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4A GSHL Softball: New-look Camas aims to stay on top in tough league

The Columbian

Published: March 18, 2019, 3:40pm

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Camas players gather after an out against Woodland on March 11. The Papermakers have finished fourth place at the Class 4A state tournament in three of the past four seasons. Photos by Micah Rice/The Columbian Photo Gallery

One thing the Camas softball team has shown in recent years is consistency.

The Papermakers have placed fourth in the Class 4A state tournament in three of the past four seasons.

Will Camas make another state playoff run?

If so, it will be with a focus on team togetherness. Without one dominant player, the Papermakers will all be counted on a little bit more.

“There’s a lot of individuals, but they’re working really well on how to play as a team,” first-year coach Miranda Cervantes said. “That’s going to be our focus this year, that camaraderie. We have a bunch of talented athletes, but if they can’t play well together, then they’re not going to do well.”

A big reason for Camas’ recent success was Kennedy Ferguson, a two-time 4A Greater St. Helens League pitcher of the year who now plays for New Mexico.

Ferguson’s impact can still be seen on this year’s senior class. Infielder Katie Hancock was well prepared to take over as one of the program’s guiding forces.

“(Ferguson) taught our senior class how to be leaders and role models,” Hancock said. “We learned what to do as seniors to help the underclassmen and keep the program strong.”

That leadership starts with communication.

“She made it so we know we can talk to our teammates,” Hancock said. “The seniors help the underclassmen.”

There will be little time for small talk once the 4A Greater St. Helens League season arrives. Skyview, Battle Ground and Union all believe they can challenge Camas for the league title.

Skyview returns plenty of talent. Junior infielder Mikelle Anthony earned first-team all-league honors her first two years.

Battle Ground might have the best battery in the league. Senior catcher Grace Stillman is a Western Oregon signee who supplies plenty of power at the plate. She will receive pitches from Jennifer Westrand, who earned first-team all-league honors last year as a sophomore.

Union has an experienced squad led by senior catcher Kaelani Gamble, a first-team all-leaguer last year. The Titans also return key contributors in outfielder Lauren Cockrell and infielders Brianna Fehrer and Morgan Kron.

Heritage is looking to build after going 2-10 in league play last season.

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