To quote Magnolia girls coach Jack Sutermeister, "Softball is back."
Jack, along with Bob Christie, really got softball up and running 10 years ago, and helped to resurrect it again this season. A special thanks to both of them along with all the volunteer coaches and sponsors from single A to Senior Majors who stepped up to help.
Thank you also to Gail LaRussa and Lori Bjorklund for stepping up to be the softball coordinators and representing softball at MLL board meetings.
This year started out a little bumpy, as do all years in transition, but once it got up and running there was success not only in the win/loss column but also with regard to the enthusiasm of the girls. Nancy Wagner from the University of Washington's softball program worked with our pitchers and coaches both at the majors' level and the AAA level. The board approved dollars to be used for her expertise so that we can cultivate new pitchers and fine tune the ones we have.
The goal next year is to be pro-active and get our younger girls and coaches (A, AA & AAA) some early help in order to build our program back up for the benefit of all.
If you are interested in helping in any way, please contact one of our coordinators.
To quote Mary Lou Retton: "A trophy carries dust; memories last forever." For at least two of our teams who played for a championship, one for state and one for district, this is certainly the case.
Starting at the top: The Senior girls won the District 8 championship, and then moved on to Clarkston, Wash., where they ended up playing for the state championship. They went through the losers' bracket to beat Lake Stevens and advanced to the state championship game. They played with a lot of heart and hustle in 100 degree weather, eventually losing to the local Asotin team.
The team was coached by long time MLL softball coaches Tim Takayoshi, Bette Beck and Rick Borish, who once again did a fabulous job with the girls.
The players are Amy Takayoshi, Ana Beck, Maddy Borish, Heather Casper, Tanya Cowman, Emily Metcalf, Jessie Thelen, Mary Katherine Downer, Taylor Schmidt, Lauren Crowley and Maddie Murphy. The girls created their own Web site to document their entire season, and what is most obvious is the fun they had. Enjoy their pictures at www.flashpd.com/softball. Good luck next year, girls.
The Majors All-Stars went 1-2 in their tournament. The team was coached by Steve DeGarmo and Teresa Buker; the players were Natalie Frank, Leila Buker, Lara Grevstad, Donna Leet, Marah Williams, Erin Murphy, Haley DeGarmo, Jamie Thelen, Tessa Young and Jayne Barnes.
A last inning comeback in their third game was squelched by two close calls at the plate. Again, though disappointed with the end result, the girls left the field with smiles.
The All-Stars, ages 9-10 and coached by Jack Sutermeister, Mike Taft and Krissy Sutermeister, went into the District 8 championship game as the only undefeated team in the tournament; they took second place.
Team members were Jamie Guinasso, Nora Buker, Nina Leff, Kimmy Taft, Lissa Sutermeister, Amy Kimmerly, Emma Whitaker, Teja Young, Bailey McCaslin, Gemma Holt and Ashley Ochsner.
To begin the post season play, the Carol Ard Majors team - consisting of players ages 9 through 12 - took the league championship in Husky softball stadium. And they said it couldn't be done! They proved that it could.
The 9 and 10 year olds contributed equally to the success of this team under the leadership of the 12 year olds. They were given the playing time they needed to develop, and they are some of the most awesome kids to work with.
The team member were Marah Williams, Leila Buker, Lissa Sutermeister, Nora Buker, Natalie Frank, Kimmy Taft, Nina Leff, Jamie Guinasso, Erin Murphy, Donna Leet, Campbell Reynolds, Caela Mandigo and Sylvia Ely. They were coached by Jack Sutermeister and Teresa Buker.
A special thank you to all the fans that came from Magnolia that day to support these kids. It is a game that they will always remember.
Looking forward to next year is easy after a year like this one. Those registering for Majors, please do so early as there are only about 12 slots available between the two Majors teams next year. Girls ages 7 through 10, please make sure to come to tryouts. Registration information will be available on the MLL Web site next year.[[In-content Ad]]
