Edmonds-Woodway softball coach Mike Venable will get to see some new league opposition as the Warriors move down to 3A from 4A to compete in the Wesco South 3A/2A League this season.
Venable, who is in his ninth year as head coach, said he’s “not familiar with everybody” on the schedule this year. His squad will play league games against familiar teams like Meadowdale and see new teams such as Glacier Peak in key league match-ups and possibly the district tournament.
Meadowdale figures to be a favorite to lead the new league this year; however Venable believes four or five of the seven teams, including the Warriors, have a shot to qualify for districts and make a postseason run.
The Warriors finished 11-11 last year, concluding the year with two losses in the district tournament after being the No. 3 seed out of their 4A Wesco South league.
Venable got a chance to see some of his players compete in shortened games against league rivals Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood and Meadowdale, Saturday, March 14 at an Edmonds School District softball jamboree at Lynnwood High School.
The Warriors’ top pitcher is freshman Mariah Woolery, while the No. 2 hurler is another freshman, Kyra Collingridge. Junior Mikayla Monroe is a back-up pitcher.
Woolery made a solid effort against Lynnwood in one of the mini-games, striking out several Royals in two innings and making a couple defensive plays. She gave up a long home run to a Royals’ hitter—“she grooved one,” said Venable — but that was the only run she allowed.
The Warriors are led by three captains: Senior shortstop Moni Jackson, who will handle some backup pitching duties; senior second baseman Kayla Krall; and junior first baseman Taylor Jones.
On offense, the Warriors hope to get things started with speedy, slap hitters Jackson and sophomore catcher/third baseman Jackie Lovelace.
Freshman Ciara Ortiz will bat third in the lineup and play third base and center field. Another key bat in the lineup is junior Ari Girouard, who will play catcher, third base and outfield.
Sophomore Kendra Cooper will be counted on to drive in runs and returns to start at second base. Monroe will play primarily center field.
Defensively, the Warriors have roster stocked full of players who play multiple positions.
“We’ve got a lot of versatility,” Venable said.
The Warriors open their season at home against 4A Mariner at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16.
— Story and photos by Tony Dondero
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