Gone is league MVP and home-run masher extraordinaire Hailey Rath, who tore it up at Eatonville en route to a third-place finish at the 1A state playoffs and a runaway shot at the 1A Evergreen and District 4 championships.
Rath’s 24 home runs a year ago topped the entire state, and though the Cruisers return a good amount from its team last year, there could be room for a different team to run away with a league championship in 2023.
Montesano has been pegged the favorite by statewide publications, with a strong returning core of players fresh off a strong girls basketball season as well.
Hoquiam, without a single senior on its roster after finishing a game short of the trophy round at the 1A state tournament and as the No. 7 seed, should figure to be one of the favorites heading into the season.
First team all-league returnees Graci Bonney-Spradlin, second baseman Ella Folkers, pitcher/outfielder Carron Blood, and catcher Faith Prosch return to lead a now senior-ladden and experienced Grizzlies roster that will look to push for a trophy this season.
Tenino, which graduated defensive MVP Emily Baxter and first team pick Abby Severse last season, will hope to rebuild quickly with a new group of faces, led by new pitcher Chloe Grayless and some early standouts like Sophia Hussey.
Tenino
Coach: Chris Johnson (fifth)
2022 record: 2-17
Player(s) to watch: Anna Morrill, Sophia Hussey, Chloe Grayless
