Lady Cruisers Shut Out Sentinels

Dakota Smith, Hailey Rath, Berkeley Porter, and Alina Quinney show off their home run balls after their 15-0 victory over Steilacoom this past Friday. Photo: Sarah Rath

If a passerby didn’t know any better, they would have thought there was a high school home run derby being held at Ron Lucas Field in Steilacoom this past Friday. The Cruisers would combine to hit a total of 5 home runs on the day as they cruised to a 15-0 win over the Sentinels.

Earlier in the day, the team and community of Eatonville would receive some tragic news.

“We were scheduled to play Steilacoom on Tuesday when our community was rocked by the tragic news about one of their fellow classmates. The game was rescheduled for Friday. The team had agreed to play this season in honor of their friend and were excited to use the game as a distraction. After arriving to the field the Steilacoom coach met us and explained that 2 of his girls came up with the idea for them to wear blue bracelets to honor and support our players through this time. We were extremely humbled and agreed it was such an incredible gesture. It was a true class act,” Head Coach Jen Smith said.

Smith went on to say “The game the ladies played proved to be way more than just a distraction. 5 home runs were hit in a 5 inning game, something I have never witnessed, and our defense was spot on taking hits away and communicating through each play. The ladies came to play the game they love with and for each other and it was amazing.”

Western Washington University commit Hailey Rath would hit two of those home runs as she had a great day at the plate going 3-3 with 2 home runs and a double. Should would also drive in 3 runs, score 4 and swipe a base.

Berkeley Porter would add to the home run total as well while going 3-4 and adding a double. She would drive in 3 runs and score twice.

Also joining the home run derby for the Cruisers were Alina Quinney and Dakota Smith who would both hit one out of the park.

On the mound for the Cruisers, Olympic College commit Haley Olson would go the distance and pick up the win. Olson would allow only 2 hits while striking out 5 Sentinel batters and only walking 1.

On Monday last week, the Cruisers opened up their season with a non-league match up against the Rochester Warriors. They would drop that game 14-13.

Bright spots in that game was Alina Quinney and Dakota Smith both picking up 3 hits for the Cruisers and Haley Olson hitting a home run and driving in 3.

Next up for the Cruisers will be an away game at Enumclaw (7 pm start) on Tuesday followed by a home game against the Fife Trojans on Thursday at 4 pm.