SILVERDALE — The Port Angeles softball team finished third at the Olympic League tournament, splitting games with Bainbridge and Sequim.
The Roughriders lost to Bainbridge 13-12, ending their quest for an unbeaten season, then bounced back to beat Sequim 6-2.
Port Angeles ends its season 15-1, with that one loss to a 3A team.
Bainbridge was the No. 4 seed in the tournament, but ended up winning it by beating North Kitsap in the championship.
Riders coach Randy Steinman said his team uncharacteristically made a lot of errors against Bainbridge.
“We hit the ball well, but we didn’t play well. We let them hang around and then they beat us,” Steinman said. “They beat two good teams. They got hot at the right time.”
Steinman said the girls were more relaxed against Sequim. The highlight of the game was a three-run home run by Taylor Worthington.
A scary thing for Olympic League foes next year? The Riders only graduate two players — Jada Cargo-Acosta and Ava Brenkman.
Starting pitcher Teagan Clark and possible league MVP Zoe Smithson are back next year.
“It was a great season. We have great talent coming back,” Steinman said.
North Kitsap 2, Sequim 1
SILVERDALE — Sequim coach Michael McFarlen said his team played well defensively and pitched well, but simply could never get any offense going against either Port Angeles or North Kitsap.
Lainey Vig pitched the North Kitsap game, giving up just the two runs, usually enough for a powerful Sequim squad. She pitched another four innings against Port Angeles.
It was a successful year for the Wolves, who went 10-6 on the season and had nine games in double figures.
“We got some games in. We have a lot of girls coming back next year. It should be fun,” McFarlen said.
Baseball
Central Kitsap 11, Port Angeles 0
North Kitsap 5, Port Angeles 2
Port Angeles’ Adam Watkins pitches to North Kitsap on Saturday. Watkins held the Vikings to two runs in six innings, but North Kitsap won 5-2. (Mark Krulish/Kitsap News Group)
SILVERDALE — The Port Angeles baseball team had trouble generating offense, ending its season with a pair of disappointing losses in the Olympic League District Tournament.
The Roughriders lost to Central Kitsap 11-0 and North Kitsap 5-2 to finish fourth at the tournament. The Riders finish with a record of 10-5.
“We had some struggles. We weren’t able to get anything going offensively,” said coach Casey Dietz.
Dietz said the Riders did better at the plate against North Kitsap and actually had chances with runners on base, but they were never able to get a big hit to blow the game open. The Vikings ended up winning it in extra innings.
“We had the opportunity to win. All you can do is give yourself a chance,” Dietz said.
“The guys don’t feel really great right now, but we had a great, successful season. The guys overcame a lot to get where they did.”
Their baseball careers are not over as a number of Roughriders will play for the AAA and AA Wilder Baseball Club teams. For now, several players will play winter prep sports such as basketball and wrestling until the American Legion season kicks into high gear.
