Rivals softball team splits double-header

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The East Jefferson Rivals varsity softball team ended its final home matchup of the year facing Vashon Island High in a double-header last wek.

While the girls were outmatched by the Pirates in the first game 16-1, they went on to defeat Vashon 8-6 in game two on the diamond at Blue Heron Middle School.

In the first matchup, it didn’t take long for the Pirates to raid the Rivals as the opponents stomped home plate six times to go up 6-0 in the top of the first inning.

With the Rivals at bat, senior pitcher Macy Aumock got on first base with a walk, but the team missed out on getting a run on the board.

The Rivals fielders showed a lot of improvement in the second inning, with senior Alyssa Vandenberg and shortstop Gracie Smith each darting precise throws to get the out at first base and bring the EJ batters back out keep the score at 6-0.

The girls struggled to get on base in the bottom of the second inning, and the Pirates tacked on another run to go up 7-0 entering the bottom of the third.

EJ’s Smith, the shortstop, stepped to the plate and walloped a perfect drive to right field at the bottom of the third inning.

She passed first, then second, then stopped at third base to earn a big-time triple for her squad. Smith didn’t stop there though, as an errant Vashon pitcher’s throw led the EJ runner to slide into home plate and earn the Rivals’ only run of the first game.

Rivals catcher Rylee Spainhower-Oas had success in the bottom of the third inning as well, getting on base and stealing second base. Breanne Huntingford drove a shot to right field at the bottom of the fifth inning, with Smith earning a base hit right after, but EJ couldn’t capitalize with runners on base.

While the Rivals softball players had their moments to shine, the Pirates comfortably took the opening matchup of the double header with a 16-1 final score.

In between the games, the Rivals’ five seniors — Smith, Vandenberg, Aumock, Paisley Mitton, and Lizzy Storm — took part in a senior ceremony with flowers and a celebration of the athletes’ final game at home.

Following that, the Rivals turned the tide to defeat the Pirates 8-6 with a comeback win to remember.

The EJ squad’s final game of the season was at Seattle Christian School on May 10. The Rivals lost 11-6.

Finishing with a 2-12 (1-13 conference) record, the EJ softball team missed out on the Nisqually League playoffs.