Class 2B/1B fastpitch: Locals suffer early exits

YAKIMA, Wash. — Last week, Kittitas and Klickitat enjoyed the excitement of qualifying for the state fastpitch tournaments.

Friday, that euphoria quickly subsided as both teams had a brief and bittersweet appearance at Kiwanis Park.

Kittitas ran into another southwest buzzsaw in its Class 2A opener, falling 22-0 to 2011 runner-up Pe Ell and then falling just short against Kettle Falls 13-11.

“Different season, same result,” said Kittitas coach Nate Phillips, whose teams have made six straight state appearances but have gone 0-2 in each of the past three seasons.

 

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“We should know what to expect,” Phillips continued. “We do battle and we don’t give up. We would’ve liked to get to tomorrow … but we were not able to do it.”

Klickitat, meanwhile, was making its first state trip since 2002. The Vandals put up a good fight, but got edged by Wishkah Valley 5-1 in its Class 1B opener, and then lost a slugfest to Curlew 20-13.

“Our inexperience is what hurt us,” said Klickitat coach Yvette Schultz, pointing out that the team has just one senior and three juniors. “I’m proud of the team. They really worked hard.”

Today’s semifinals were set in 2B, with the 1B finalists determined, with both looking quite familiar.

The 2B semifinals, set for noon, will have defending champion Adna facing Northwest Christian, and Pe Ell meeting DeSales, another 2011 semifinalist. The championship game is at 4.

In 1B, last year’s state finalists are back for a rematch with three-time defending champion Colton taking on Almira/Coulee-Hartline at 4 p.m.

Kittitas (17-7) had no answers against Pe Ell, and there appeared to be some hangover from that game early on against Kettle Falls as the Coyotes fell behind 8-0 after 31?2 innings.

But Kittitas finally regrouped and a six-run fifth closed the gap to 8-7. Kettle Falls, however, tacked on five runs in the top of the seventh and Kittitas’ own rally in the bottom of that frame fell a couple of runs short.

Trinity Kies went 3 for 4 with three runs, and Ashley Hayes and Tori O’Shaughnessey were both 2 for 4 against Kettle Falls.

“They looked like they had a little lag at the plate (against Kettle Falls) but they did battle back and did not give up,” Phillips said.

Klickitat also battled hard, but got clipped by Wishkah Valley as Sierra Nations went 5 for 6 including a homer, and Shelby Reibel also homered.

Against Curlew, Julianna Quinton was 3 for 4 with three RBI, and Chelci Curtis added two hits and two runs, and Cassie Clack scored twice but the Vandals couldn’t overcome 11 errors.

Still, Schultz was proud of her team’s effort in that game, particularly in the wake of their defensive struggles.

“Even after they had a lot of errors,” she said, “they bounced back and tried to stick with it.”

Conference call: SCAC West shines at state golf tournament

YAKIMA, Wash. — Over the past eight years, the SCAC West has left its mark on the Class 1A state golf tournament.

Two titles, two runner-up finishes (including one ending in a sudden-death playoff for the title), 10 total top-10 finishes, and another seven top-20 showings have shown the West has held its own against the best in the state.

And it will likely add to that impressive resume this spring with Cle Elum’s Rylee Iacolucci and Goldendale’s Bree Wanderscheid among the championship contenders in their respective events that will be played today and Wednesday at The Home Course in Dupont.

Wanderscheid, a sophomore, is already part of the SCAC West’s success story, tying for second with Elma’s Alexis Keating in the girls tournament last spring as a freshman.

“Bree’s a one-person wrecking crew,” said Wade Iacolucci, the Cle Elum coach and father of Rylee. “She’s tough. She’s a competitor.”

And with defending champion Kristen Rue graduated, Wanderscheid and Keating are the top returners and will be playing together in the first girls group off the tee today.

“She’s jumped a level since last year,” Goldendale coach Ted Wilkins said, adding that last spring’s state showing and her improved driving distance has done a lot for Wanderscheid’s confidence. “Bree feels she can play with anyone … and she works hard at her game.”

Iacolucci didn’t come as close to a title as Wanderscheid did last spring, finishing in a tie for seventh, but his game has continued to improve and the senior looks to close out his prep career on a strong note.

“He’s gotten much better. He’s getting better at every competition,” said Wade Iacolucci, noting that his son shot a 63 in a men’s event at Suncadia’s Tumble Creek course this past Saturday after firing a 1-under 71 on the same layout to win the SCAC district title last week.

While Wanderscheid’s emphasis this spring was hitting longer off the tee, Iacolucci’s focus hasn’t involved his clubs.

“His mental game has gotten more stable, more durable,” Wade said. “He’s more in control of himself. He’s worked on his game, but he’s also worked on the mental side.

“I can see it in how he controls himself on the course.”

That mental focus will be put to the test today as Iacolucci is in the lead boys group playing alongside defending champion Brett Johnson from Ridgefield.

Iacolucci and Wanderscheid head up a strong Valley contingent of 25 boys and 18 girls, with 12 of those boys and seven of the girls having qualified for state last spring.

Also in the 1A ranks, La Salle’s boys have three state returners in Beau Wangler, Jack Sutton and Ty Lighty, with Grace Martin and Claire Moorer heading back for the girls.

In 2A, East Valley’s Andrew Raab (25th last spring) and Chad Cameron, and Prosser’s Devin Bender all qualified for a second straight year and each is capable of a strong showing. Selah’s girls send four players, led by Taylor Jones, who was 39th last season, and East Valley’s Allyson Ingraham and Wapato’s Michelle Baluca also earned return trips.

Riverside Christian will have three boys in the Class B tournament.

 

LOCAL STATE GOLF QUALIFIERS

Class 4A and 3A

(At Spokane)

None

Class 2A

(Boys at The Classic Golf Course, Spanaway; girls at Lake Spanaway Golf Course, Spanaway)

BOYS

East Valley: x-Andrew Raab, Andrew Devine, x-Chad Cameron. Ellensburg: Scott Whitaker. Prosser: x-Devin Bender. Selah: Joel Ford. Derek Wood.

GIRLS

East Valley: Alexa Palomarez, x-Allyson Ingraham. Prosser: Alex Riojas. Selah: x-Taylor Jones, Briana Nelson, Katie Daniels, Cassy Burns. Wapato: x-Michelle Baluca.

Class 1A

(At The Home Course, Dupont)

BOYS

Cle Elum: x-Rylee Iacolucci, x-Ryan Selzler. Goldendale: Andrew Wall, x-Riley Ross, Mitch Anderson, Joel Gerchak. La Salle: x-Beau Wangler, x-Jack Sutton, x-Ty Lighty. Naches Valley: x-Dawson Roeber, Nathan Nulliner, x-Brad Bartley, Hunter Vance, x-Conner Oliver. Zillah: Brady Widner.

GIRLS

Cle Elum: Sammy Clifton, Sarah Winebrenner, Cheyenne Henrichsen. Goldendale: x-Bree Wandersheid, Sawyer Ross, Tessa Edwards. Highland: x-Haley Gredvig. La Salle: x-Grace Martin, x-Claire Moorer.

Class B

(At Oakbrook GC Club, Lakewood)

BOYS

Riverside Christian: Derrick Phelps, Matt Guchee, Gage Neiffer.

GIRLS

Riverside Christian: Ashley Borello.

x—2011 state qualifier

Seattle’s Folsom wins 2nd Blossom

YAKIMA, Wash. — Standing over her approach shot on the 18th hole, Leslie Folsom said she did everything right — except for one thing.

“I didn’t factor in the wind,” she said of the shot that was knocked down just enough by one of Friday’s occasional gusts, leading to a two-putt par and a playoff.

About 20 minutes later, Folsom was standing over nearly the identical shot on 18 and didn’t repeat her earlier miscalculation.

The golfer from Rainier Country Club knocked her approach from about 75 yards out to within inches of the cup, leading to a tap-in par on the first playoff hole and a victory over Pat Terry in the 60th Blossom Invitational at the Yakima Country Club.

“When she hit that shot, I just went, ‘Ohh,’” said Terry, from Wenatchee Country Club, who then came up short on her par putt to extend the match.

“I couldn’t have played that shot any better,” said Folsom, who won the 2010 Blossom and lost to Anne Carr on the second playoff hole last year. “I could see it (the shot) and feel it and then I was able to execute it exactly the way I wanted.

“On the way out to my car, I gave myself a little pat on the back and told myself, ‘You won it.’”

Folsom’s brilliant shot came moments after Terry, sitting about 85 yards out, did exactly what Folsom had done in regulation.

“I didn’t factor in the wind,” she said. “I told myself not to be short — and I came up a tiny bit short.”

As a result, Terry’s shot ended up in the same spot as Folsom in regulation, on the front edge of the green with an uphill putt from about 15 feet. Her putt to extend the playoff was on line but a couple of revolutions short, stopping an agonizing inch or two from going in.

“I don’t mind losing to such a nice shot,” Terry said of Folsom’s approach, adding that she was just happy to play after almost withdrawing because of a bad back. “It’s a treat to compete with such good players.”

Both Folsom and Terry staged a final-round rally after starting Friday’s play four shots behind Denise Kieffer. But Kieffer, as Terry put it, “had one really, really, really, really bad hole,” on the front and the other two moved past her and were tied at the turn.

Folsom quickly opened a three-shot lead after 12, but Terry caught her by going birdie-par on 15 and 16, while Folsom bogeyed both.

“Even though I had the lead, I told myself, I’ve got to finish,” Folsom said. “When we got to the 17th tee, I told myself, ‘Let’s start over.’”

Both players finished with pars to cap identical rounds of 77 for two-day totals of 155, one shot better than Sue Ursino, who closed with a 75, and two better than Kieffer.

“It was a little nerve-racking. I had to just gut it out,” said Folsom, also giving credit to fellow competitor Charisse Spada, who caddied for her in the playoff. “Charisse helped keep me calm … and I trust her judgment.”

Claudette Haubner from Apple Tree was the low net winner with a 145 total.

Also in the Championship Flight, Nancy Mills from Salishan was the net winner at 145. In First Flight, Terri Jackson from the Yakima Country Club was the gross winner (172), with Dee Hanich from Everett the net winner (149). In Second Flight, Cheryl Lienesch from Twin Lakes won gross (183), and Judy Jones from the Yakima Elks won net (152).

FINAL RESULTS

Low gross: Leslie Folsom (Rainier CC) 78-77—155*. Low net: Claudette Haubner (Apple Tree) 145.

Championship Flight

Gross: 1, Pat Terry (Wenatchee CC) 78-77—155; 2, Sue Ursino (Sahalee CC) 81-75—156; 3, Denise Kieffer (Fircrest GC) 74-84—158; 4, Charisse Spada (Waverly CC) 86-73—159.

Net: 1, Nancy Mills (Salishan GL) 145; 2, Betty Gilmore (Yakima CC) 146; 3, Pat Martin (YCC) 150; 4, (tie) Sharon Drivstuen (Everett CC) 152, Debbie Fraser (Bellevue GC) 152, Mary O’Donnell (Overlake) 152.

First Flight

Gross: 1, Terri Jackson (YCC) 172; 2, Cindi Stewart (YCC) 177; 3, Ann Hall (YCC) 178; 4, (tie) Linda Paul (Everett) 179, Shelly Yarbrough (Yakima Elks) 179.

Net: 1, (tie) Debbie Holbrook (YCC) 149, Dee Hanich (Everett) 149; 3, Kristi Helmersen (Fairwood GCC) 150; 4, Betsy LaTorre (Overlake) 151.

Second Flight

Gross: 1, Cheryl Lienesch (Twin Lakes) 183; 2, (tie) Mary Davis (YE) 192, Judy Rozelle (YCC) 192; 4, Carol Artz (Fairwood) 193.

Net: 1, Judy Jones (YE) 152; 2, Melissa Keeter (YCC) 153; 3, (tie) Lyn Snell (YCC) 154, Vicki Haase (Riverbend) 154.

Third Flight

Gross: 1, Brenda Batali (YCC) 187; 2, Dawn Naye (Sahalee) 202; 3, Leslie Byrnes (Overlake) 205; 4, Nancy Baukman (Quail Valley) 206. Net: 1, Ellen Gibson (YCC) 150; 2, (tie) Judy Nagle (YCC) 155, Melinda Jonson (Plateau) 155, Patty Day (Overlake) 158.

*—Defeated Pat Terry on first playoff hole.

Team winners — Championship Flight: Mimi Racicot-Pat Martin-Barb LaBissoniere-Gwynne Johnson 63. First Flight: Ann Hall-Pat Wehr-Mari Schrempf-Marie Halverson 60. Second Flight: Judy Rozelle-Cheryl Lienesch-Judy Jones-Sheryl Lede 57. Third Flight: Pam Waibel-Shirley Boggess-Kathy Linn-Merrilee Hurson 58.

Long Drive (No. 4) — Championship Flight: Rachel Whittington. First Flight: Camera Shy. Second Flight: Sue Warga. Third Flight: Julie Gibbons.

Closest to the pin — Championship Flight: Sue Ursino. First Flight: Linda Lenseigne. Second Flight: Mary Davis. Third Flight: Brenda Batalli.

Horse Race — Win: Gwynne Johnson-Cheryl Lienesch-Brenda Batalli. Place: Denise Kieffer-Jan Deaton-Merrilee Hurson. Show: Pene James-Kristi Helmersen-Leslie Byrnes.

Determination drove ’75 Beetles

Legion WS champs had 3 future big leaguers||

YAKIMA, Wash. — Heading into the summer of 1975, Bob Garretson Jr. knew he had inherited a pretty good ballclub from his father.

Even as the Yakima Beetles Senior American Legion baseball team went through periods of up-and-down play, frustrating the first-year head coach, Garretson said he and his assistant coaches, Dale Ehler and George Perry, could see the potential in this group.

Much of their confidence was rooted in the pure athletic abilities of a team that would produce three players who eventually reached the Major Leagues (Dave Edler, Jamie Allen and Don Crow). But another chunk of their faith flowed from this group’s intangibles.

“They had a determination to get something done and had good enough athletes to get it done,” Garretson said. “They learned to discipline themselves … and were willing to take care of themselves. Little things like that bring a team together.”

As the long summer rolled on, the players proved that the coaches’ faith in them was well placed as they won another state championship, ended a 22-year drought by winning the regional title, and won the world series despite dropping their first game there.

That team and their accomplishments will be recognized Friday as part of the Beetles annual banquet. About a dozen members of the team are expected to attend the event at the Modern Living Building at State Fair Park.

“As good as we were, we didn’t focus very well,” said Edler, who was a fourth-year player that summer having just completed his freshman year at Washington State University. “We had very good older leadership and incredibly good younger players.

“Toward the middle of the season, we peaked. Coach Bob Garretson got us playing our best ball. Once we got to the postseason, we knew we couldn’t be beat.”

Both Edler and Garretson said one of the biggest challenges in that postseason run came after winning the regional title.

“From that point on, we had to fight the idea that we had achieved our goal,” Edler said. “We discussed between the team that we had not achieved our goal. We said we were not just going there to have fun, let’s go there to win it.”

“From experience, I know a lot of teams are just happy to be there,” Garretson said. “They went at it like a job.”

Not even a first-round loss to California could derail this group.

“I remember walking out of the park after that loss,” Garretson said, “and Dave Edler was walking alongside me and he said, ‘Don’t worry coach, we’ll get it tomorrow.’ They did.”

Yakima narrowly defeated New Hampshire before eliminating two-time defending champion Puerto Rico. As one of three 3-1 teams left, the Beetles got a little luck, drawing a bye while Cedar Rapids, with ex-big league pitcher Mike Boddicker, defeated California. Yakima, behind Edler, who went 15-1 as a pitcher that summer, then beat Cedar Rapids 8-4 in the title game to cap a 50-22 season.

“As any athlete would say, when you’re winning, it’s fun and we were having fun,” said Edler, noting that a rallying point for the team was the Bachman-Turner Overdrive song “Takin’ Care of Business,” which he said played constantly on the team bus’ 8-track player. “We played that tape until it died.

“It was a tight group and we were good friends. It was just a great summer — one of the true highlights of my life.”

• Team members in the photo are listed left to right. Front row: Assistant coach Dale Ehler, Dave Iraola, Brian Davison, Dan Tesch, Jim Potter, Jerry Hammermeister, Dave Schmits, Ron Gregson, Doug Edler and trainer Mark Lombardi. Back row: Head coach Bob Garretson Jr., Jamie Allen, Dave Edler, Don Crow, Randy May, Mike Moore, Scott Morse, Chris Girard, Steve Wilke, Greg McDonald, and assistant coach George Perry.

Tickets available

Tickets for Friday’s Yakima Beetles banquet cost $35 and can be purchased from Scott Wilson (509-966-6666 or 509-307-1746) or by going to www.yakimabeetlesbaseball.com and clicking on the store link.

The event is at the Modern Living Building at State Fair Park. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 7.

In addition to honoring the 1975 world series champion team, there will be live and silent auctions with everything from baseball memorabilia, sporting events tickets to vacations up for bidding.

Unbeaten Highland soccer team rolls past Okanogan

COWICHE, Wash. — It’s hard to surmise which is more intimidating to future opponents of the Highland boys soccer team.

Six first-half goals playing into a knock-you-over headwind Tuesday or Scotties coach Greg Wagner saying after the 8-1 first-round state rout of Okanogan that they can play better.

In either case, the Scotties made one thing perfectly clear Tuesday — they have the talent and confidence to make a strong run in these Class 1A playoffs.

“We had some nice goals and hustled really well,” Wagner said. “We’re pleased with what we accomplished, but this was not our best soccer.”

Difficult to tell after a dominating first half, sparked by Highland’s dynamic 1-2 punch of Jesus Gutierrez and Luis Nogales.

Gutierrez recorded a hat trick and assisted on Nogales’ first-half score, with Nogales setting up two of his teammate’s three goals.

“Chuey and I did what we’re supposed to,” Nogales said, adding that there’s good chemistry between them. “If I get the ball, he’s already running toward the goal, and if he gets it, I’m moving forward.”

That connection was evident from the outset.

On Highland’s first goal, Nogales worked along the end line, getting around two Okanogan defenders, before threading a pass right to Gutierrez out in front, who fired a shot past goalie Enrique Vargas. Later in the half, Gutierrez stole the ball, flipped a perfect pass over a couple of defenders to Nogales, who found the net, and then Nogales put a corner kick out in front of the goal with Gutierrez going up and heading it in.

“We just kept pressing them,” Gutierrez said.

All of that precision offense, which also included a goal by David Paniagua and the first of two scores by Alfonso Cervantes, came despite playing into a strong, steady wind.

“We just play it on the ground — every thing to the feet,” Nogales said. “We know we have the skills to go around any defender.”

“We actually play well against the wind,” Wagner said, adding that they prefer going into the wind in the first half because they have fresh legs.

The only blemish in the otherwise dominate first half came when Okanogan’s Justin Rivas scored about three minutes after Highland went ahead 2-0, but even that had a positive outcome as the goal helped refocus the Scotties (18-0), who will host either Bellevue Christian or Chelan on Saturday.

“We took a little breather,” said Gutierrez, who left midway through the second half after getting kicked hard in the left shin. “We just told everyone to keep up the good work and go score more goals. We did things right.”

“We scored again (about six minutes later) and that got our confidence back,” Nogales said. “That’s when we knew the game was not going to be close.

“We’re undefeated for a reason.”

First half: 1, Highland, Jesus Gutierrez (Luis Nogales), 12:00; 2, Highland, David Paniagua, 14:00; 3, Okanogan, Justin Rivas, 17:00; 4, Highland, Nogales (Gutierrez), 23:00; 5, Highland, Gutierrez (Nogales), 25:00; 6, Gutierrez, 31:00; 7, Highland, Alfonso Cervantes (Arturo Flores), 40:00.

Second half: 8, Cervantes (Jorge Marin), 64:00; 9, Highland, Carlos Mangana (Alexis Colin), 72:00.

Saves: Enrigue Vargas (O) 11, Antonio Gonzalez (H) 7.

 

No time to panic: Patient Naches Valley advances in district baseball playoffs

NACHES, Wash. — After a league schedule that required them to rally on several occasions or just hang on in one-run games, the Naches Valley Rangers have honed their patient, no-panic approach.

As the postseason arrived Tuesday, the Rangers once again applied that philosophy — first by pitcher Noel Gonzalez and later by the entire offense.

Gonzalez was initially rusty before settling in to throw a four-hitter with eight strikeouts, while the offense stayed patient after falling behind. And NV posted a walk-dominated nine-run third that propelled the Rangers to a 13-3 five-inning victory over Connell in a first-round SCAC district baseball game.

Naches Valley, 17-2, will host La Salle in a district semifinal at 4 p.m. Friday.

“We never take anything as a big deal,” said senior center fielder Cole Gilman, who drove in three runs. “We just battle through and take what we can get.”

“We’ve got seven seniors on this team and they’ve played a lot of baseball and know a lot about the game,” said Naches Valley coach Bill Walker, who faced his brother, Connell coach Tom, for the first time. “Nothing really fazes them.”

Not their ace walking the first two batters of the game, leading to an early 1-0 deficit, or when he allowed four straight hits in a two-run third that gave the Eagles a 3-1 lead.

Having played catch-up plenty of times this season, the Rangers knew their scoring opportunities would come.

“That helps a lot,” Gonzalez said of his team’s ability to rally. “We have confidence in ourselves and guys just stick with it.”

That approach paid off big time in the bottom of the third as the first 10 Naches Valley hitters reached base safely despite getting just three hits — two of which should have been outs.

In all, two Connell pitchers issued five walks and hit two batters — five of which came with the bases loaded to force in runs.

Gilman had the lone legitimate hit in the frame, a ringing two-run, ground-rule double into the gap in left.

By the time the dust settled, Naches Valley led 10-3, and when the Rangers added three more in the fourth, highlighted by sophomore Corey Hill’s second hit and third RBI of the game, they had a 10-run lead and left it to Gonzalez to finish matters.

The right-hander did just that, working around a two-out walk in the fifth as he retired seven of the final eight batters he faced.

“I just had to get used to pitching again,” said Gonzalez (8-0), who was coming off a 10-day layoff. “I just stuck to it and tried to hit my spots.”

“That’s how Noe’s been for us all year,” Bill Walker said. “It just took him a while to find his rhythm … and his comfort zone.”

Just like all the Rangers.

Connell 102 00 — 3 4 1

Naches Valley 019 3x — 13 7 0

Van Hollebeke, Hawk (3), L. Bermudez (4) and Ochoa; Gonzalez and Wells.

Highlights: Brandon Holst (C) 1-2, 2 runs; Steve Bermudez (C) 1-3, 3 RBI; Noel Gonzalez (NV) 8 Ks, run, 2 RBI; Cole Gilman (NV) 1-2, run, 3 RBI; Koleman Johns (NV) 2-3, 2 runs; Corey Hill (NV) 2-2, 2 runs, 3 RBI; Ben Wells (NV) 2 runs; Austin Cleem (NV) 2 runs.

Defense is top topic as Sarkisian, Romar visit Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. — Neither Steve Sarkisian nor Lorenzo Romar were defensive when discussing the primary shortcoming of their respective teams last season.

But defense was prominent on their minds when talking about their upcoming seasons prior to an appearance with University of Washington boosters Monday at the Yakima Country Club.

“Play defense, plain and simple,” Romar said of the focus for his basketball team. “We’ll only be as good as our defense.”

“I don’t know if a problem ever gets completely solved,” Sarkisian said of his football team’s porous defense that led to wholesale coaching changes on that side of the ball.

“We had to make a tough decision but one that was for the betterment of the program,” he continued. “They (the fired coaches) recruited well. We’ve just changed the philosophy as the program moves forward. I’m excited.”

While both are paying plenty of attention to defense, Sarkisian and that new defensive staff have a much bigger task in front of them than Romar does.

The football team has been picking through the rubble of an historically awful defensive effort that saw the Huskies allow a school-record 453.3 yards per game, punctuated by the 777 yards it gave up in a 67-56 loss to Baylor in the Alamo Bowl.

That led to the firing of defensive coordinator Nick Holt, with Justin Wilcox taking over.

Having just wrapped up spring practice, Sarkisian said he was impressed by that unit’s progress.

“Justin Wilcox and his staff have brought in a scheme that fits our players,” he said. “They bring energy and have the ability to fix the problems we had on defense.

“Ultimately, they’ve re-energized our guys. They (the players) are confident, playing fast and playing physical.”

That energy and any improvement will be put to the test quickly as Washington faces a daunting challenge in the first half of the season.

After opening with San Diego State, the Huskies travel to BCS title-game runner-up LSU. Following a contest with Portland State, Washington enters Pac-12 play with games against Stanford, at Oregon and against Southern Cal.

“It’s definitely a challenge,” Sarkisian said of those first six games. “We’ve got big hurdles left but we have student-athletes who can compete at that top-10 level. We just have to be able to do it consistently.”

Romar, who has always stressed defense at Washington, acknowledged that was the main reason Washington missed out on a fourth-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament, despite winning the Pac-12 regular-season title.

Part of that was due to injuries, particularly to Scott Suggs and C.J. Wilcox, and partly because of Washington’s youth.

“We couldn’t attack on the defensive end as much,” he said, noting that the Huskies struggles came despite the presence of 7-foot Aziz N’Diaye, one of the best defensive centers in the country. “Aziz wasn’t our (defensive) problem. Our problem was on the perimeter.

“If we stay healthy and with better depth, we can be more aggressive (this season).”

One thing that will help Washington develop that depth and gain crucial experience is the additional practices (10) and playing time thanks to seven exhibition games it will play in Spain, France and Senegal before the season opens.

“Some guys like (forwards) Martin Breunig and Shawn Kemp Jr., who played sparingly last season, will get some added experience,” Romar said. “Hopefully our chemistry will improve and maybe we’ll bond before the season even starts.”

And then the coaches won’t have to defend their team quite as much next spring.

Sounders’ Russell, Pulse motivated by competition

Former Valley players making their case with Sounders Women ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — When an athlete has put in their time and paid their dues, there can be more than a little disappointment when new players arrive, potentially sending them to the bench.

Beth Russell and Tafara Pulse find themselves in such a situation with the Seattle Sounders Women’s soccer team, but instead of feeling threatened, they’re thrilled.

That’s because the new players in case are some of the best players in the world.

“It’s a little intimidating but it’s also really fun,” said Russell, whose maiden name was Drollinger while playing at Naches Valley and later at Gonzaga University. “This year is particularly special given the high level of talent.”

“For lack of a better word, it’s been electric. Being an athlete, I never want to say I’m star struck, but at first, I couldn’t stop smiling,” Pulse said of the addition of six members of the United States national team, including Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe.

“It’s a great opportunity to have them out here, not that they’re taking anyone’s spot,” continued Pulse, who played at Davis and Eisenhower, graduating from the latter, and also Seattle University. “I don’t know who can say it’s not a privilege to train with them ahead of the Olympics.”

Both players, who have spent several seasons with the Sounders, said they’ve benefited greatly from the presence of such high-level talent, which also includes Team USA players Stephanie Cox, Sydney Leroux and Keelin Winters, all of whom were looking for a place to play after the Women’s Professional Soccer league suspended operations.

“It’s a lot more intense,” said Russell, a defender. “Here I am 27 and learning so much that I hadn’t known.

“You realize the gap (between us and them) is in the small things that they do. They’re so much more consistent. It’s exciting and I’m growing (as a player) from them.”

“I definitely think it raises the level of play and raises the level of competition,” said Pulse, a midfielder. “They bring a different way of looking at the game. They really expect us to be out there playing with intent.”

All six have been supportive and exceptional teammates since joining the Sounders, Pulse added.

“There’s no ego that comes with them and that’s really remarkable,” Pulse said. “They really bring a passion for the game and they just want to help us play as well as we can.

“I appreciate them for the skill they have but also the humility and passion they bring to the game.”

That said, the influx of talent has left Russell and Pulse now battling for spots on the 26-player roster (there are 18 active players on game days) when the 14-game season begins on May 27.

But neither is backing down from the challenge, even though they have ample reasons to hang up the spikes.

You see, neither needs to still be playing soccer.

Both have successful careers — Russell as an engineer for HNTB, where her current project is Seattle’s Alaskan Way tunnel, and Pulse, with a masters in public administration, handles marketing and sales for The Alford Group, a national company that works with nonprofits.

They want to keep playing.

In part because the sport is so ingrained in their respective lives, having played since their earliest years, but primarily because they want to help continue building the sport so young women will have something they didn’t.

“When I was in college, there was no women’s pro soccer. I didn’t think I would play after college,” said Russell, adding that the national team players have dramatically increased interest in the Sounders and women’s soccer in the area.

“There’ll be more than 5,000 people at our match,” she said, referring to the team’s final exhibition game this past Friday. “I’ve never seen that many people at a women’s game. It’s really, really exciting.

“That’s what’s been so great (about this). It’s exciting that women’s soccer is taking off. There’s been so much exposure for the (Sounders) women’s team. That’s what the national players have done.”

“For the majority of my playing career, I didn’t know what was ahead of me,” Pulse said. “(Growing up) there weren’t any women’s soccer players to look up to. It’s really amazing to have the opportunity to keep playing and help grow the sport.

“For me, the larger end goal is about all the girls playing youth soccer right now who want to have a higher level to play. I want to contribute to that and also help empower them as people.”

Despite their busy lives, both plan to keep playing — with this opportunity reminding them just how much they love the sport.

“There’s incentive every year. This year, there’s some added incentive,” Pulse said. “It feels like a reward every time we go out there.”

“Soccer has been part of my life forever,” Russell said. “I love the sport. I don’t have to play. I play because I love it.”

Even more so now that they can play alongside some of the best in the world.

Soccer: Last-gasp win for Davis

YAKIMA, Wash. — Daniel Guzman and Cesar Rodriguez had worked on this play time and time again in practice, knowing they’d eventually get a chance to execute it in a match.

The latest opportunity came in the waning seconds of overtime Saturday, and the stunning strike between the two was the difference in Davis’ 1-0 victory over Eisenhower in the CBBN 4A district title match.

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“Danny and I combine to work on that play all the time,” said Rodriguez, who got his head on the ball after Guzman’s long free kick to settle what was a hard-fought match between the crosstown rivals.

“He (Guzman) sends the ball in hard, so I just waited a few extra milliseconds before moving in and was able to get my head on it.”

Davis (11-4-1), which won its second district title in three years, will now host Spokane’s No. 3 team in the regional tournament. Ike (10-4-2) will host Spokane’s No. 2 team.

That could’ve just as easily been reversed with the Cadets just missing on several good scoring chances in the second half.

“That was one of our most competitive matches of the season,” Rodriguez said. “I was surprised they didn’t finish a couple of those chances. I guess it was meant to be this way.”

“I felt the guys did very well today,” Ike coach Tyler Suhm said. “We were just unlucky not to get one in.”

On an afternoon when both teams stood their ground, it was something out of the norm that ultimately decided matters.

That break came on an inadvertent hand ball near midfield in the waning seconds of overtime.

As a player from each team went for the ball, it bounced up and hit the Ike player on the arm, with the referee calling a hand ball and the Pirates earning a free kick.

Guzman stepped up and from just inside the Ike side of the field, boomed a long ball toward the goal. Rodriguez, tracking the ball, managed to get open right in front of the goal and got just enough of the ball, directing it into the net and setting off a wild celebration.

“We practice those and practice those,” Davis coach Armando Garcia said. “Get the ball in the air and hope you can get to it. They (Ike) had stopped like three of those earlier (in the match).”

Although both teams had already secured first-round regional home matches, each played Saturday like their season was hanging in the balance.

“It went back and forth — neither team was going to back down,” Garcia said. “For practically 90 minutes, it was even. This was two even teams; two disciplined teams going head to head.

“This one just happened to go our way.”

First half: No scoring.

Second half: No scoring.

First overtime: No scoring.

Second overtime: 1, Davis, Cesar Rodriguez (Daniel Guzman), 90:00.

Saves: Cesar Aparicio (E) 5, Carlos Ordaz (D) 6.

 

Semipro football: Lobbestael doing the job

Though he’d rather play wide receiver, Lobbestael gives Mavs a lift at QB ||

YAKIMA, Wash. — Last year at this time, John Lobbestael was playing wide receiver and quite happy doing so, thank you.

But a sluggish start with a sputtering offense forced the Yakima Mavericks to turn back to their former quarterback, who led them to the playoffs.

This year, coach Steve Davis wasn’t going to mess around — Lobbestael was given the reins to the offense from the get-go and that was that.

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After a second straight strong outing Saturday, there’s little doubt the Mavericks made the correct decision.

The signal caller completed an efficient 15 of 22 passes for 228 yards and three touchdowns in leading the Mavericks to a 37-9 victory over the Oregon Outlaws in a Pacific Football League game at Marquette Stadium.

“He did this for the team. If he had his druthers, he’d play wide receiver,” Davis said. “This year, I told him, ‘We’re not looking for a quarterback, you’re it. Now let’s go out and win a championship.’”

So far, Lobbestael is doing his part.

In Yakima’s first two games, both wins, he’s completed 29 of 40 passes (72.5 percent) for 385 yards with seven touchdowns to two interceptions.

“He’s comfortable back there,” Davis said of the 6-foot-1, 225-pounder from Oak Harbor. “He made some (really) awesome plays back there tonight. He’s only going to get better.”

Although not his first choice, Lobbestael is certainly comfortable running the show.

“I like playing wide receiver better but I like playing quarterback,” he said, adding that having so many familiar faces back has made his job easier.

“The offense is more comfortable,” he said. “I knew this would happen. This is the best group of guys we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

That comfort level was on display in the first half Saturday as Lobbestael completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and two scores. He found four different receivers in the half, including touchdown passes to Alex Mahre for 48 yards in the first quarter to open the scoring and Jake Zeutenhorst on a 16-yarder in the second period.

In the second half, the quarterback found Ryan Wright, who outworked the defender in the end zone to collect a 19-yard scoring pass.

“We knew they’d give us the deep ball,” said Lobbestael, who had seven completions of at least 10 yards and three of at least 34.

He is the brother of former Washington State quarterback Marshall Lobbestael.

“John’s got a lot of weapons to throw to,” Davis said, adding that the offense knows it doesn’t have to be perfect because the Mavericks’ defense has been even more impressive so far this season.

“They rocked it tonight,” Davis said, raving about Saturday’s effort, which was led by linebacker Jesse Cardenas, who had 15 tackles, a forced fumble and 1 1/2 sacks.

A third-quarter sequence summed up Yakima’s dominance.

Oregon failed to gain one yard on two straight running plays from their own 34, turning it over on downs, leading to a Mahre field goal. On their next possession, the Outlaws were forced to punt and the snap sailed into the end zone where Yakima recovered for a touchdown.

Yakima then forced a fumble on the ensuing possession that set up Lobbestael’s TD pass to Wright on the next play.

In all, Yakima had 14 tackles for losses, including six sacks, and 22 of Oregon’s 40 running plays going for two yards or less.

“The defense came to play,” Davis said. “There were a couple of series where they just took over.”

Much like their quarterback has done.

Oregon 0 3 0 6 — 9
Yakima 7 14 16 0 — 37

Yak — Alex Mahre 48 pass from John Lobbestael (Mahre kick)

Yak — Jake Zeutenhorst 16 pass from Lobbestael (Mahre kick)

Yak — Jake Valenzuela 12 run (Mahre kick)

Ore — FG 38 Ian Maloney

Yak — FG 26 Mahre

Yak — Jeremy Frank fumble recovery in end zone (kick failed)

Yak — Ryan Wright 19 pass from Lobbestael (Mahre kick)

Ore — FG 42 Maloney

Ore — FG 32 Maloney

YAKIMA LEADERS

RUSHING — Kenny Peterson 13-36, Nick Muir 4-29.

PASSING — Lobbestael 15-22-1-228.

RECEIVING — Wright 6-90, Mahre 5-69, Zeutenhorst 2-61.

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