ACH Warriors softball season recap

COULEE CITY – The Almira/Coulee-Hartline Warriors (15-7) wrapped up their season with a state tournament appearance. According to head coach Faye Butler, her players took themselves far beyond expectations.  

“We were a super young team, they learned a lot, and we watched the championship game, and they're like, ‘yeah, we want to be there,’ so I feel that they're ready to go for next year,” she said.  

After placing second in the district tournament, the Warriors earned the fourth seed and a first round bye in the state tournament. They would play Colton and be defeated 13-7. From there, they were moved into the consolation bracket where they played Dayton and won 11-6 before moving on to face Inchelium. They were defeated 11-3 and officially eliminated from the tournament.  

After being eliminated, Butler suggested to her team that they watch the championship game for at least a couple of innings. After a few innings passed, the players were asking Butler to stay until the end.  

“I was like, ‘yes, that's exactly what I want for you girls, to stay here and watch it.’ So, I think it definitely got a fire in them. We're not quite there yet, but we're close, and knowing that they're a young team, they know that they can get there,” Butler said.  

With her team being so young, Butler sees this as a chance to build on what they accomplished this season. She said she sees her players beginning to understand the work that has to be put in and wanting to reach that point.  

“This game takes discipline, discipline not swinging at the high balls, discipline at keeping your head down, and discipline at doing the mundane everyday drills like that's how you win games, is discipline. So, I think they definitely understand that, and they're ready for it,” she said.  

According to Butler, mental toughness has contributed significantly to their success this season. She has worked to build a culture on the team where it's okay to make mistakes but still want to go back out on the field and redeem it. She said she has seen her team become mentally resilient over the course of this season.  

Another strength of the Warriors has been their batting. That fundamental skill improved throughout the season, according to Butler.  

“I was so pleased with my lineup that sometimes the beginning of my lineup wasn't hitting well, but the end of my lineup was hitting well. So, I had a full lineup where everybody could hit the ball to where I didn't do much short game, because they're better at just hitting the ball,” she said.  

A game Butler will never forget this season was against Lake Roosevelt. Throughout most of the game, it was a defensive battle. Lake Roosevelt was up 1-0 heading into the fifth inning, where they scored five runs. Heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the score was 7-1.  

“I said, ‘girls, all right, like this is our last chance, let's go get them,’” Butler said.  

The Warriors flipped a switch and erupted for a seven-run inning that propelled them to an 8-7 victory over Lake Roosevelt. With their backs against the wall, they responded in a significant way. It proved to be a huge confidence boost for them, according to Butler.  

The Warriors were recognized for their talent this season when the All-Conference teams were announced last week. Grace Okamoto was named to the first team All-Conference, while four players were listed as honorable mentions.  

They will only have one player graduate this year, which means most of the team will be returning next season. The sky is the limit according to Butler.  

“They definitely see their potential, and they want to go for it. They were really excited at the end of the year,” she said.  

    Madison Brink scoring a run against Wellpinit in their game earlier this season. Brink contributed to a high-powered Warrior’s offense.
  

    Emma Whitaker standing in the batter's box as a pitch comes her way. Whitaker was named as an honorable mention in the All-Conference teams.
  

    Grace Okamoto sizing up a pitch in a previous game for the Warriors. Okamoto was the Warriors pitcher this season and will return next season.