Lady Blackhawks' state appearance ends on first day

While the experience and memories of making it to the state 2A tournament will last a lifetime, Cheney High’s softball team’s stay was all too brief.

The Lady Blackhawks couldn’t find an answer offensively for Woodland’s Olivia Grey in the tournament opener for both teams Friday morning. The Beavers junior struck out 18 and allowed just two hits, singles by Maddie Kallsen and Logan Krantz, as the eventual state champions shutout Cheney 6-0.

The Lady Blackhawks found some of their offense in their consolation round game against Sedro Woolley, striking for six runs on seven hits, but it wasn’t enough to get them out of a nine-run hole. The Cubs scored in the first, second and third innings to take a 10-1 lead en route to their 10-6 win over Cheney.

Senior Megan Krantz led the Lady Blackhawks with a pair of singles against Sedro Woolley.

Cheney ends the season with an overall record of 19-4. The Lady Blackhawks won their fourth consecutive District 7 title and their second Great Northern League championship in four years on their way to their first state tournament appearance since 2012.

Cheney loses two seniors to graduation, GNL Most Valuable Player Megan Krantz and first-team all-league pitcher Kallsen. They should return a solid nucleus of players who now have state tournament experience, including first-team all-league catcher Shelby Melton and infielder Logan Krantz along with second-team outfielder Kyla Olson.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.