A win is always a good way to start a new season.
The Sehome softball did that in its first game of the season Monday, shutting out Squalicum 1-0.
The Mariners and Storm only played four innings before the rain hit, but it was just enough innings for the game to count as a Sehome win.
The game was originally scheduled for March 12, but was pushed because of anticipated rain. It did not rain at game time that day.
Sehome’s lone run came in the bottom of the first inning on a fielder’s choice off the bat of senior Kaia Little that allowed senior Lily Rasmussen to score from third.
“At that point I was thinking one run might be just enough,” Sehome head coach Jim Emerson said.
Prior to rain ending the game, Rasmussen was dealing in the pitcher’s circle for the Mariners.
Playing in the rain makes everything harder, including how she delivers the ball to the batter.
“Toward the end, I was looking for a dry spot on my legs to dry my hands off and there wasn’t really much,” Rasmussen said. “I have to grip the ball really tight. I can’t loosely throw it and flick it.”
For the first time in three years, the postseason is back in play for teams because the 2020 season was canceled completely and no postseason action took place in 2021.
Most of this year’s Sehome team has never seen the postseason or state tournament. Some of them have hardly any experience with the game at all.
Emerson said getting the first game, and win, in the books was good despite the conditions.
“It’s a nice way to get out and let some of these kids see what the pitching is like, which is a big thing for them, and let them see what they’re in for,” Emerson said. “I’m happy, but I also know it was four innings and we’ve got a long way to go.”
Rasmussen said she’s hoping to get back to state, but knows this is a completely different group from the one her freshman year in 2019.
“This is a whole new team of girls, but they’re all really developing fast,” Rasmussen said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the girls more and seeing what we can do. I think we all have lots of potential, excitement and grit.”
Sehome’s next game is set for 4:30 p.m. Thursday against Ferndale.
The Storm will take the field again at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at home against Sedro-Woolley.
