It took heroics from the Rochester High School softball team to make districts. It took a statement shutout in a winner-to-state game against one of the premier Class 2A programs to reach Selah. It nearly pulled off a stunner over the 2023 state champs in the opening round.

The last two weeks of the Warriors season was a rollercoaster of emotions, but after leaving Carlon Park without a trophy, Joni Lancaster didn’t blink when asked about the expectations for 2025 after the season finale.

“Our goals next year are championships," she stated.

It might be a new world down in 1A, but Rochester brings back a bevvy of talent led by reigning EvCo MVP Layna Demers in the circle, the speed of Cheyenne Justice at the top of the lineup and the power of Leah Hartley in the middle.

The grind through districts and playing three games in over 13 hours at state took a toll on the Warriors. If they make it to state over in Richland, they could play three games in just three days or the shortest would be two games in the span of four hours.

Demers logged over 154 innings last year and struck out 179 batters. Four returners logged a batting average of at least .335 and five of them drove in over 20 runs.

Rochester is facing traditional 2A powers and the 2B third-place finishers Pe Ell/Willapa Valley in the non-league.

The other local team in the Evergreen, Tenino, is looking to bounce back after just five wins last spring.

Coach Chris Johnson’s squad has just one senior in Brianna Asay – a first-year softball player – plus a trio of eighth graders that make up the corner infield spots and centerfield.

The Beavers were winless in the league last season, but four of the losses were by less than five runs. Chloe Grayless, the top pitcher for them with 59 strikeouts, is back. 

The key will be defensive improvement. Tenino finished with 69 errors, still four girls had a fielding percentage above 90.