One game does not make a season, but Lynnwood’s 2-0 victory over district rival Mountlake Terrace last week certainly brought a smile to the faces of first-year head coach Matt Rockne and his players.
Rockne, who coached the junior varsity team for eight years before being promoted, can’t recall the last time the 3A Royals knocked off the Hawks, who been one of the top 4A teams in the Western Conference South Division for years.
“We’re still kind of measuring where we are,” Rockne said. “It’s nice to have success early.”
Rockne is the fourth coach the seniors have played under in their high school careers.
“It’s been a carousel of coaching,” Rockne said. “I’ve been through it all.”
His experience with the junior varsity squad and his three years coaching middle school softball served Rockne well when he looked out at his players on the first day of practice.
Rockne knew almost every one of the 30 players who tried out for the team.
A player that Rockne and the rest of the league knows well is senior pitcher Julia Nealer, who’s been sharp in her first three starts. In 18 innings of work, Nealer’s allowed six hits and allowed one earned run.
“She moves the ball around in the zone really well,” Rockne said. “Obviously, she’s got a good fastball, a good change-up. Her strength is hitting her spots and keeping hitters off-balance.”
Aside from her physical skills, Nealer is pitching with a ton of confidence, Rockne added. “She’s really stepped up her senior leadership role. There is a lot of pressure on her and she’s willing to take on the pressure.”
The majority of last year’s team is back as the Royals only graduated three seniors.
Senior Jerrica Kang anchors the outfield in center. Also back are junior second baseman Chloe Goudzwaard, sophomore shortstop Kelsie Mason and sophomore catcher Kelsey Parker. Mason also will do some pitching this season. Sophomore left fielder Jenna Girgus missed much of last season with a knee injury. Two other key players are junior outfielder Nina Mai and junior utility player Ashley Kelly.
Leading off for the Royals is freshman Jordyn Berg, an outfielder/utility player. Another freshman who’s cracked the lineup is third baseman Jenah Barlow.
“We’re real strong defensively,” Rockne said.
Nealer struck out eight batters against Mountlake Terrace and was able to rely on her defense.
Lynnwood will look to Kang, Parker and Nealer for power, while Berg and May provide the speed.
Rockne feels the Royals have the skills to compete in the league. What he’s focusing on is getting the players to believe in themselves.
“These girls have the talent,” Rockne said. “It’s realizing it and stepping on the field with confidence and maintaining the effort from the first pitch to the last pitch constantly.”
Rockne likes what he’s seen so far.
“If they drop or boot a ball, their heads don’t drop,” he said. “They get ready for the next play.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
