by MARTY ZIER

Sports contributor

The bright Skagit Valley sun welcomed the Orcas Lady Vikings softball team, coached by Scott Harris, in the first league fist fight of the season, surely a precursor for both future playoff rivals.

Pitching for the Vikings was Aliviah Garcia with Alicia Susol catching. Both teams traded runs in the first few innings in what appeared to be a close contest against the LaConner Braves on March 23.

Throwing the first big punch, the Vikings opened up the 3rd inning on fire with singles by Garcia, Bella Nigretto, Kathryn Tidwell, Alena Janssen, Shelbi Rogers and a walk by Susol. Knocking in more runs were huge doubles by Garcia and Sofie Thixton, culminating in a 6-3 lead by the end of the 3rd. A single by Lana Bronn in the 4th inning scored Garcia for a 7-3 Viking 4th inning lead. The sun’s heat reached its maximum zenith on the Orcas crowd as the ladies’ will dominated against last year’s league championship contenders.

As the day faded, so did the Vikings’ momentum. The 6th inning proved critical as the Braves took advantage of good hitting, a couple of walks and Viking defensive errors that set the stage for a late game comeback. Bases loaded with Braves in the bottom of the 7th, the score tied 7-7, the Viking bullpen hollering beyond clarity, the home team hit a well-placed pop fly allowing a lone Brave to run home and set the sun on the opening league game for the Lady Vikings in a 7-8 nail-biter.

The Vikings will undoubtedly use the loss for motivation for their next game against LaConner on May 10 at Buck Park.