By Nisqually Valley News staff
The Tenino softball team got in the win column on Monday, taking down King’s Way Christian 11-3 to snap a 13-game losing streak.
“The girls were really excited,” Tenino coach Chris Johnson said. “We’ve been battling hard … It’s good to see that we haven’t given up on each other and I think they’re starting to believe in each other a bit more.”
Chloe Grayless scored the first run of the game on an error in the bottom of the second, and three batters later, Kate Burkhardt hit a grand slam to push the Tenino lead to five.
Burkhardt also got the start in the circle, and she allowed three runs (two earned) across the first three and a third.
“Kudos to Kate,” Johnson said. “She’s been bringing it … She’s done everything we’ve asked her to do all year and been a true leader for this group.”
The Knights got back within a pair with a three spot in the third, but another five-run Tenino frame in the fourth pushed the lead to seven. Kylie Gonia added an insurance run with an RBI single in the sixth.
Grayless, Preslee Fisher, Jaeleen Woodward, and Tamara Snodderly also drove in a run apiece in the win.
Though Tenino (1-13, 0-8 1A Evergreen) is out of playoff contention, Johnson is excited to see if the Beavers, who have just one senior, can finish out the season strong and get some momentum building towards next season.
They hosted Onalaska on Tuesday — results were not available at press time — before heading to East Jefferson on Thursday. After that, Tenino will host Napavine and Castle Rock to close out its season.
“We’re showing that we can play the game, and that’s big to me,” Johnson said. “The girls are excited about what this next week looks like for us and the chance to make big gains heading into next year and how we’re definitely in the right place moving forward.”
