There were a few surprises coming out of the Columbia Basin Big Nine 4A district tournament, most notably Southridge -- the Columbia Division co-champ -- going 0-2 to end its season.
The Suns lost 5-4 to Richland in the first round Thursday, their eighth-inning rally falling one run short, and then were shut out 2-0 by Lindsey Kamphius, Kamiakin's All-Cascade Division freshman pitcher.
Another pleasant surprise: The Bombers managed to find their way back to regionals after an unusually subpar regular season (they finished 4-8 in the Cascade), going 2-2 with impressive wins over the Suns and the Braves.
Not so surprising was Walla Walla, which outscored opponents 22-1 in three games to grab the No. 1 seed to the 4A Eastern Regional tournament starting today in Yakima.
Wa-Hi, which claimed its first-ever outright league title and first district title since 1999, hopes to collect its first state trophy in softball.
In the 3A Eastern Regionals, Hanford has a solid chance at returning to the 3A state tournament. The Falcons were a fixture at state from 1992-2005 -- winning a state title in 2003 -- but missed out in 2006 and 2008.
Hanford, led by speedy shortstop Jessica Albertson and outfielder Stacey Stanhope, has the homefield advantage Saturday, but the Falcons still have the challenge of winning two more games to advance.
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If there's one regret Southridge forward Heather Johnson has regarding the Suns 2011 girls soccer season, it isn't be the one you might think.
Johnson, a senior who will attend Gonzaga next fall on a soccer scholarship, was the driving force for a Southridge team that went undefeated through the first 18 games of the season before taking a surprising first-round loss at the Class 3A state tournament.
Instead of lamenting one loss on a cold November night at Southridge High School, Johnson reflected with a tinge of sadness that she will no longer be playing soccer with such a special group.
Saint Mary's on the cusp of capturing WCC title
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Do-everything guard Matthew Dellavedova is quick to point out he has little time to concern himself with appearances.
WSU's new hire tops memorable year in Mid-Columbia
WSU's new hire tops memorable year in Mid-Columbia
Has another year gone by already?
Time does seem to fly when you're watching sports, and the Mid-Columbia has certainly done it's share to fill the news cycle during 2011.
A couple of local athletes made a splash on the national stage, and all three Tri-Cities' sports franchises made a push for league championships. A few high school teams reached the pinnacle of their sport by winning state titles.
WSU's new hire tops memorable year in Mid-Columbia
WSU's new hire tops memorable year in Mid-Columbia
Has another year gone by already?
Time does seem to fly when you're watching sports, and the Mid-Columbia has certainly done it's share to fill the news cycle during 2011.
A couple of local athletes made a splash on the national stage, and all three Tri-Cities' sports franchises made a push for league championships. A few high school teams reached the pinnacle of their sport by winning state titles.
No doubt club soccer has changed prep landscape
No doubt club soccer has changed prep landscape
Review the teams that have reached the Class 4A girls soccer title game in the past few years and a trend appears.
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