RICHLAND — Abby England. Megan Muffett. Alicen Smith.
Those are the big names for La Center softball.
Yet, the Wildcats are going to the state championship game because they have so many players performing at a peak level.
England threw another gem and also hit a home run Saturday morning in the semifinals, but the Wildcats are getting hits from just about everyone, from anywhere in the lineup.
Kaylie Faul, eighth in the linuep, had two hits, including a two-run single that gave La Center the double-digit lead it needed to end the game early.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in the lineup. Everybody matters. We all play a part,” Faul said. “Doesn’t matter if you’re bunting or hitting a grand slam.”
Charlotte Royal, ninth in the order, had a hit and drove in a run Saturday morning — plus she went 4 for 5 in Friday’s two games.
“Everyone’s playing for the team, not for themselves,” Royal said.
That is how La Center has rolled into the state championship game of the Class 1A state softball tournament at Columbia Playfield.
The Wildcats had 13 hits in a 13-0 win over Deer Park in the semifinals. La Center won its Friday games 7-0 and then 10-0.
It will be an all-District 4 championship game at 2:30 p.m La Center will face the winner of the Montesano-Castle Rock game.
The only news pitching wise from Saturday morning was England actually gave up a hit — three, in fact — after throwing a no-hitter and a perfect game on Friday.
The competitive phase of the Deer Park game did not last long, though.
England struck out the side in order in the top of the first, then La Center scored four in the bottom of the first. Muffett, Jessi Weaver, England, and Kayla Aguirre each drove in a run.
Game over.
Paige Stinson got a hit to drive in another run in a two-run second inning. England blasted a home run in the third. Then La Center scored six in the fourth, including a two-run single from Faul.
“Once everyone gets going, it’s just positive energy and it rubs off,” Faul said. “I don’t know how to explain it really. Just an awesome feeling.”
LA CENTER 13, DEER PARK 0
Deer Park 000 00—0 3 5
La Center 421 6x—13 13 0
La Center
Pitcher — Abby England 5 IP, win, 12 Ks.
Highlights — Alicen Smith 2-4; Megan Muffett 1-3, 2 RBI; Jessi Weaver 2-3, 3B, RBI; Abby England 2-2, HR, 3B, 2 RBI; Kayla Aguirre 1-3, RBI; Paige Stinson 2-3, RBI; Kaylie Faul 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI; Charlotte Royal 1-3, RBI.
