WHITE SALMON – The Columbia High School softball team played in the first round of the 2026 WIAA 1A state softball tournament in Richland, WA., losing to Lynden Christian, 16-6, on May 21.
The 11th-seeded Bruins (17-10), led by head Coach Jesse Bryan, started quickly against the sixth-seeded Lyncs (16-10) by scoring two runs in the first inning to Lynden’s one. From there, the Lyncs were able to rattle off 15 runs in the rest of the game to Columbia’s four.
“I would really like to highlight the support that the team received from the school, the community and the family and friends of the players,” said Bryan. “As coaches, it was great to see how much the team appreciated it.”
“Even with the loss in the first round of state, I feel like we ended on a good note, sending our two seniors out with a competitive, action-packed run through the end of the season.”
The Bruins finished the year with six selections on the 2026 Trico All-League softball team. Juniors Joella Posini and Julia Mullinix were first-team all-league catcher selections, while senior Halle Kock was a first-team infield selection. Junior Danica Herman, freshman Gabby Hogue and sophomore McKena Carlock were honorable mention picks.
Looking to next year, the Bruins lose two seniors in Halle Kock and Madison Russum. Eleven of their 13 players are underclassmen: Danica Herman, Fiona Grabb, Gabby Hogue, Joella Posini, Julia Mullinix, Kate Blankenship, Kiera Bucher, Kiki Barkhimer, Lola Marti, McKena Carlock and Taryn Wallace.
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