Softball Game Preview: Sehome Mariners vs. Lakewood Cougars

The Sehome Mariners will face off against the Lakewood Cougars at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Sehome has given up an average of 11.4 runs per game this season, but Saturday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Sehome is coming in off a wild two-game stretch: after soaring to 25 runs on Tuesday, they were much more limited against Oak Harbor on Thursday. They came up short against the Wildcats, falling 22-1. The game marked the Mariners' lowest-scoring matchup so far this season.

Meanwhile, Lakewood can bid farewell to their four-game losing streak thanks to their game on Thursday. They never let Anacortes get on the board and left with a 9-0 win. That nine run margin sets a new team best for the Cougars this season.

Katie Krueger was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she didn't allow a single earned run while striking out seven over seven innings pitched. She has been consistent: she hasn't given up more than two walks in six consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs, one stolen base, and one double.

In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Riley Pevny, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base. Lana Bauer also deserves some recognition as she got her first hit of the season.

Lakewood picked up their first home victory, bumping their record up to 3-6. As for Sehome, they have been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four contests. That's put a noticeable dent in their 4-6 record this season.

Saturday's match will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Sehome hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .314. However, it's not like Lakewood struggles in that department as they've averaged .326. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.

Sehome might still be hurting after the 13-0 defeat they got from Lakewood in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can the Mariners avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.