MONROE – Marysville-Pilchuck’s fastpitch team topped the division’s No. 1 seed in the first round of Wesco 4A District 1 finals on March 15, at Sky River Park in Monroe, to advance to state on May 25.

The Tomahawks defeated Arlington 2-1, immediately following their victory over Wesco South top-seed Kamiak High School. Their 6-3 win over the Knights sent the team glowing into the second game against the Wesco North top-seed Eagles.

Hayley Fritz hit an RBI single in the top of the third inning, starting off a lead for the Tomahawks. That lead quickly turned into a tie after Eagles’ pitcher Ronnie Ladines hit an RBI double in the bottom of the third, and at that point the game could have gone either way with the winner clinching a spot at state.

Tommies’ pitcher Monica Clow kept up the defense for the remainder of the game, giving up only two base hits through the seventh inning. Abigail Otto hit an RBI double in the top of the seventh to give M-P the lead once again. The Eagles weren’t able to score in the bottom of the seventh, giving the Tomahawks a chance at the district title.

Thanks to their victory over Arlington the Tomahawks competed in the district championship game, again at Sky River Park, on May 17, this time against Monroe High School’s Bearcats. As the No. 4 seed in the division, the Bearcats were a surprise contender. After beating both Cascade and Snohomish high schools in the first round of the tournament, Monroe brought their fiercest game, dealing the Tomahawks an 11-0 defeat.

“I don’t think we did anything well,” said Aaron Zachry, head coach for M-P. “We got outplayed by them. I feel like coming off the big win against Arlington and knowing that they are going to state, I think the girls settled for that.”

Following the championship game, the Tomahawks took Friday off.

“We practice everyday,” said Zachry. “They haven’t had a break since spring break. This will let them think about finishing the season strong. Maybe they’ll get focused and play like I know M-P can play.”