Richland softball has struck out at state. Its ready to take another swing
The Richland softball team has been to state 19 times since 1992.
When the Bombers step on the field Friday in Spokane against Auburn Mountain (19-6), it will be their ninth year in a row in the tournament.
With such a tradition of success, the program must have a number of state titles to its credit.
It does. That number would be zero.
Richland (22-1) hopes to change that this weekend at the 4A state tournament at Dwight-Merkel Sports Complex.
"Hopefully," Bombers coach Casey Emery said. "We feel real good about the group we have. We had no seniors last year and maybe were a bit lost and immature.
"After two years together, they understand their roles. We feel much better now than at this time last year."
The Bombers, who went 14-0 in Mid-Columbia Conference play, have won 10 games in a row since dropping a 2-1 nonleague game to Post Falls on April 21.
"I feel like the last several games, especially since our last two against Walla Walla, we have really settled down," Emery said. "I feel our play causes other teams to make mistakes. We are playing calm and smart.
"We are playing good softball right now."
The Bombers have a deep pitching staff with seniors Brandi Andrews and Amanda Brown, and sophomore Kaylie Northrop. Add in catchers Aspyn Johnson and Journey Dewey, and its a battery to fear.
"This is probably one of the best teams since I have been here," said Emery, in his 15th season. "We also have an offensive package of speed, power and a low strikeout ratio."
Leading the hitting barrage are Andrews and sophomore first baseman Addison Pettit, who already has verbally committed to Bradley University.
"They can smash it," Emery said. "Between them I can't tell you how many home runs and extra base hit they have. Some teams try to pitch around them. At state, they should get pitched to. Hopefully."
After the season is over, seven of the nine seniors will continue their softball careers at Columbia Basin College.
3A state tournament
Kamiakin (11-14) powered its way through regionals to secure a spot to state, where it will face Garfield (23-2) at noon Friday at the RAC in Lacey.
The Braves finished 5-9 in MCC play but won three loser-out regional games over Rogers, Kennewick and Southridge to advance.
1A state tournament
The SCAC East is making a good showing this year with Kiona-Benton (18-5), Connell (14-8) and Warden (20-1) filling in three of the region's four spots in the 16-team field at Columbia Playfield in Richland.
Warden topped Ki-Be 12-1 for the district title and the top seed. The Cougars will open against Lakeside (16-7) at noon Friday.
The Bears will play Mt. Baker (14-6) at 10 a.m., while Connell, the No. 4 seed, will take on Lynden Christian (17-3) at noon.
2B state tournament
Liberty Christian, which finished 11-3 during the EWAC regular season, will face Colfax (15-7) in its opening game at 11 a.m. Friday in Yakima.
The Patriots (19-7) are making their first 2B state appearance. They won the 1B state title in 2015.
This story was originally published May 24, 2018 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Richland softball has struck out at state. Its ready to take another swing."