Yellow Pages
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — With all the travel involved in youth softball, area players end up scattered all across the western United States for up to a week at a time.
So it becomes a rare treat for the players when a tournament comes to them, but area athletes are taking advantage this week at the ASA Girls’ 14A Western National Championship, playing some of their games on their home fields.
In addition to the local team participating, the Rising Stars, the Snohomish County Express, based out of Marysville, feature three members of the Sedro-Woolley varsity squad that just reached the state tournament two months ago. Two other hopefuls for next year’s Cub varsity are members of one of the Northwest Lady Sharks squads.
“It’s a lot of fun to get to play in your own backyard,” Emmie Moser said. “You don’t have to wake up early.”
Moser, Holly Hawkins and Kendall Holmgren were all Sedro-Woolley varsity players last season. Briley Brewer and Kaylee Lamphiear of the Lady Sharks are among those hoping to join them.
“It’s great to see all the people here,” Hawkins said. “It’s a blast to see the complex so full and being used.”
The Express have already traveled to tournaments in Pasco and Oregon this season, as well as winning Western Worlds in Everett.
“I love it, and we’ve got the great weather for it,” Kendall Holmgren said. “I’m glad we’re doing well against the California teams. Since we’re coming off winning Worlds, it’s big for us to do well.”
The Express also have La Conner’s Dallas Nelson on the roster, who will be taking cuts next year for the Burlington-Edison softball team.
“It’s cool being here. We’re always going so far,” Nelson said.“It’s nice to drive 15 minutes and be at the fields.”
Along with the convenience comes a little added incentive to do well in front of the home fans.
“I think there is a little more pressure. You have your high school coaches dropping by to watch,” Hawkins said. “You always play hard, but this makes you a go a little harder.”
The Express started off well, winning their first three games, including a 7-3 victory over Riptide. The lost to SoCal Madness 2-1 in eight innings in their later game Thursday.
• Eric Francis can be reached at 360-416-2131 or by e-mail at .
