Lynnwood offense struggles in softball playoffs

  • By David Pan Weekly Herald sports editor
  • Tuesday, May 22, 2012 6:59pm

Lynnwood came into the 3A District 1 softball tournament with high hopes.

The Royals left disappointed as offensive struggles contributed to a pair of losses May 15 at Janicki Fields in Sedro-Woolley.

Mountlake Terrace defeated Lynnwood 4-1 in a first-round game and then Meadowdale knocked off the Royals 8-2 in a loser-out game. The Mavericks later went on to claim the district’s second and final berth to the state tournament.

“It was a surprise,” Lynnwood coach Matt Rockne said of the team’s quick exit from the postseason. “We had a practice on Monday and we certainly didn’t think it was our last practice.”

Lynnwood had hits against the Hawks but didn’t get the timely extra base hits the team relied on during the regular season.

“It was the wrong time for the offense to cool down,” Rockne said. “We faced two good pitchers. Against Meadowdale we couldn’t get anything going offensive. I give credit to the way Meadowdale hit.”

Lynnwood will return the bulk of the team next year. Though there are five seniors on the roster, the only full-time starter the Royals are losing is outfielder Jordyn Berg. One senior was injured for the entire year and the other three shared time with other players.

“In hindsight, we were a pretty young team,” Rockne said.

The biggest change for Lynnwood is going to be the move from 3A to 4A.

“I’ve been coaching 3A for many years,” Rockne said. “I know the coaches. I know the fields. I know the players. It’s going to be a little different playing 4A.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.