On March 25, Central Kitsap High School was nearly defeated by Kentridge High School in a close game. Despite a strong performance from key players like Scarlet Mabe and Ava Day, the game saw several ups and down with both teams batting until the very end

Kentridge took the early lead in the top of the first inning with a grounded out, scoring the game’s first run. However, Central Kitsap quickly responded in the bottom of the first inning with a double from Mabe to tie the game 1-1.

Central Kitsap took the lead in the bottom of the third inning when Day hit a solo home run to left field putting them ahead 2-1. Day’s home run was a highlight in the game, showcasing the team’s ability to hit under pressure.

Kentridge bounced back in the top of the fifth inning with a single to score one run and an error that allowed two more runs to be scored. Kentridge followed with a triple adding one more run giving them a 5-2 lead.

Despite the setback, Central Kitsap did not give up. Mabe and Day, who each collected two hits, continued to lead the offense.

“I make sure I get my daily routines in, like working on my hand eye coordination while warming up my arm,” Mabe said. “When preparing for a game, I say to myself, ‘when you’re up to bat, shut up and hit the ball.’”

Central Kitsap’s pitching struggled with right-handed pitcher Savvy Paulson. She went four innings allowing five runs. Despite giving up the lead, Paulson remained focused and motivated.

“They’re a bigger school than us and they had a great pitcher,” head coach Courtney Cotter said. “We made some good adjustments at the plate but some of our mental mistakes hurt us in the long run. It was a good tie to see pitching like that and get some of those mistakes out in the open so we could hone in on them at practice and be more prepared come game time.”

Kentridge pitcher Jozi Thompson earned the win for her team. She threw seven strong innings, allowing seven hits and four runs. Thompson struck out 14 batters and showed just how dominant she is on the mound.

The game ended with four runs for Central Kitsap, scored by Mabe, Kylee Peterson, Addisyn Hinze, and Day. For Kentridge, Jozi Thompson, Genesis Miller, and Naomi Benavides each collected two hits leaving the final score 6-4.

It has been over a decade since Central Kitsap has faced Kentridge, with their last meeting dating back to 2012. For many of the players this game was an exciting opportunity to face a new and unfamiliar team.

“I’m just excited to have the chance to play a team that we’ve never faced before in my three years of varsity,” Mabe said.

Despite the loss, Central Kitsap showed resilience and heart throughout the game. The team remains hopeful and looking for the next challenge to face and overcome.

“The goal is to make it to the postseason, whether it is just going to districts or going all of the way to state,” Mabe said. “That would be a huge success for our team.”

For Central Kitsap High School, this game against Kentridge was not only a test of skill but an opportunity to face a team none of these players have faced before. With their good defense and key offense, the future continues to look promising for Central Kitsap.