The North Whidbey Senior (15/16) Little League baseball team started state tournament play in impressive fashion with an 8-2 win over the District 10 (Kent) champion 8-2 Saturday, July 12, at Meridian Park in Shoreline.

North Whidbey faces Lewis River of District 6 at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 13, in round two.

North Whidbey did not have to battle through a district tournament to get to state because it is the only senior team in District 11, but the lack of playoff experience was not a problem. The island team, paced by base hits by Chase Powell and Brandon Philp, scored two runs in the first inning and never trailed.

A six-run fourth inning pushed the lead to 8-0.

Kent “made some adjustments,” according to North Whidbey coach Shawn Philp, and scored single runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

North Whidbey starter Steven Richards tossed a complete game for the win.

North Whidbey did suffer one setback. Catcher Ryan Evans rolled his ankle and may be out for the remainder of the tournament, coach Philp said.

“The whole team came together to play an outstanding game,” Philp said, led by a “solid, error-free” defense.