Ticket punched, again

Washington opens the State softball tournament today (Thursday) at the Ballfields at FireLake against  Lexington.

It’s Washington’s 43rd consecutive trip to State, 21 for fast-pitch and 22 for slow-pitch softball.

“State week is what we love here,” Head Coach Jace Brewer said. “We know there’s a process during the season to prepare us for this week.”

Lexington is a team Washington knows very well for obvious reasons.

“They are a good ball club. They are experienced with a lot of seniors and I know the kids and have great respect for them,” Brewer said. “Kayla Stewart has done a good job and we know we will have to play well.”

Lexington has won 14 of their last 16 games.

Washington steam rolled their way through the Regional tournament, beating CCS 10-0 and Kellyville 9-0 last Thursday.

“I thought we played really well,” Brewer said. “We didn’t hit great but good enough. We pitched and played defense.”

Washington’s pitching in fact has been superb this season.

As a team their team ERA is a full point lower this season from last season. It’s 2.1 this year, down from 3.1.

“That matters a whole lot,” Brewer said. “One run in the State tournament can be a big deal. To make a run we have to pitch and play good defense.”

Washington has played a grueling schedule in preparation for State and Brewer thinks it will pay off.

They have played the No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in the Class 2A State tournament in Latta, Dale and Amber-Pocasset.

They have also played four State title winners from last year, beating three of them.

“We’ve played a good amount of 5A and 6A teams who have pushed us for this State tournament,” Brewer said.

Washington tuned up their defense in practice this week as they look forward to a title shot.

“I like this ball club and where we’ve come and what we’ve gone through,” Brewer said. “It’s been a tougher schedule than any other team I’ve had. Once you get here to the tournament it’s your shot.”