Anacortes is showing the conference that the fast in fastpitch doesn’t necessarily refer to the speed of a thrown ball. With them it’s all about speed generated by fast feet, on the basepaths and in the field.

Nooksack Valley learned the lesson on April 15 as they bowed 7-0; Lynden Christian lost 11-2 to the ‘Hawks on April 16; and Sehome left town on April 17 after losing 7-0.

Anacortes (6-2 NWC, 8-5) was scheduled to play woeful Bellingham on April 22 and will meet Lynden (currently 1-4 NWC) on Thursday, April 24 in the Seahawks’ last scheduled game at the Daniels fastpitch palace.

On Tuesday, April 29, the ‘Hawks travel to Mount Baker before playing a non-counter at Friday Harbor on Friday, May 2.

The following week Anacortes plays at Burlington on Tuesday, May 6 and Blaine on Thursday, May 8.

The Seahawks have won their only game against NWC 2A competition. Five remain and each is vital for playoff seeding.


AHS 7, Nooksack Valley 0

In the words of Anacortes fastpitch coach Tom Swapp, “There are a lot of excellent pitchers in the conference this season, and Ramstead’s one of them.”

But on this occasion, Anacortes’ Jackie Saunders had her number. The young twirler allowed only four hits as she struck out seven in the 7-0 win at Everson.

“Jackie’s a real competitor and she’s got instincts that you can’t teach,” Swapp said.

The freshman pitcher was supported by classmates Madison Bundy and Hannah Brennan, both of whom touched Ramstead for two hits in three at-bats.

“We really exerted pressure on them with out speed and baserunning,” Swapp said.

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Ana 111 022 x-7 8 0

Ramstead and Pilce; Saunders (W, 4-4) and Roney.
Leading Anacortes hitters: Bundy 2-3 (2B), H. Brennan 2-3.


Anacortes 11, Lynden Christian 2

Anacortes limbered up their big bats in support of Saunders against the Lyncs. Junior Sara Brennan had a perfect three for three day at the plate, needing only a homer to complete the cycle. The third-sacker drove in four runs.

“Sara Brennan was right on the money against Lynden Christian,” Swapp said. “She hit the ball squarely for a single, double and triple.”

Swapp also credited the table setters at the top of the lineup — Bundy, Bellusci and Rieger.

“Madison Bundy’s got a great eye and great control in the batter’s box. As leadoff hitter, she saw 21 pitches and took 18 of them for balls. She’s one tough out,” Swapp said.

Rachel Nelson contributed a two-run triple to the onslaught and catcher Maria Roney hit two screaming singles, according to Swapp.

For the second straight game, Saunders limited her adversaries to four hits in the 11-2 win at Bender Fields in Lynden.

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Saunders (W, 5-4) and Roney; Biehle and Blankers.
Leading Anacortes hitters: S. Brennan 3-3 (1B, 2B, 3B, 4 RBI); Saunders (2 RBI), Nelson 1-4 (3 RBI).


Anacortes 7, Sehome 0

Jackie Saunders racked up her fourth straight win in shutting out the Sehome Mariners 7-0 on five hits. The freshman pitcher’s record for the season is now six wins, four losses.

Anacortes wasted no time in proving to the Mariners that speed kills. Anacortes’ speed, that is.

In the bottom of the first Madison Bundy was hit by a pitch, then two passed balls and an error resulted in the ‘Hawks’ first run, followed immediately by the second, which came from a stolen base and a Saunders’ fielder’s choice.

Those runs would have sufficed, but Anacortes added five in the bottom of the fifth to ice the win and run their record to 6-2 in conference.

“Kayla Rieger’s two-run double in the fifth was the game-breaker,” Swapp said.

But most of the veteran skipper’s praise was directed to his freshman pitcher.

“She gave up only one earned run in our three games this week. I was a little hesitant to have her throw three days in a row, but she assured me she could do it. Indeed, she said she could throw three games in a day if we needed it.

“It took her a while to pull her game together this season, but she’s rolling now. She’s got great technique. She works the edges and throws up and down to keep batters from getting a fix. She’s got instincts. Winning instincts,” Swapp said.

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Ana 200 050 x-7 7 0

Johnson and Wilkerson; Saunders (W, 6-4) and Roney.
Leading Anacortes hitters: Rieger 1-3 (2B, 2 RBI).