LR softball team competes at state

The Lady Raiders suffered a pair of losses at the state tournament in Yakima last week, closing out a successful season that included winning the District 6 championship.

At the state 2B tournament in Yakima, LR lost 14-8 to Colfax Friday, then 19-8 to Forks, effectively ending the Lady Raiders' otherwise successful season.

"It was a disappointing weekend in Yakima," Head Coach Jaci Gross said. "The mental and physical errors made were not a reflection of the team's ability."

Against Colfax, LR took a 1-0 lead in the first inning, but Colfax scored four runs in the third to take the lead, then scored four runs in the sixth inning and four more in the seventh inning to secure their victory.

Emma Marchand shined at bat for LR, hitting two home runs and a triple.

Desiree George hit a double for LR; Halle Albert hit a pair of singles; and Aaliyah Marchand, Presley Steffens, Arianna Fasnaugh, and Aspen Smith all contributed singles.

Taylor Vargas-Thomas caught two fly balls in the outfield in a row to close the second inning.

Against Forks, Sawyer Steffens hit a homer for LR, and Emma Marchand hit a single and a double.

The Lady Raiders boasted a 9-1 league win-loss record this year, 20-4 overall, and defeated the then number-one ranked Okanogan team twice in the year to claim the title of District 6 champions.

"I am very proud of the effort of every player that made it this far," Gross said. "We made gains all year long, and our success demonstrates that. After three months together, working day in and day out, this team feels like family. I am going to miss Emma [Marchand] and Des [George] tremendously."