Warriors welcome Regionals

Washington opens the Regional softball tournament at home with Community Christian School today (Thursday).

“I’m excited for what’s to come as we get into the Playoffs,” said Washington Head Coach Jace Brewer. “This is the exciting part of coaching while also being the scary part. How will the kids respond?”

Brewer had done about all he can do to prepare his team for playoff softball and points to the schedule the Warriors played as a big part of that preparation.

“We’ve put the girls in Playoff spots this season through scheduling and they have the ability to respond,” Brewer said. “By this time of the season they have had to embrace some struggle and adversity.”

Washington has played about 20 teams this year who have legitimate chances of making the State tournament in their respective classes.

“The goal is to play the hardest schedule I can play and it normally pays off,” Brewer said. “Our schedule has been better than it was last year. I want to put my kids in tough positions because the next time they’re in one they’re closer to doing it how it needs to be done.”

Junior Katelyn Hicks will get the start in the circle against CCS today.

“She deserves that; to lead us off,” Brewer said. “She’s earned that right. I’m very comfortable with our pitching staff right now.”

Washington’s other pitchers are freshmen Ellie Loveless and Maggie Place.

On the opposite side of Washington’s bracket are Kellyville and Comanche.

Both teams could pose problems for the Warriors, according to the coach.

“Comanche is really athletic and can be really good,” he said. “Kellyville has a couple of really, really good players and a good pitcher.”

Kellyville won the slow-pitch State title last year and the team knows how to win.

Washington is 26-10 this season.