MARSYVILLE — Marysville-Pilchuck softball coach KT Allyn is still replaying in her mind the final innings of the Class 4A State Championship game. And why not? The Tommies uncharacteristically left the bases loaded in their final at-bat and lost a nail-biter to Walla Walla, 1-0, May 28, at the Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane.
Although the Tommies returned without a championship banner, they did place higher in the tournament than any other M-P softball team in the school’s history. And that is quite an accomplishment. Consider that the Tommies have earned a berth to the state tournament 23 times since 1980, including 11 consecutive visits from 1992 to 2001. They finished third in 1997 and have a few fifth- and seventh-place finishes over the years.
“I wanted the championship for my girls so badly, but Walla Walla played a great game,” Allyn said. “Winning feels good and it would’ve felt incredible to have won the title. ”
In reaching the title game, the Tommies defeated Kentlake 5-3 in the first round, Richland 8-3 in the second and Woodinville 7-2 in the semi-finals. Overall, M-P’s offense outscored its opponents 20-9.
Four-year letterman Megan Rollings finished the tournament with a .583 batting average. In the first two games, she went 6-for-6, with two home runs, three doubles and five RBIs.
“She also finished her career by playing the best shortstop I have ever seen her play in the post-season,” Allyn said. “She (Rollings) has been an incredibly consistent performer for four years. She had an outstanding tournament at the plate.”
Senior pitcher Riley Fritz collected two victories from the mound and had a tourney earned-run average of 2.45. She finished the season with a record of 12-3. Junior Monica Clow earned a save in the team’s victory over Kentlake, and recorded the victory against Woodinville. She finished the season with a sterling 9-0 pitching record.
For the month of May, the Tommies, who ended the season 23-4, won 12 of 14 games and outscored their opponents a mind-numbing 107-20.
Allyn said, “Although I am incredibly proud of my girls for working their way to the state championship game, I must say that nothing brings me more pride than to be able to say, ‘that’s my team.’ Umpires compliment their conduct on the field and teachers and school administrators commend their diligence in the classroom.”
