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Skyview storms back to reach state softball tourney

Storm rally to top Jefferson in 4A bi-district softball

By Paul Valencia, Columbian High School Sports Reporter
Published: May 21, 2011, 12:00am

TACOMA — Down four runs after the first inning, the Skyview Storm rallied to tie the game.

Then they fell behind by three runs.

Still, it didn’t matter.

The two deficits could not hold back the Storm from advancing the Class 4A state softball tournament for the first time since 2006.

A seventh-inning home run from Madison Anthony tied it, and a two-run double from Kamille Dobbins in the ninth inning was the difference Friday as the Storm beat Jefferson of Federal Way 9-7 in the quarterfinals of the Class 4A bi-district softball tournament at Sprinker Recreation Center.

The win guarantees a spot in next week’s state tournament in Spokane.

“I knew we could do it the whole time,” Skyview coach Traci Fuller said. “We have such an amazing offense.”

Anthony’s solo homer in the top of the seventh tied the game. Playing on an adult field with no fence for high school softball, Anthony’s shot rolled to the 275 foot marker in left field. By the time the fielders got the ball back to the infield, Anthony was already across the plate.

“I wasn’t even confident at all, I hadn’t been hitting at all,” Anthony said. “I saw it coming, and I was ready for it, and I hit it. It just happened, I guess. I was hoping it would be a home run, but I wasn’t sure. I was just running as fast as I could.”

After a scoreless eighth inning, the Storm took their first lead of the game when Dobbins’ pop-up in shallow right field fell to the ground when the right fielder and second baseman collided, allowing two runs to score.

“It feels really great going to state my senior year,” Dobbins said. “I was really excited to get some RBIs to break that tie.”

The Storm still have some business in Tacoma before heading to state. Skyview will play in the bi-district semifinals at 2 p.m. Saturday, and will either play for the championship or for third place later in the day.

Skyview got to the quarterfinals with a Friday morning 10-6 victory over Bellarmine Prep.

Storm pitcher Michelle Brincefield struck out seven in that game, then pitched 7⅔ inning of relief to pick up the win in the quarterfinals, striking out eight.

Skyview also had to deal with the loss of catcher Lauren Aguirre, who injured an ankle early in the first game. Addi Lies moved from first base to catcher, a position she has played just once this season. She went 4 for 8 in the doubleheader and was solid behind the plate.

“I had to be a leader and step in,” Lies said. “It was worth it to help my team.”

Union, meanwhile, struggled in the bi-district and lost twice to end its season.

The Titans fell 12-2 to Tahoma of Kent in the opening round, then had one tough inning in the consolation bracket, falling to Emerald Ridge of South Hill 3-0.

“I’m very proud of them,” Union coach Alex Perry said. “I thought they fought back today after that first game. We just didn’t have our bats working this weekend.”

The Storm have had their bats working for quite some time now. They scored 36 runs in their final two games against Union in the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League to win the league title, then opened bi-district with 19 runs in two games.

Skyview would like to keep those bats going for another week.

Fuller said she sees no reason why the Storm could not keep scoring.

“When some of my players don’t get it done, the other ones pick it up,” Fuller said. “They all have had their moments. They’re so much fun to watch. I love this team.”

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Columbian High School Sports Reporter