By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

MILWAUKIE, Ore.–  McNary’s Karah Miller entered the first day of the PGF Qualifier Tournament coming off a strong weekend at the Valley Invite.  In five games in the Portland Metro-area, the incoming Celtic senior went 8-for-11 with three home runs and drove in 7RBI’s for her NW Vandals-Trickel team in their Quarterfinal finish in the Invite.

A strong performance, especially coming off a hitting slump for the infielder now that the Summer season is underway.

“I was in a slump the week before, we faced some really good pitching and honestly, I was trying to find my rhythm again.  I think it was important for me to stay loose and finally produce some runs for my team.” Miller said.  “We got some new girls on the team this year and it’s so awesome to get this exposure in front of all of these colleges and play well in front of teams and get our team chemistry connected.  I just love playing.”

Besides the athletic accolades and the performance on the diamond, softball has meant so much more for Miller.  The life-lessons that sport has given to her.  The friendships too.  The things she’ll be able to take away from the sport and the game she loves once that day comes of when she hangs up the cleats for the last time.

“It’s taught me so many life lessons, not just as a player but as a human.  Just facing so much diversity, being put in challenging situations and teaching me how to work through pressure,” starts Miller.  “I think most importantly, creating life-long friendships.  I’ve found my best friends through this sport, it means so much to me, I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

As for now though, it’s back to work.  The Vandals fell in the nightcap game to the Power Surge Walling 18U squad 6-3 and will have to battle through the Loser’s Bracket in the hopes to get one of the Qualifying spots out of the tournament.  Miller went 0-for-2 on the day, but that’s not detouring her from the end goal.

Miller wants to face those tough pitchers, The pitchers the Vandals faced had commitments to Columbia, Sacred Heart and Tulsa.  Those challenges will help her get those better at-bats she wants, being able to see the pitches and find her right pitch to go after.

“This Summer I just want to have some quality at-bats and work on cheering my pitchers on, talking to my teammates, bringing the energy.  Learning to see pitches and I want to face the best pitching out there, that way I could be ready for next season,” Miller said.

As for her Celtic team.  They went on a tear to close out the season.  Going from a 25th-seed to reaching the State Quarterfinals before falling to Westview 4-1.  It set the tone for what could be in store for the squad going into this next Spring as they hope to make another similar run next May.

“I loved it.  I loved being the underdog because you really don’t have anything to lose.  I think we just had so much fun at the end of the season, knowing that people were intimidated by us and we proved a point.  Going into this next season, I have full confidence in us,” Miller said.  “With our new coach having a year under her belt, we’re going to play so well, she’s going to do a great job.  We’re going to go back to basics and work fundamentals and hopefully win some games.”

Photos By Jeremy McDonald