Central Whidbey hammers South Skagit, picks up state berth / 10-12 softball

By Jim Waller • June 18, 2019 1:30 am
The District 11 major softball champions — front row, left to right: Brionna Blouin, Katie Marti, Aleksia Jump, Madison McMillan; middle row: Mayleen Weatherford, Teagan Calkins, Taylor Brotemarkle, Chloe Marzocca, Allison Nastali; back row: coach Frank Marti, coach Kim Brotemarkle, Savina Wells, Mia Farris, Jada Heaton, manager Fred Farris. (Photo by John Fisken)
The District 11 major softball champions — front row, left to right: Brionna Blouin, Katie Marti, Aleksia Jump, Madison McMillan; middle row: Mayleen Weatherford, Teagan Calkins, Taylor Brotemarkle, Chloe Marzocca, Allison Nastali; back row: coach Frank Marti, coach Kim Brotemarkle, Savina Wells, Mia Farris, Jada Heaton, manager Fred Farris. (Photo by John Fisken)

Earning a trip to the state tournament, the Central Whidbey Little League major (10-12) softball team whipped South Skagit 10-4 Monday, June 17, at Rhododendron Park to win the District 11 championship.

The state tournament is June 29 through July 7 at Poulsbo’s Snider Park.

Central Whidbey 10, South Skagit 4

Savina Wells started in the circle for Central Whidbey and mowed South Skagit down through two innings before an ankle injury cut her evening short.

Wells struck out six of the seven batters she faced, walking the other. She hurt her ankle beating out a base hit in the bottom of the second inning and was replaced by Chloe Marzocca, who closed out the game and struck out nine over the final four innings.

“I don’t think they were going to hit her (Wells) today,” coach Fred Farris said after the game. “Chloe came in and did an outstanding job on short notice.”

“Everyone rallied around Savina, who stayed in the dugout and cheered her teammates on in obvious pain,” he added. “So proud of this group of young ladies; they earned this title. They play hard, they play together and for each other.”

After Wells struck out the side in the top of the first inning, she led off the bottom half with a base hit to start a three-run rally. A walk to Allison Nastali and a base hit by Madison McMillan helped Central Whidbey jump to a lead it would never surrender.

McMillan was hit by a pitch, Taylor Brotemarkle walked and Brionna Blouin singled as the Hammerheads added two runs in the bottom of the third inning.

South Skagit scored twice in the fourth to make it 5-2, and Central Whidbey responded by scoring five runs in the bottom half of the inning to pull away.

Katie Marti walked, Nastali and Mia Farris followed with singles, then McMillan and Marzocca hit back-to-back doubles. Blouin’s single completed the big inning.

Nastali finished with two singles and two walks, McMillan had a double and single and Wells and Blouin each singled twice.

Marzocca added a double and Farris a single.

Blouin also stood out on defense.

“Brionna caught a good game and made several snap throws to first that sent a message that they weren’t going to run on us,” coach Farris said.

The Hammerheads raised their season record to 17-2 with the win.

Central Whidbey first baseman Mia Farris snags a throw to force out South Skagit’s Makenzie Brown. (Photo by John Fisken)

Central Whidbey first baseman Mia Farris snags a throw to force out South Skagit’s Makenzie Brown. (Photo by John Fisken)

Chloe Marzocca throws a pitch in relief of starter Savina Wells.(Photo by John Fisken)

Chloe Marzocca throws a pitch in relief of starter Savina Wells. (Photo by John Fisken)

Savina Wells rifles a pitch for Central Whidbey. She struck out six in two innings before leaving with an injury.(Photo by John Fisken)

Savina Wells rifles a pitch for Central Whidbey. She struck out six in two innings before leaving with an injury. (Photo by John Fisken)