Smith's home run ignites Lady Cruisers

The Eatonville Lady Cruisers fastpitch team experienced a whirlwind week on the diamond.

The week kicked off with a doubleheader showdown against the Morton-White Pass Timberwolves on March 19. The Lady Cruisers secured victory in both games, each ending in a mercy-rule shortened three innings.

In game 1, Eatonville delivered a resounding 23-1 win over the Timberwolves. Sara Smith emerged as a standout performer, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a double, home run, and an impressive seven runs batted in. Smith's contributions extended beyond offense, as she also dazzled from the mound, pitching a one-hitter and striking out four batters. Morgan Laird and Grace Field also made notable offensive contributions, with Laird going 2-for-4 with two RBI, and Field notching a double and an RBI in her 1-for-2 performance. Ava Twedt showcased her versatility, going 1-for-2 with three RBI and drawing two walks.

Game 2 mirrored the dominance of the first, with Eatonville clinching a decisive 16-0 victory over Morton-White Pass. Twedt continued her offensive onslaught, going 2-for-3 with six RBI, while Smith maintained her stellar performance with a double and two RBI in her 1-for-3 outing. Field added to the offensive barrage with a triple and two RBI in her 1-for-3 performance. Pitchers Sara Smith and Zoe Burns combined forces to throw a perfect game, keeping the Timberwolves at bay with no hits, no walks, and two strikeouts.

However, Thursday's matchup against the River Ridge Hawks proved to be a tougher challenge for the Lady Cruisers, as the Hawks would snap the Eatonville’s three-game win streak, handing the Cruisers an 8-4 loss. Despite a valiant effort at the plate, including a 3-for-4 performance by Smith, and notable contributions from Field and Twedt, the team couldn't overcome the Hawks' offensive prowess.

With a record of 3-3, the Lady Cruisers now set their sights on 1A Evergreen League play. Their upcoming schedule includes a home matchup against the Tenino Beavers on March 25, followed by an away game against the Beavers on March 28. The week concludes with a non-league showdown against the Rainier Mountaineers back on their home turf, scheduled for 4 p.m.