Despite rain, hail and wind throughout the early stages of the season opener, Yelm and Olympia’s softball programs made the most of their non-league game, Tuesday, March 12, at Yelm High School.
The Tornados struck first early in the contest, but Olympia ultimately won the opening day matchup, 5-2.
Sophomore Mallory Hoke made her first appearance on the mound this season for the Tornados and was off to a hot start early in the contest, putting away her first six batters. Yelm’s head coach Lindsay Walton said the pitcher had a strong six-inning showing, adding she’s been working hard in the off-season on hitting spots and perfecting her off-speed pitch, which Walton described as kryptonite for many opposing batters.
“She brings a steady command and confidence on the mound. She trusts her defense and is a young vocal leader on and off the field,” Walton said. “I foresee Mallory being a dominant force against our opponents, and her command will only continue to grow with the success she had against Olympia and as the season progresses.”
After Hoke sat down three Olympia batters in the first inning, Yelm got to work at the plate and scored its first runs of the season. Following a single from junior Austin Hitchner, senior Miranda Hunt collected her and the team’s first RBI of the season after scoring her teammate on a groundout. Yelm led 1-0.
“It’s always a plus when you can put runs on the board early to support your pitcher,” Walton said. “Austin took advantage of what would usually be a caught ball, but the wind made it difficult. Her aggressive baserunning is what made scoring early possible. Miranda always finds a way to put the ball in play, allowing us to take an early lead.”
The Tornados held the lead until the third inning when Olympia’s Brooklyn Crass hit a two-RBI double, allowing the Bears to take a 2-1 lead.
Hitchner tied the contest at two-apiece in the bottom of the fourth inning after she hit a home run to left field on the sixth pitch she saw during her at-bat.
“Austin had quality at-bats for the day, fouling off multiple pitches. The more pitches we make the pitcher throw, the better,” Walton said. “She brings power and confidence to our lineup.”
The contest remained tied until the top of the sixth inning, when Sami Potvin, Olympia’s starting pitcher in the contest, hit a solo shot to center field, putting her team ahead 3-2.
The Bears tacked on two more runs in the top of the seventh inning to secure a 5-2 victory.
Hoke finished her day pitching six innings, allowing three runs across six hits. She struck out five Olympia batters and walked four. Potvin pitched seven innings and finished the game with 16 strikeouts and zero walks, allowing just two runs across three hits for Olympia.
“It was great to face a quality pitcher in our first game of the season,” Walton said. “That is definitely the kind of pitching we could face in the postseason, so the more opportunities we get to face that caliber of pitching, the better. It gave the girls a chance to see spin and work on discipline at the plate.”
Walton said the team will feature key contributors Elissa Dewees, Hitchner, Hoke and Hunt throughout the season. She added that Layah Hicks will help behind the plate and bring some offensive power to the team’s batting.
“I’m very excited to see how our two freshmen perform as well, Riley Smith and Kamille Kautz. Riley brings support to our pitching staff with lots of spin, and Kamille brings a consistent bat and quiet confidence to our team,” Walton said. “I have confidence in all the girls on our team, so it’s hard to only pick a few because they all have the chance to be key contributors this season.”
Following the opening day matchup against future 4A South Puget Sound League (SPSL) opponent Olympia, Yelm turns the page and looks to make the most of a busy week where the team will play four games.
The team hosted South Sound Conference (SSC) opponent Peninsula Tuesday, March 19, followed by another home matchup Wednesday, March 20, against Prairie High School, 3A Greater St. Helens League (GSHL). Results for both of those games were not available before press time.
“I have high hopes for league play and how the season could play out,” Walton said. “The key to our overall success will be making the routine plays, scoring often and continually supporting each other in positive ways.”
Following the home matchups, the Tornados next head to Bellevue College on Saturday, March 23, for a non-conference doubleheader against Ellensburg and East Valley high schools. The contest against Ellensburg is set for 9 a.m., with the following game against East Valley set for 3 p.m. Bellevue College is located at 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue.
Even after the busy week concludes, the Tornados will be right back into action at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25, as the team will travel to Gig Harbor High School for its second SSC matchup of the season.
