Lady Cruisers shut out Sentinels

If a passer-by hadn't known any better, they may have thought a high school home run derby was taking place at Ron Lucas Field Friday in Steilacoom.

The Cruiser softball players combined to hit a total of five home runs on the day as they cruised to a 15-0 win over the Sentinels.

Earlier in the week, the team and community of Eatonville received some tragic news with the death of a student.

“We were scheduled to play Steilacoom on Tuesday when our community was rocked by the tragic news about one of their fellow classmates,” head coach Jen Smith said. “The game was rescheduled for Friday. The team had agreed to play this season in honor of their friend and were excited to use the game as a distraction. After arriving to the field, the Steilacoom coach met us and explained that two of his girls came up with the idea for them to wear blue bracelets to honor and support our players through this time. We were extremely humbled and agreed it was such an incredible gesture. It was a true class act.”

Smith said the game her Cruisers put out proved to be more than just a distraction.

“Five home runs were hit in a five-inning game, something I have never witnessed, and our defense was spot on taking hits away and communicating through each play,” Smith said. “The ladies came to play the game they love, with and for each other, and it was amazing.”

Western Washington University commit Hailey Rath hit two of those home runs as she had a solid day at the plate, going 3-3, with two home runs and a double. She also drove in three runs, scored four and swiped a base.

Berkeley Porter added to the home run total, as well, while going 3-4 and adding a double. She drove in three runs and scored twice.

Also joining the home run derby for the Cruisers were Alina Quinney and Dakota Smith, who both hit one out of the park.

On the mound for the Cruisers, Olympic College commit Haley Olson went the distance and picked up the win. Olson allowed only two hits while striking out five Sentinel batters and walking one.

On April 5, the Cruisers opened their season with a non-league match up against the Rochester Warriors. They dropped that game 14-13.

Quinney and Smith were bright spots in that game, with both picking up three hits for the Cruisers, and Olson hit a home run and drove in three.

The Cruisers began this week with an away game at Enumclaw, Tuesday. They next play at 4 p.m. Thursday at home against the Fife Trojans.