SELAH — Granite Falls began the 2A state softball championships on a high note with a 4-2 win against East Valley of Yakima, but the Tigers struggled in the next two games and were eliminated Friday.
After a tough 1-0 loss to Tumwater in the quarterfinals, Granite Falls faced a loser-out game against Anacortes, its foe from this year’s district championships. Facing a rematch with Anacortes pitcher Megan Dunton, the Tigers performed better but not enough to win and were eliminated with the 3-0 loss.
“We had six hits against (Dunton) tonight, which is better than last week, and just one strikeout,” said Granite Falls coach Candi Reeves. “(Anacortes) is very tough defensively. We hit the ball but it just went at people.”
Anacortes scored three runs in the first inning, which were the only runs in the game.
Against Tumwater, Granite Falls had a chance to tie to the score in the fifth inning with a runner on third, but the next batter struck out, ending the inning.
In the first round, Sarah Hensely hit a two-run home run and Alyssa Arndt pitched a three-hitter and struck out 16 batters as Granite Falls defeated East Valley.
Hensley’s homer in the third inning broke a scoreless tie.
Granite Falls added two runs in the fourth when Haley Brennan’s deep fly ball to right field was dropped for an error.
“I’m really proud of the girls,” said Reeves. “They had a good season. It’s been a great run for us.”
Granite Falls 4, East Valley 2
G. Falls0022000—441
E. Valley0001001—231
Arndt and Spencer. Killingsworth and Lounsbury. WP—Arndt (20-3). LP—Killingsworth. 2B—Thierolf (EV); 3B—Orthmann (EV). HR—Hensely (GF). Tumwater 1, Granite Falls 0
At Carlon Park
G. Falls0000000—031
Tumwater0010000—160
Smith and Blomgren. Arndt and Spencer. WP—Smith. LP—Arndt.
Anacortes 3, Granite Falls 0
At Carlon Park
Anacortes3000000—350
G. Falls0000000—061
Arndt and Spencer. Dunton and Roney. WP—Dunton. LP—Arndt. . 2B—Roney (A), Hensley (GF). Record—Granite Falls 20-5.
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