MONROE — Most of the Jackson softball team had trouble getting hits off Monroe sophomore pitcher McKenzie Schulz in Tuesday’s semifinal of the 4A District 1 tournament.
Junior Taylor Adams and senior Kristen Scott didn’t experience such difficulties.
Adams finished a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored and Scott finished 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored to lead the Timberwolves to a 4-1 victory over the Bearcats, securing a spot in Thursday’s district championship where they will face Snohomish. Monroe will face Lake Stevens in a loser-out game on Thursday.
Adams and Scott combined for five of Jackson’s seven hits in the game.
“Taylor has been swinging a really hot bat,” Jackson coach Kyle Peacocke said. “She’s got a lot of confidence at the plate right now. She’s one of our three captains and she’s really been stepping up.”
Jackson senior pitcher Sophie Frost gave up a hit to the first batter of the game, but was perfect for the remainder of the first four innings. For the game, she gave up seven hits, one run and struck out six. Five of the seven hits she gave up came in the final two innings.
“She really pitched a great game,” Peacocke said. “She gave up a leadoff hit and then was pretty much lights out. In the sixth inning I think she’d like to have a couple of pitches back, but nothing is ever easy against that team. They’ve battled us every game we’ve played this year.”
Monroe third baseman Kacey Hvitved made a spectacular diving catch near the Jackson dugout to end the fifth inning. She followed up her great catch with an RBI single in the top of the sixth to tie the score at 1-1.
Jackson didn’t blink. The Timberwolves answered back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 4-1 lead. Monroe threatened with three hits in the top of the seventh, but sophomore Camille Chism was called out at home plate after a single by sophomore Hannah Akin when she appeared to be safe. The run would have cut the deficit to 4-2 with one out and runners on second and third. Instead, it was the second out of the inning and all but ended the Bearcats’ comeback attempt.
Aaron Lommers covers prep sports for The Herald. Follow him on Twitter at @aaronlommers and contact him at alommers@heraldnet.com.
At Sky River Park
WP: Sophie Frost (7 IP, 7 H, R, 6 K, 0 BB). LP: McKenzie Schulz (6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 7 K, 4 BB). Individual highlights: Monroe—Camille Chism (2-3); Morgan Allen (2-3, R); Kacey Hvitved (1-3, RBI); Hannah Akin (1-1); Amanda Lee (1-3). Jackson—Taylor Adams (3-3, RBI, R); Kristen Scott (2-3, 2B, R, RBI); Kaylei Werner (RBI); Kristina Day (1-2, RBI, R). Records—Monroe 18-5 overall. Jackson 19-3.
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