Fastpitch team nabs second in state

The Issaquah Flame U10 fastpitch team played in the NSA (National Softball Association) State Tournament over the weekend ending with an overall record of 5-2 to finish second in the Class “B” Division.

After finishing 2-0 in pool play with victories over the Sidewinders (16-15) and Rage (14-13) the team entered bracket play as a No. 1 seed facing the eventual Class “A” State Champion, Everett Express.

After losing to the Express 8-0, the Flame ended up in the Class “B” Bracket Play and started Sunday games knowing one loss would send them home.

The girls played the Sidewinders again and beat them 10-9.

During the game Lexi Bennett scored twice, stole two bases and was 2-3 at bat. Mariah VanHalm added five stolen bases to the team’s total, while Maddie Lyles was 2-3 with a double to score the winning run.

Up next the Flame played against the Rage and Issaquah came out on top with a 12-0 mercy rule win in three innings.

Madelyn Shelby pitched a two hit shutout, while her teammate Erika Sanidad was 2-2 with a double, triple and 3 RBI. Makinzi Sanders went 1-1 and had three stolen bases.

The team then took on the Moses Lake Rattlers in the semi-final game and ended up with an 11-1 win in four innings.

Sydney Schultz was responsible for going 3-3, earning two doubles, 3 RBI and scored three times. Teammate Abi Kirsten went 2-3 with two RBI and four stolen bases. Shebly racked up another great pitching effort giving up only one hit during the game with seven strike outs.

In the championship game, the Flame needed to win two games in order to place first - still facing elimination. After allowing seven runs in the second inning, the Flame battled back with three runs in the second, one in the third and seven in the fourth to take an 11-9 lead.

Unfortunately, the girls from Issaquah gave up five runs in the sixth and couldn’t overcome the lead. The game ended as a 14-13 loss in seven innings.

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