A Valley adult women’s softball team closed out their summer with a state title.

The Valley Merchants team went undefeated, outscoring their opponents 83-33 during a five-game event, to take the United States Specialty Sports Association’s “E” division Washington state women’s slow-pitch softball championship in Federal Way. The local ladies were so dominant that three of the contests ended early due to the mercy rule.

The Merchants beat teams from Silverdale, Bremerton, Tacoma and Monroe to advance to the title game, and defeated a team from Wenatchee to take the title.

A number of Merchants were recognized for their efforts in the tournament, including tournament co-most valuable player Chela Muren and all-stars Cherry Barnett, Anne Weber-Riley, Shannon C. Kossow, Melody Ramsey and Tina Barker.

Other players for the Merchants are Shannon Adams, DeAnne Brickman, Jacki Crow, Susan Gillespie, Jennifer Jacobson, Angie Riley, Chrissy Riley, Karen Roby, Michelle Rybka and Shannon Williams. The team was coached this season by Ron Williams, Erwin Adams, and David Schneider.

Many Valley businesses helped to sponsor the team this season, including North Bend Shell, Mount Si Chevron, Wyrsch’s Towing, Claffey’s Painting & Drywall, Scott’s Dairy Freeze, Teriyaki Town, R& R Rentals, Mount Si Fitness, Twede’s Cafe, Ace Hardware, North Bend Bar and Grill, Webber Construction and Stabbert Maritime. Residents who helped sponsor the team included Bruce and Toya Smith, Aaron and Dustin Roby, Dave Juchmes and Clayton Littlejohn.