This time, Southridge was ready.
Three weeks removed from being dismantled by Jesuit, the Skyhawks flipped the script, defeating the No. 6-seeded Crusaders 4-0 in a second-round state playoff game on Wednesday, May 22, at Jesuit High School.
“Amazing performance,” Southridge head coach Christina Archambault said. “We prepared really hard for this, and it was kind of a redemption game for us after the last one. We played as a team, came together, and the girls did exactly what we asked of them.”
Archambault went on to say both Wednesday’s win, along with their loss in the two teams’ last matchup, came down to preparation—or in the latter’s case, a lack thereof.
“I think it was how we approached it,” Archambault said. “Mentally we were not who we typically are and that affected us both defensively and offensively. This game, we were the team I know we are.”
Southridge pitcher Sloane Swenson — who was roughed up for nine earned runs in 2.1 innings in the team’s 16-0 loss on May 1 — dazzled on this night, allowing just four hits while striking out eight and walking none. The junior standout said she was well-aware of her prior performance leading up to the game and used it as motivation.
“I really wanted to prove myself,” Swenson said. “I spent a lot of the pregame and the days before going into the playoffs working on my mental and doing meditation. So, I really think it was the mental game that made the difference.”
Archambault said she knew her ace pitcher would come to play this time around and added that it was nice to see her do what she’s been doing for the bulk of the year.
“Sloane was great,” Archambault said. “This was the Sloane I’ve been excited about all season.”
Swenson also did work at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBI and a run-scored, the latter of which came in the first inning on a Sierra Llamas double to left field.
Llamas finished with two hits, while seniors Rachel Brandt and Hannah Ivey added one apiece.
Aubrey Rhodes started the game in the circle for the Crusaders and pitched well outside of the fourth inning where the sophomore allowed four hits and a base-on-balls, leading to three Southridge runs.
She was spelled by sophomore Makena Boynay who allowed a single hit over the game’s final 3.1 innings.
Archambault wasn’t sure how much her team’s familiarity with the Crusaders would help them entering the game, but in hindsight thought it allowed them the confidence necessary to perform at or near their best.
“I think it helped us,” Archambault said. “We knew what to expect, along with what they were good at and where their weaknesses were, and we were able to prepare and adjust for that.”
Swenson agreed and thought they did so as a group top to bottom.
“I thought everyone worked together as a team,” Swenson said. “We’ve faced all their pitchers before and we really came out and everyone hit the ball, and everyone was super excited in the dugout. We had a tough game against them for our second league game, but coming out and leaving that behind was key.”
Next, the Skyhawks will face No. 19-seeded Tigard — who defeated No. 3-seeded Oregon City on Wednesday — in a state quarterfinal game on Friday, with the time and place yet to be determined. But while the stakes have risen for No. 11-seeded Southridge, the team’s mindset will not, according to their coach.
“It’s literally one play, one at-bat, one out at a time,” Archambault said. “That’s the approach.”
Paisley Rhyne led Jesuit with two hits in the game, while Sam Blachly and Riley Smith added one apiece.
Most Popular
Comments / 0