The Lady Vikings went hunting for a league championship and didn’t let up until the 15-run mercy rule kicked in.

“It was pretty impressive. Our girls really played at their level,” said coach Scott Harris.

On May 4 Orcas decimated Darrington in a double-header, 16-1 and 17-1, ending the games early at four and three innings. The victories not only swept the league title, but also clinched a berth at the state playoffs.

The tables turned as the Vikes played defending state champions the Adna Pirates in a non-league game May 8.

“They are quite the show,” said Harris. “It was the gold standard of softball.” A district 4, 2B league team, the Pirates sport a perfect undefeated season despite competing against 3A and 2A schools.

“We have the talent to play with a team like that but we’ve got to be very consistent to do that. Adna is such a good team that there’s no margin for error; they take full advantage,” said Harris. The Vikings started off strong.

“For four innings we really went toe to toe with them,” he said. Halfway through the 4th inning the score was only 2-0. Adria Garcia was pitching well and the Viking defense was “really sharp,” said Harris, until a 4th inning Viking error allowed three runs.

In the 5th inning catcher Lindsay Anderson broke up the Adna star pitcher’s no-hitter with a single, but as she ran her knee buckled under her, taking her out of the game. The Pirates scored six runs in the 5th inning to end the game at 10-0.

“Despite the fierce battle, it’s still a game,” said Harris. “This is all about good softball, great sportsmanship, everybody just rallying together.”

The teams also got together over the weekend for Orcas’ Toga dance, dodgeball tournament and a barbecue.

Anderson won’t play this week as doctors assess the extent of her injuries, hoping to rule out a torn ACL. The team will be hurting without her as it heads to Tri-Districts May 18, to determine state championships seeding.

“Lindsay was hitting a 550; no one player is going to be able to make up that difference. It’s a huge loss,” said Harris. While they hope for a speedy recovery, Harris said the coaching staff is also looking at other possible player arrangements for the playoffs.