By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

KEIZER, Ore–  The McNary Softball bats came out strongly, plating 11 runs on 12 hits, to open up the 6A State Playoffs Monday afternoon against Forest Grove Monday afternoon.  A good start in the Celtics quest to get back to the State Semi-Final round, while utilizing that hot start late in their 12-7 win over the Vikings to advance in the postseason.

Central Valley Conference Player of the Year Ali Martinez had a two-run Home Run in the second inning amongst the rally as her and fellow McNary junior Aspynn Westby each finished the game with three hits each to lead the Celts offense.

“We always call it the ‘Junior Power’ because we’ve been in this since our freshman year, we always say that we have each other’s back.  We know we can both hit, so we have confidence in ourselves and push each other to hit good and stuff.  I’m really proud of her  and I for stepping up this year and contributing to the team,” Martinez said.

There was confidence behind their offensive output as the Vikings went to their bullpen to slow down McNary’s bats with Rylie Arruda coming in for relief of Cali Davis.  Feeling as if their bats back as they strung hits together through the opening three innings of the game as they led 11-0 on the Vikings.

“I feel like we got our confidence back with our bats this game…we jumped on it from the beginning and we didn’t wait to hit the ball.  It helped us a lot because if we didn’t score that many in the beginning and throughout the game, it would’ve been closer than it was,” said Westby.  “We just need to carry what we did in this game into the next game and clean up some of the errors and I think we’ll be ready for the next game and the game after that one.

Over the course of the final four innings though, Forest Grove began to turn the corner starting with a three-run fourth inning.  Arruda slowed the Celtics to one run off three hits, the lone run coming in the fourth inning, all the while the Vikings tacked on another four runs over the course of the final innings of the game.  Coming in winners of four of their last five with a squad returning all but four seniors from this season’s 12-15 record, it was a great way to close out the season and build some momentum for the next.

“It was so amazing.  In the dugout, just being able to cheer and it’s a great way to finish the season since it’s our last game,” the Vikings Jackie Lang said.  “It’s been so fun playing with these girls that I’ve known all my life and watching them leave is really sad.  I’m really excited to play next with all these people, but I know I’m going to miss the ones that are leaving.”

Lang finished the game going 2-for-4 with 2RBI’s.  Jordan Ingram and Katelyn Peterson each also produced two hits in the season finale for Forest Grove.  Natalie Macik contributed another 2RBI’s for McNary, who will head to Sherwood Wednesday for the second round of the 6A playoffs.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald