SELAH — It could have been the comeback for the ages for the Ridgefield Spudders in the Class 2A state softball tournament.
Instead, the Spudders are looking to come back next year.
Ridgefield, trailing by six runs going into the bottom of the seventh inning, scored four runs and had the go-ahead run at the plate before the final out was recorded in the opening round Friday at Carlon Park.
Sehome would end up holding off the Spudders for a wild 14-12 win.
Moments later, the Spudders had to play in the consolation bracket. That is where their season ended, in a 6-3 loss to Othello.
Ridgefield coach Dusty Anchors said the team used up so much energy, trying to save its hopes in the opener. The Spudders did not have enough to extend their season in the consolation rounds. It was a 2-2 game against Othello before Othello scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth.
“When you lose two at the end, it stings,” Anchors said.
But that does not take away from a season full of accomplishment for Ridgefield.
“It’s disappointing right now, but I can’t be disappointed,” Anchors said. “Heck, we made it to the state tournament. We’re one of the top 16 teams in the state. Can’t be disappointed about that.”
Plus, the team is comprised mostly of sophomores. This could be just the start of a big run for the Spudders.
“In the next couple of years, we’ll improve and make it back here,” said Karli Oliver, who had five hits Friday.
This season will remain special, she said.
“It’s almost like it doesn’t feel real,” Oliver said. “We got a new coach at the start of the year, and then we came this far. It’s amazing.”
Oliver had four hits and drove in four runs in the opener. Emma Jenkins drove in four runs and hit a home run.
The Spudders were down 10 runs at one point before finding their bats. Then they almost pulled off the comeback.
Madison Syring and Kaia Oliver drove in runs for the Spudders in the consolation game.
SEHOME 14, RIDGEFIELD 12
Sehome 004 522 1—14 14 4
Ridge 003 023 4—12 14 3
Ridgefield
Pitcher — Kai Oliver 7 IP, loss, 11 Ks. Highlights — Madison Syring 2-5, Emma Jenkins 3-5, HR, 4 RBI; Calli Martin 2-5, RBI; Karli Oliver 4-5, 4 RBI; Kaia Oliver 1-5; Jenna Martin 1-5, 2B, 2 RBI; Haley Olchowy 1-3.
OTHELLO 6, RIDGEFIELD 3
Ridge 010 011 0—3 4 2
Othello 100 131 x—6 13 2
Ridgefield
Highlights — Sarah Jenkins 1-3; Madison Syring 1-3, RBI; Calli Martin 1-3, 2B; Karli Oliver 1-3; Kaia Oliver 0-3, RBI.
