Tigers Come Up Just Short Against Raymond in District Play-In

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Napavine came up just a run short on Monday, falling to Raymond 12-11 in the play-in round of the 2B District 4 softball tournament.

The loss ends the young Tigers’ season with a 12-6 record.

“It was a well-played game. Our kids competed and played hard,” Napavine coach Josh Fay said. “As a coach, I couldn’t ask for more.”

Raymond scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 12-8 lead.

“We had a couple of mental mistakes in there,” Fay said of the sixth frame. “Raymond hit the ball really well.” 

The Tigers couldn’t quite complete the comeback, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh when a runner was thrown out at home — from the outfield — for the final out.

“It was a great play,” Fay said. “It was on me. Tanner (Simpson) was coming up and was smoking it all day. I should have given her that at-bat.”

Simpson, a senior, went 3 for 4 with four RBIs and a homer in her final game for the Tigers. Makensee Taliaferro, also a senior, was 3 for 4 with two RBIs, and Danie Tupuola was 3 for 4 and drove in three runs.

Napavine bids farewell to seniors Taliaferro, Simpson, Hallie Denault and Patricia Helsing.

“We’re going to miss them,” Fay said of the seniors. “They worked hard and did things the right way, setting a good example for the younger kids. I give Patricia Helsing a lot of credit for stepping up as our pitcher after some injuries.”

Raymond moves on to face Onalaska on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Fort Borst Park in the first round of the double-elimination 2B District 4 tournament.