It was more bad luck than bad play for the Oak Harbor High School softball team in its 18-2 loss in five innings to Anacortes in the home opener Monday, March 21.

The Wildcats trailed only 4-1 going into the fourth inning, then the Seahawks sent 20 batters to the plate and scored 14 runs.

During the explosion, Anacortes (4-2) recorded three infield hits, three bloop singles and two balls that tipped off the end of fielders’ gloves, inches from being outs, to prolong the rally.

Oak Harbor scored its runs in the first and fifth innings.

In the first, Alexa Findley reached on an error and was bunted to second by Shea Davis. Findley went to third on a base hit by her sister, Kelly Findley, and scored on a grounder to third off the bat of Audrey Howard.

Tricia Sarns walked with two outs in the fifth, stole second and scored on Alexa Findley’s base hit.

Oak Harbor coach Tashina Tosh saw several bright spots in the lopsided loss. She liked Alexa Findley’s day at the plate where she hit the ball hard three times. She was also pleased with Davis’ bunt, something the team has been working on.

Anacortes’ Shelby Starkovich went 3-for-4 with a home run, triple, four RBI and four runs.

Oak Harbor (0-2) goes to Ferndale (0-3) at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 22.

(Tricia Sarns fires a pitch for the Wildcats. Photo by John Fisken.)