by MARTY ZIER

Sports contributor

The Viking girls softball team (1-2) prevailed 12-9 after a hard-fought game against Forest Ridge on April 1.

Forest Ridge hit quick scoring four runs in the first inning, but the resilient Vikings bounced back in the second with seven runs of their own. The teams traded runs from there on but the Vikings took advantage of some wild pitches with seven walks, including one hit batter.

Coach Jason Nichols was pleased to play his first game with all his players eligible. And with a complete roster, the progress showed.

“Our pitching and defense has improved and the base running is better, much more aggressive,” he said.

Orcas hitting included Emma Minnis with two singles, Bella Nigretto a triple and Bethany Hansen a double.

“This win is a step in the right direction,” Nichols said. “We are not where we need to be, but we are on the right path, we are improving.”

The Vikings play Concrete and La Conner this week.

The Viking boys baseball team (1-1) inked in their first season win against Cedar Park Christian on Friday, April 4.

Coach Jim Passer said it was a quick game with lots of strikeouts on both sides but saw improvement develop over all aspects of his young team.

“Miles Harlow threw really well today, he’s getting more comfortable and stayed in front of the hitters,” he said. “Most of his first pitches were strikes, which is a key. Defense is getting better too, I think we had only one error. We hit the ball too and they had a really good pitcher, we just hit the ball right at them.”

The Vikings’ winning score came off a Matthew Mullan walk that advanced him to second base, then Trent Johns brought him home with a RBI single. Sticky defense sealed the win as Pasha Bullock ended the game throwing out a base runner attempting to steal 3rd.

The Vikings play La Conner and Friday Harbor this week.