Jackson beats Lynnwood for Wesco 4A South softball title

MILL CREEK — Jackson High’s softball team got a little bit of everything as they celebrated senior night on Wednesday.

The Timberwolves took the lead, lost the lead and then rallied from a one-run deficit in the 10th inning to defeat Lynnwood 4-3 and clinch the Wesco 4A South league title in a thriller at Jackson High School.

After the Timberwolves scored two runs in the bottom of the 10th inning, Jackson’s players ran out to celebrate their league title. A few moments later, head coach Kyle Peacocke was still trying to find the right words to describe the comeback.

“I’m a little speechless. The heart’s ticking for sure,” Peacocke said. “Wow! What a game! Just a great game between two really good teams. We’ve got a lot of respect for Lynnwood. They fought like heck. But we got down and just decided we were going to do it. It was a great team win.”

Dasia Lester gave Lynnwood its first lead of the game in the top of the 10th with an RBI single that scored Celeste Angell, who led off the inning with a double. It was the 13th hit of the game for the Royals, who were held hitless their previous outing against the Timberwolves and pitcher Sophie Frost.

However, Jackson came right back in the bottom half of the inning. Kaylei Werner reached base on a throwing error and Sarah Casel followed with a bunt single that sent Werner to third.

A sacrifice fly by Tiana Lopez tied the score 3-3. Jackson then scored the game-winner when Taylor Adams hit a deep fly ball to right-center field that was dropped by the Lynnwood outfielder — the Royals third error of the inning. Casel scored on the miscue.

“A lot happened,” Peacocke said. “Both teams made a couple of mistakes. I think the biggest thing was both teams were putting the bat on the ball. The thing we talked about this year was if we make a mistake, don’t panic. The next pitch is the most important pitch, and that’s kind of the way we approached the game. We came through with some clutch hits and some great defensive plays.”

“You just have to keep your head in the game and just focus every pitch and just believe that that’s your opportunity to win the game,” said Casel, one of three Jackson seniors. “Anything can happen at every moment so you’ve just got to be ready.”

The victory clinched the league title for the Timberwolves (12-3 league, 17-3 overall), which had that near the top of their list of goals for the season.

“It feels really awesome. Amazing,” Casel said. “I think that we’re really proud of ourselves for accomplishing our goal. This was our goal from the very beginning of the season. We wanted to be Wesco South champs. To finish it in 10 innings, it feels really amazing.”

If Lynnwood had won, the Royals (10-5, 14-6) would have finished as co-league champions with the Timberwolves — who won the teams’ first meeting 3-0 on April 15.

“I think, selfishly, we wanted it by ourselves,” Peacocke said. “Our No. 1 goal from the beginning this year was to be Wesco South champions. It was real important to us. This was a playoff-type atmosphere with two playoff teams and I think that’s the most important thing is getting this experience — this type of game — before we start districts so the kids have confidence going in that they can play well in a tight game, battle adversity and come out on top.”

Casel, Jackson’s leadoff hitter, batted 3-for-5 with two runs scored — including the game-winner in the 10th. Werner (1-for-4) also scored a run and helped spark the Timberwolves’ offense.

“In both of our scoring opportunities Kaylei Werner and Sarah Casel were kind of the catalysts,” Peacocke said. “That’s kind of their job. They’re slappers. They put the ball in play and use their speed to get on base. They both had great games.”

Lynnwood was led by Lester, who was a perfect 5-for-5 with two doubles, a run scored and the go-ahead RBI in the top of the 10th.

The Royals had at least one runner reach base in every inning but two.

“The last time we faced them we got no-hit. Today we got 13 hits, so we’ve improved, that’s for sure,” said Lynnwood head coach Matt Rockne. “I told the girls after the game, it’s OK to be mad. They should be mad and they were mad. But not to be sad about it. It was just too good of game.

“It was a great game to be involved in.”

At Jackson H.S.

Lynnwood 000 100 100 1 — 3 13 4

Jackson 002 000 000 2 — 4 9 3

Jessica Gott and Meagan Crabtree. Sophie Frost and Kayla Ellis. WP—Frost. LP—Gott. 2B—Dasia Lester (L) 2, Erica Gott (L), Celeste Angell (L), Kristen Scott (J). Records—Lynnwood 10-5 league, 14-6 overall. Jackson 12-3, 17-3.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during a news conference following a meeting of the NBA's board of governors at the Thomas & Mack Center on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Chase Stevens / Las Vegas Review-Journal / Tribune News Services)
NBA to conduct ‘in-depth analysis’ of possible expansion

The owners do not have timetable for potential return of Sonics

Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori (3) practices at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on May 20, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks draft pick at the center of NFL contract intrigue

Nick Emmanwori is poised to be dynamic. Right away. He’s on his… Continue reading

Kyle Schwarber (12) of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting three home runs in the swing-off to decide the MLB All-Star Game at Truist Park on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/TNS)
MLB All-Star Game features a first-of-its-kind finish

Technically, by the time the clock hit midnight here in… Continue reading

Cal Raleigh wins 2025 MLB Home Run Derby

Cal Raleigh called his shot years ago. In a childhood video spreading… Continue reading

Silvertips forward Shea Busch participates in the Florida Panthers development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 1, 2025. Florida selected Busch in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. (Photo courtesy Shea Busch)
Shea Busch experiences whirlwind NHL Draft week

The Florida Panthers selected the Silvertips forward in the fourth round on June 28.

Portland Fire unveil name, branding as WNBA’s 15th team

A flame is being reignited for Portland’s new WNBA franchise. On Tuesday,… Continue reading

Late Mystics surge dooms Storm as stars struggle

Seattle dropped to 13-9 after shooting 36.2% from the field.

Jorge Polanco (7), right, of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his ninth inning home run with J.P. Crawford (3) while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Mariners sweep Tigers on way to All-Star break

The Detroit Tigers still have the best record in baseball,… Continue reading

Mariners select LSU pitcher with No. 3 pick in MLB draft

College baseball’s best pitcher is coming to the Emerald City. The Seattle… Continue reading

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning championship point against Carlos Alcaraz of Spain during the Gentlemen's Singles Final on day 14 of The Championships Wimbledon 2025 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in London. (Julian Finney / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Sinner conquers Alcaraz for his first Wimbledon title

The vision of Jannik Sinner covered in sweat and… Continue reading

Rome Odunze scans the field in a scrimmage at his youth football camp at Archbishop Murphy High School on July 10, 2025. The former University of Washington star is entering his second NFL season with the Chicago Bears. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Odunze ‘gives back’ in Everett youth football camp

The former University of Washington star hosts a single-day camp at Archbishop Murphy on Thursday.

The New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, top right, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly ball during the 10th inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in New York. (Justin Casterline / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Yankees walk off Mariners on Judge’s sac fly for series sweep

Seattle blows 5-0 lead after Bryan Woo takes no-hitter into eighth inning.

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.