Oak Harbor — eager for a win after recent losses to Burlington-Edison and Meridian — proved to be fierce competitors as the Wildcats defeated Squalicum 6-5 in nine innings Thursday, April 27, at Squalicum High School.
Squalicum started strong with three strikeouts in the top of the first inning by senior pitcher Regan Andersen who also led off the bottom of the first with a double.
Senior Liv Paoli, one of NWC’s most prolific sluggers, proved again how dangerous she is at the plate, homering on a 3-2 count, giving the Storm its first two runs of the game.
Down 3-0, the Storm held a solid lead over the Wildcats heading into the bottom of the fifth.
However, a deep hit by sophomore Lilly Norman at the top of the sixth inning put Oak Harbor on the scoreboard as the Wildcats’ offense started gaining momentum. Norman hit a pop-fly to reach first on an error but after an overthrow to first base, she was able to round the bases for a run.
Oak Harbor took advantage of another missed throw at first base, advancing sophomore Ady Morales to second, and a hit by sophomore Loto Tupu gave the Wildcats another opportunity to score.
With runners on second and third, Wildcats senior Desi Becherer hit a double RBI, bringing in Morales and Tupu tying the score 3-3.
From the bottom of the sixth until the bottom of the seventh, both teams’ defense denied the other runs.
Still tied heading into the bottom of the seventh, Oak Harbor freshman pitcher Reese Wasinger slowed the Storm with three strikeouts sending the game into extra innings.
At the top of the eighth, momentum began to pick back up for the Wildcats. A walk by Morales and an incredible home run by Tupu gave the Wildcats a 5-3 lead.
When it seemed the Wildcats were going to run away with the game, Paoli’s experience proved clutch — she answered with a double to start the bottom of the eighth giving the Storm life.
Squalicum senior Madison Syre hit a ground ball bringing Paoli in on an error, making the score 5-4.
Junior Tanishia Bardsley-Taylor reached first on error advancing Syre to third, who stole home base, tying the score again at 5-5.
Oak Harbor secured the win scoring on a steal of third and home by Becherer, making the final score 6-5. Squalicum fought hard to come back but ended up falling short in the bottom of the ninth.
Oak Harbor moved to 8-7 overall and will face Lakewood (5-7, 5-4 NWC) at 1 p.m. Monday, April 29 at home.
Squalicum fell to 6-8 overall and will face Bellingham (0-14, 0-9 NWC) at 1 p.m. Monday, April 29 at home.
