Everett, WA – Trojan softball got the 2024 season started on Friday with a road doubleheader against Centralia College. Everett returns four sophomores from last year's team that finished in the NWAC final 6, and also transferred in 3 other sophomores to go along with nine true freshmen.
Head coach Randy Smith now in his 22nd season had his new team ready to play in the season openers and defeated the Trailblazers by final scores of 10-0 and 12-1.
Freshman Emma Hansen had a great first game, going 3-4, as did freshman Taryn Takayoshi who went 2-4 with 3 RBI's. Sophomore Layna Cowin had the hot bat with a homerun and a double while driving in 4 runs. In the circle was true freshman Alissa Hermansen who went 5 complete shutout innings giving up just one hit and striking out 8 batters.
In the 12-1 victory, another freshman pitcher Ava Puaatuua had a solid game with 6 innings pitched, giving up 3 hits, 1 earned run, and struck out four. There was more offensive output and Layna Cowin continued her strong day 3-4 with a double and drove in 2 runs. Gracie Salverda had a 3 run triple, and Emily (Lu) Wilson also connected for a triple. As a team, Everett connected for 9 hits which in addition to the two triples, including doubles by Cowin, and fellow sophomore Alli Wilson.
On Saturday, Everett traveled to Aberdeen for a double header with another southern region opponent, Grays Harbor. The offense struggled for much of the game, but came alive in the 7th inning to score four runs, and defeated the Chokers 5-1. Hermansen was again strong, giving up 2 hits, 1 earned run and striking out 11 batters. The Trojans got just four hits themselves but capitalized on free passes and Takayoshi got the big 2-run single in the 7th to secure the win.
In the final game of the weekend the bats came alive for both teams, with a total of 24 runs being scored on 25 hits. EvCC got the better end of the slug fest and came out on top 14-10. Again, with a big 7th inning, scoring 7 of their 14 runs in the final frame. Ava Puaatuua went 5.1 and struckout 8 batters with 6 earned runs on 8 hits. Trailing 8-7, Takayoshi finished the 6th inning (earning the win) by getting the final two outs, though another run did come across. Now down 9-7, Everett responded in a big way with hits from Olivia Boures, Kenidee Holden (1 RBI), Gracie Salverda (1 RBI), Emma Hansen (1 RBI), Taryn Takayoshi (1 RBI), Alissa Hermansen (2 RBI's), and Layna Cowin (1RBI). With those insurance runs and a five-run cushion it was enough for Hermansen to come in and close out the game, earning the save.
Everett starts the season 4-0, and will play next weekend at Edmonds against power house programs, Clackamas, Southwestern Oregon, and North Idaho.