2023 SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT RECAP

The Saints entered the NWAC Softball Championship tournament as the No. 5 seed but things got off to a slow start. First, the defending champs were upset 7-3 by Lower Columbia, so were sent to the consolation bracket where another loss meant elimination. They played again on Thursday night, falling behind Spokane 2-0 early before they blasted to an 8-2 lead. But the Sasquatch fought back to force extras and it was 8-8 in the bottom of the 8th before Lexi Geary hit a walk-off ground-rule double for a 9-8 win, getting the Saints to Day 2.

Friday began early with a 10 a.m. game vs. the Walla Walla Warriors, who they easily took care of, 12-2 in five innings, to earn a midday matinee against the Columbia Basin Hawks who gave them a fight. But the Saints surged again to win 8-3 to advance tp a third game that day against North division winner Bellevue, who unfortunately ended their season, winning 14-4 in five innings. The players spent a long time huddling afterwards, saying final goodbyes. The Southwestern Oregon Lakers went on to win the title game, 6-1, against Clackamas (Mt. Hood faced neither team) – that one run for Clackamas the lone run Lakers pitchers gave up all weekend.

I asked some of the team to reflect on how they felt abut the season and any final messages they had to say. Take a look below at some of the responses.

Brittany Hendrickson (Head Coach) I am so proud of the way we finished our season! Fighting through the loser bracket for a fifth-place finish showed the kind of resiliency this team had. I also loved the support from all of our alumni, family and friends. It really showed how big our Hood family has become over the years!

Lexi Geary (Pitcher/1st Base) This season was definitely a special one. Although we didn’t get the ’ship, I am so so proud of how our team continued to fight through the tournament and not accepting defeat, especially after the first game. I cannot wait to see what our freshmen and soon-to-be sophomores will do next season, but know they will continue to evolve this program to be even greater. Thank you to my amazing coaches, teammates and family for pushing me to be my best. #3 out!

Kenzie Kosmicki (Centerfield) This season is one that I will cherish forever. These girls will be with me for years so come and I’m so grateful for this experience at Hood!

Kylie Parsons (Pitcher) I have been playing softball now for years and I have to say this was one of my favorite years. The coaching staff elevated me to a new level. Not just on the field, but off the field as well. I will remember this year for the rest of my life. As to my teammates, they were my rock. They kept me serious when we needed to be and also could make me laugh at any given time. I wish all the best of luck in their future.