Resilient Ravens split four games, Lions out in two at 4A state playoffs

Auburn Riverside takes home seventh place from two-day tournament

By Reporter Staff • May 29, 2018 10:10 am
Auburn Riverside’s Autumn Lee, one of the district’s top pitchers, was productive at the plate. She went 11-for-15 with five doubles and seven RBIs in four state playoff games. RACHEL CIAMPI, Auburn Reporter

Auburn Riverside proved resilient and determined to finish strong at the state 4A softball tournament last weekend.

The Ravens split four games and took home seventh place after two days of play at the Dwight-Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane.

“Making it to Day 2 of state is very difficult, yet that is what this group did,” said Ravens coach Bryce Strand. “After making it to state last year and going 0-2, our goal this year was to make it to Day 2, and that is exactly what we did. The girls were thrilled, and as a coach I was so proud of the resilience that they showed continuously in the playoffs.”

Auburn Riverside won its first games of the playoffs at both the district and state tournaments and survived three loser-out games along the way.

At Spokane last Friday, the Ravens opened with an 8-6 win against Eastlake, the Kingco tourney champion, before falling 20-4 to Central Valley, the Greater Spokane League champion and eventual third-place finisher.

Last Saturday, the Ravens stayed alive with an 8-7 victory over district rival Kentwood but met elimination against Richland 15-3. Richland went on to finish fifth.

Auburn Riverside finished the season 19-10.

In the state playoffs, the Ravens’ Autumn Lee went 11-for-15 with five doubles and seven RBIs. Madison Muxen went 9-for-15, Karly Tiedeman went 5-for-12 with a home run, Brooke Dye finishd 5-for-13 and Becca Spear was 4-for-11.

Sudden ending

A tough draw and tough luck sent Auburn Mountainview to early elimination.

The Lions dropped their opener, 11-4 to Richland, then lost 3-1 to Tahoma.

Mareena Ramirez went five innings and reliever Kyla Damerow went two more to combine on a five-hitter for Tahoma.

Caitlyn Rhoades took the loss, allowing eight hits and three runs while striking out two and walking none in seven innings.

Emily Bartholomew and Megan Perius each had two hits to lead Auburn Mountainview.

The Lions left 10 base runners.

Against Richland, the Lions kept it close before the Bombers pulled away.

Lily Hope went 2-for-4, including a triple, and Megan Perius doubled and drove in two runs for the Lions (19-8).