Wildcat fastpitch battles way to state quarterfinals

Mount Si softball ended its surprise state visit Friday evening, May 27, falling to University High School from Spokane Valley in a 13-9 loser-out matchup at Lacey. University blocked Mount Si’s chance to advance in the team’s first visit to state since 2006; the game followed a Friday aftenoon loss to Juanita, 10-1.
But the state visit included a few big moments. Danielle Massengill hit a home run against Juanita ace Alison Rhodes, and Carly Wiedenbach hit a dinger in her last school at-bat.

“No one thought it would be possible to make it to state this year, let alone make a top 12 finish,” head coach Larry White said.

Wildcat hopes had risen with an 8-7 win over Wilson High School, in nine innings. The Wildcats broke a 5-5 tie, scoring three in the seventh, then hung on to fight off a Wilson rally.

Next season, Mount Si will field a strong contingent, including future sophomores Rachel Picchena and Lauren Padilla, and seniors Lauren Smith and Maura Murphy.

“The future is very bright,” White said.