The Bothell Cougars will head out on the road to square off against the Liberty Patriots at 4:30 p.m. on Monday. Bothell is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
While Bothell didn't have the best season last year (they finished 7-14), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. They were the clear victors by a 16-5 margin over Cedarcrest on Friday. That looming 16-5 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Cougars yet this season.
Eden Marks was a major factor no matter where she played. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out ten over five innings pitched. Marks was also big at the plate, going 2-for-3 with three RBI.
In other batting news, Bothell let Kolbi Schmer and Jayden McGee run wild. Schmer went 2-for-3 with one home run, three RBI, and two runs, while McGee went a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, two doubles, and two RBI. Those two doubles gave McGee a new career-high. Avery Jensen also deserves some recognition as she got her first hits of the season.
Bothell was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .542. That was just more of the same: they've now posted a batting average of .316 or higher in seven consecutive games.
Meanwhile, Liberty beat Mount Si 5-1 on Friday.
Like Bothell, Liberty also got a great game from a two-way player: Avery Huh. On the mound, she struck out nine batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned run off three hits (and only one walk). Huh has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts any time she's pitched this season. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 1-for-2 with two runs.
In other batting news, Reese Broughton and Berlyn Crockett did most of the damage at the plate: Broughton went a perfect 2-for-2 with two RBI and one double, while Crockett went 1-for-3 with three RBI, one run, and one double. Another player making a difference was Isabella Rockey, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and one stolen base.
Bothell's record now sits at 8-0. As for Liberty, their record is now 5-1.
Monday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Bothell has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .500. However, it's not like Liberty struggles in that department as they've averaged .529. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Bothell suffered a grim 11-0 defeat to Liberty when the teams last played back in April of 2025. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
