Starting off the 2023 season with a victory over a 1A squad, the Rainier softball team defeated Cascade Christian Thursday afternoon at home, 7-4.
The Mountaineers got a strong effort out of eighth-grader Ryleigh Cruse in the circle in her first high school varsity start, pitching a complete game with just three earned runs on eight hits and five walks, with four punchouts. Behind her, the Mountaineer defense kept mistakes to a minimum and held the Cougars to just four runs.
“We are proud of the girls' team effort defensively,” Rainier coach Katie Qualls said. “We are very excited for this season and look forward to putting the work in.”
On offense, the Mountaineers got off to a hot start, with Maddie Mounts going a perfect 3 for 3 with two runs scored and three runs batted in. Keira Anderson went 1 for 3 with a run scored and two RBIs, Olivia Earlsey was 3 for 4 with three runs scored in the leadoff spot, and Brooklynn Swenson hit a triple.
Rainier will hope to keep it rolling against Tenino Friday in Stone City.
