Expectations are sky-high for Washington High School’s varsity softball team as the 2021 season begins.
After posting a 2-2 record at the Troy Tournament to begin the season, the Lady Jays played their home opener at Lakeview Park on Tuesday, August 31, cruising to a 12-2 win in six innings over Ft. Zumwalt East.
Washington’s junior varsity team also defeated Ft. Zumwalt East, 15-0.
In the varsity game, Taylor Brown pitched all six innings for the win, allowing two unearned runs on three hits with one walk and 12 strikeouts.
After two scoreless innings to start the game, Washington broke it open with five runs in the bottom of the third inning, two runs in the fourth, two in the fifth and three in the sixth.
The Lady Jays collected 14 hits and three walks. Every player in the starting lineup had at least one hit.
Emily Bruckerhoff belted a home run and finished with two hits, one walk, two RBIS and two runs.
Lexi Lewis, Kelsie Holtmeyer, Maddie Guevara and Brown also had two hits apiece. Lewis added a walk and two runs. Brown had two RBIs.
Christine Gerling, Myla Inman, Lacy Monzyk and Grace Molitor each added one hit. Inman also drew a walk.
“Taylor averaged two strikeouts per inning. Kelsie Holtmeyer shut down the running game in the first by throwing out an attempted steal by about eight No one tried to run again,” said Washington Head Softball Coach Philip King. “Our running game continued to steal bases. We have 20 stolen bases in the first games. We kept the average up by getting four stolen bases against a very good catcher. Emily Bruckerhoff hit our team's first home run of the season.”
Washington vs. Ft. Zumwalt South
Washington (4-2, 2-0) returned to home GAC Central action with a 13-1 victory over Ft. Zumwalt South on Wednesday, September 1.
Gerling pitched four innings for the win, allowing one unearned run on one hit with two walks and five strikeouts. Lauren Opfer tossed a perfect fifth inning, registering two strikeouts.
At the plate, Monzyk paced the Lady Jays with three hits. Loren Thurmon and Gerling both added two hits. Bruckerhoff, Brown, Guevara and Molitor each had one hit.
Bruckerhoff and Gerling both connected for home runs.
Washington also won the JV game over Zumwalt South.
King is being assisted by Dane Gough, Grant Young and Tim Zumsteg.
Photos of the varsity softball game between Washington and Ft. Zumwalt East are below.
