Losses Tuesday and Wednesday, July 10 and 11, eliminated the North Whidbey 8-10 softball team from the state tournament, but not before the local club wrapped up fifth place in the nine-team event at Cheney High School.
North Whidbey, coached by Brian Wasinger, started the tournament with a bye and a 20-4 win before falling to the Bellevue 12-0 in four innings Tuesday and 5-1 to North Kitsap Wednesday.
Bellevue 12, North Whidbey 0
Bellevue pitcher Avery Huh was a buzzsaw, coming within a fourth-inning walk of a perfect game. She struck out 11 of the 12 batters she faced.
North Whidbey’s Mia Regan earned the walk.
North Whidbey pitcher Reese Wasinger fanned seven in three innings.
North Kitsap 5, North Whidbey 1
North Whidbey lost even though Wasinger tossed a no-hitter and struck out 15.
North Kitsap’s pitcher nearly mirrored Wasinger’s effort, striking out 15 and allowing only one hit.
Emily Hills collected the hit with a bunt single.
Regan tallied North Whidbey’s lone run when she walked and eventually scored on Wasinger’s ground out.
Catcher Joelle Hassler recorded the defensive highlight for North Whidbey when she snared a chopper in front of the plate and fired to first for the out.