Federal Way’s Thomas Jefferson High softball team tops Kentwood in key game

Published 4:05 pm Thursday, April 30, 2015

Jefferson and Kentwood faced each other once already this season in a game that saw the Conks get the close win. A couple of late-inning runs pushed them past the Raiders.

On Monday, it was the Raiders turn as they won 5-3 in a game that saw them fall behind early. While the game was important enough for them just to get payback, it had a big effect on the South Puget Sound League North standings.

The Raiders started slow, going hitless in the first two innings. They gave up a run quickly in the first inning and another in the top of the third.

In the bottom of the third, Jefferson had their first response on a triple by junior Isabelle McLarty. Leanne Bryant, a freshman, brought her home on the next at-bat, bringing the score to 2-1.

Jefferson made a splash both defensively and offensively in the fourth inning. Samantha Simundson made a diving catch to prevent any possible Kentwood rally in the inning.

Meanwhile, the offense drove home three runs on three hits and took a lead they did not give back. An insurance run in the bottom of the sixth brought the score to 5-2.

There was a scary moment in the top of the seventh when Bryant, who was pitching, had a line drive bounce off the front of her glove and hit her in the face. She was given a concussion test and continued in the game.

Kentwood added one run as they tried to rally in the seventh. With one runner on base, Bryant struck out the final batter in the game, giving the Raiders the victory.

“The girls really wanted this,” Jefferson head coach Greg Campbell said. “It was a big win for them. We’re a much better team than we were at the start of the season. I think we’re in good position to surprise some teams in the playoffs.”

The win brought Jefferson’s record to 8-5 in league play and 9-5 overall. They jumped Kentwood in the standings by half a game with the win as the Conks fell to 7-5 in league play and 9-5 overall.

Jefferson moved up to third place in the conference with a 15-3 win over Mount Rainier and a Federal Way loss to Kentwood on Tuesday. Jefferson lost 13-6 to undefeated Tahoma on Wednesday, bringing their record to 9-6 in league play and 10-6 overall.

They now sit in fifth place as Federal Way beat Mount Rainier 17-9 on Wednesday and Kentwood beat Kent-Meridian 15-0 and 12-0 on Wednesday as well.

The Raiders’ remaining games are  against Todd Beamer, Decatur and Federal Way.

The May 7 matchup with Federal Way to end the season could have seeding implications for post-season tournaments.

Isabelle McLarty hits for a triple during the third inning of Monday’s 5-3 win over Kentwood. McLarty was 2-3 with a walk and two RBIs on the day. Terrence Hill, the Mirror

Megan Dougherty runs towards first base after laying down a bunt late in the game. Terrence Hill, the Mirror

Leanne Bryant struck out three batters and had an RBI in Monday’s win over Kentwood. She pitched the entire game. Terrence Hill, the Mirror