wolverines on Monday, May 1 at home then a trip to San Juan Island the next day to play the Wolverines in front of their home fans for the final regular season game.
Unofficial league standings prior to the Friday Harbor games are Friday Harbor (8-0), Orcas (7-3), Concrete (4-6), La Conner (3-5) and Darrington (0-8). Some league scores have not been reported yet.
Upon the end of the regular season, the Vikings will prepare for the 2B/Bi-District Tournament at Janicki Fields in Sedro-Woolley, May 8–12.
