Courtesy article by Gerardo Bolong

Calm confidence embodies the Seattle Christian softball team as it gets ready for its third consecutive and fourth in five seasons appearance at the state 1A softball high school championship tournament held at the Columbia Playfields in Richland on May 29-30.

The Warriors carry a 16-4 record into their May 29, 10 a.m., encounter with South Whidbey.

After winning one game at state last season, the Warriors are hungry to carry themselves further following a season of embracing the high goals with dedication to hard work with 15 players from last season back.
"We feel like we're as prepared as we could possibly be," said head coach Rick Ronish. "We've been out here for 87 days of at least two hours of practice. The girls have gotten a lot of help. On any given day, we could have up to eight people help in coaching. The only better way to prepare would be year-round softball. Our experience from last year is more than just playing time. The extra development of becoming sophomores from freshman and juniors from sophomores helps, as well. On the first day, we need to play to our potential. If we make the second day we'll have to be 'special.'"

Junior Hannah Ruffcorn, who was part of last season's state experience, but became injured late in May of this year, had a reflective observation about this year's team.

"It just feels different," she said. "I feel like my (junior) grade had two years of following the upper class (juniors and seniors) for leadership. This season, we've done another good job, but this time, as a team, we're bringing up the next group. They're looking to us like we looked to our upper class."

The calm confidence to utilize the basic functions of good pitching, hitting and defense was expressed by junior Lisa Kumasaka, who has been a brilliant ball of fire from the pitching staff.

"We just have to keep playing like we have been and don't let the nerves get to us," she said. "Our non-league games were more challenging and helped push us to a higher level and become better as a team."
Before becoming West Central District champions, the Warriors won the Nisqually League title with a 7-1 record while also embarking on a powerful non-league schedule. Seattle Christian compiled a 7-3 record against opponents that made the district playoffs in their respective school classifications. SC faced Adna (2B District Southwest IV champions), Orting ( 2A West Central District III runner ups), Auburn Mountainview (3A West Central District III third to state), West Seattle (3A Sea-King No.4 to state), Seattle Prep (3A Sea-King district qualifier), Klahowya (1A West Central District III qualifier), Highline, Hazen, Lindbergh and Foster (2A West Central III/Southwest IV bi-district qualifiers).

The Warriors were able to defeat Auburn Mountainview, Seattle Prep, Highline, Hazen, Lindbergh, Foster and Klahowya.

Then came the smashing West Central district wins against Cascade Christian and Chimacum for the district crown.

Senior Alyssa Baucom gave a final observation.

"Our chances at state are very good," she said. "everyone is playing as team and family, striving for higher things."

As a freshman, Madisen Fors will be seeing her first state action.

"I'm so excited," she exclaimed. "When I got here, the other girls were wonderful. It's been great meeting new people and starting something new."

The WCD champion and state player roster for Seattle Christian includes Lexi Bates (10), Alyssa Baucom (12), Madisen Fors (9), Hannah Glynn (9), Grace Harwell (10), Abby Hay (11), Megan Holmberg (11), Jocelyn Jordan (9), Erika Kaler (11), Makayla Kaveny (10), Mikayla Kogle (11), Lisa Kumasaka (11), Makenzie May (10), Carlee Ronish (10), Kelli Ronish (10), Hannah Ruffcorn (11), Natalie Vittitow (10) and Taelor Willhoite (12).

Assisting head coach Rick Ronish are assistants Scott Hay, Randy Ronish, Brian Kumasaka, Brendan Ronish and Kara Kogle.

Craig Wrolstad is the athletic director.