New coach, same result for Lake Stevens softball

One of the newest members of the Lake Stevens softball team is excited to make her state debut today.

Vikings head coach Sarah Hirsch.

The first-year coach is eager to lead Lake Stevens as the Vikings head back to the 4A state tournament for the second consecutive year.

“The girls haven’t done much talking about (state) this year,” Hirsch said. “I knew that’s where they wanted to go. I interviewed and chatted at the beginning of the year and that’s where I wanted to go.”

Hirsch said now that the Vikings, who face Walla Walla in their opener Friday at 10 a.m. in Spokane, have the nerves of being at state for the first time out of the way, they can prepare to make a deep run at this year’s tournament.

“I think they have a little team motivation just because of how last year played out,” Hirsch said. “We’ve tried not to live in the past, but I think it helps having already been there and knowing what to expect. The ‘Oh my gosh, it’s our first time’ butterflies aren’t there anymore. Now we’re going to play our game.

“We’ve gone one game at a time all year and I think that’s going to be our biggest key. Just do the same thing we’ve done all year. We’re just out playing another softball game. Just had to go across the state to do it.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III shows his My Cause My Cleats choice he'll wear on Monday Night Football to support the Monroe-based Big Heart Big Smile Foundation. (Eric J. Adler / New England Patriots)
Former Monroe star supports local foundation with NFL cleats

The memory of a 6-year-old life cut short inspires Efton Chism III’s Monday Night football footwear.

State football semifinal preview: Experts pick winners

Our trio takes a crack at picking this week’s gridiron games.

Lake Stevens’ Jayvian Ferrell runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the 4A state football quarterfinal game against Moses Lake on Nov. 22, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens football set for fireworks in semifinal

The No. 2 Vikings will take on No. 6 Graham-Kapowsin on Saturday as both offenses hit their stride.

Archbishop Murphy’s Evan Ruiz relays a play call while the team runs through plays during practice on Nov. 24, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Archbishop Murphy football gears up for Anacortes in state semifinal

The Wildcats channel competition, motivation leading up to Saturday’s clash against defending champs.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Nov. 16-22

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Nov. 16-22. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs (6) celebrates his interception with teammates during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lumen Field on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Seattle. (Heidi Fang / Las Vegas Review-Journal / Tribune News Services)
Quandre Diggs returns to Seahawks amid flurry of moves

Quandre Diggs is indeed, as he said, “back home.” He hugged new-old… Continue reading

Tips Week in Review: Everett extends point streak to four games

The Silvertips top Kelowna 6-3 on Friday in their lone game of the week.

Lake Stevens volleyball huddles together after securing a 3-0 win against Mount Si in the District 1/2 4A semifinals at Lake Stevens High School on Nov. 13, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Lake Stevens volleyball wins first state title in dramatic fashion

The Vikings overcome a 2-0 deficit to take down defending champion Curtis 3-2 on Saturday.

Seahawks guard Gray Zabel (76) blocks for for quarterback Sam Darnold (14) against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks’ Grey Zabel hard on himself for play at Titans

For perhaps the first time in his meteoric rookie season, Grey Zabel… Continue reading

Dave Boling: Gonzaga hits jackpot against Alabama in Las Vegas

The Zags looked like a million bucks Monday night.… Continue reading

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.