2A Prep Softball: Woodland’s whip-saw offense cuts path to season’s final day

Back and Forth – Beavers survive 3-game slate at State Tournament

Woodland’s Gracelynn Huffman (6) takes a big cut in the batter’s box during a game at the 2A State Tournament, Friday, May 25. Huffman helped the Beavers in the circle and at the dish as they won twice and advanced to the final day of the season. / Photo by Dylan Wilhelm of The Chronicle

Jordan Nailon / blastzonenews@gmail.com

High School Softball

SELAH – The Woodland Beavers played three games on the first day of the 2A State Softball Tournament and scored 30 runs. The only problem is they scored 29 of those runs in two games, and wound up on the wrong end of a no-hitter in the other.

But when all the other fields were empty, sprinklers on, and facility staff eagerly standing by to wrap up their chores Friday night, the Beavers were still standing. And they went to bed knowing they played their way to the final day of the season.

In order to earn their return voucher, Woodland turned in an opening round win over East Lake (Spokane) by a score of 16-8, before closing the day with a 13-9 win over Franklin Pierce in an elimination game beneath the lights at Carlon Park. In between, the Beavers lost 8-1 to No. 3 ranked Port Angeles.

But it’s the wins that mattered most. And it’s the ability to prove doubters wrong that seems to bring the Ol’ Forest City Nine the most joy.

“It feels awesome. To come here and win two games feels great,” Woodland coach Tom Christensen said. “We win the pretty ones, and we win the ugly wins.”

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