SHELTON — Two 4-run innings helped the Bearcats take down 4A Shelton 8-3 in nonleague girls softball action here Friday afternoon.
W.F. West senior Caitlin Linehan finished the day 2 for 4 with two triples, the most important of which was her bases-clearing knock in a 4-run sixth inning to put the Bearcats up 8-1.
“It’s good for the younger kids to see the seniors do that kind of stuff,” said W.F. West coach Mike Keen, whose team features five seniors and nine underclassman. “It’s good for the seniors to set the tone as well.”
Dani Braun’s two-run triple helped W.F. West roll to a four-run second inning. Braun, a sophomore, finished the day 2 for 5.
Haley Graham started on the mound for the Bearcats, pitching four scoreless innings, while giving up just two hits, walking two and striking out two batters.
“I’m pleased with the effort and it’s nice to get the first win of the year,” said Keen, who was able to play all 14 girls on his roster Friday.
Keen noted the stellar defensive play by senior right fielder Tia Bradley who threw out a runner at first base in the first frame, then snagged a sinking line drive with a diving catch in the second inning.
“We take so much of that stuff for granted because she has been doing that for four years,” said Keen. “And it’s nice to see the seniors are leading by example so far this year.”
W.F. West (1-1) will open its Evergreen 2A Conference schedule on Tuesday at Hoquiam at 4:30 p.m.
