Bruins’ softball win streak now at five games

WHITE SALMON — At the midway point of their WIAA Class 1A softball season, the No. 7-ranked Columbia High Bruins are in second place in the Trico League standings behind the No. 4-ranked defending league champion Seton Catholic High Cougars.

The Bruins (6-1 Trico, 7-3 overall) and Cougars (5-0 Trico, 7-1 overall) are the top contenders in the nine-team league standings. Columbia is hoping the momentum of its five-game win streak will help it achieve its goal of reaching the WIAA state playoffs for the first time since 2023.

The Bruins extended their win streak to five after winning two Trico League games against the Stevenson High Bulldogs (0-6 Trico, 2-6 overall) in a Gorge rivalry two-game series last week. The Bruins won an April 7 home game, 15-0, over the Bulldogs and a 12-1 win April 9 at Wind River Middle School in Carson.

“We’re on an upward trajectory for sure and the team is playing pretty good right now,” said Coach Jesse Bryan. “We played against some pretty good teams at a tournament in Yakima (April 4) and we split two games there, so that was good. We’ll play a big game versus Seton on April 21 in Vancouver.

“Our goal is to win the Trico League title this year and reach the state playoffs.”

In the April 9 game at Stevenson, the Bruins utilized their explosive offense by outhitting the Bulldogs, 16-3. The Bruins had a fast start as they scored five runs in the first inning.

The Bruins were led offensively by Julia Mullinix (3-for-4, five RBI, steal), Fiona Grabb (4-for-4, four RBI), Joella Posini (1-for-3, RBI), Danica Herman (1-for-3, two RBI) and McKena Carlock (3-for-4, steal). Starting pitcher Lola Marti and reliever Gabby Hogue shared innings in the pitching circle for the Bruins.

“The girls are playing really well together and they’re just competing with better team chemistry than what they’ve done in the past,” said Bryan. “We’re on good roll right now and everyone is playing with a high confidence level.

“Gabby Hogue, who is a freshman, has the role as our No. 1 pitcher and she’s really doing a great job. Things are looking good for our team and we’re all pretty excited about having more success throughout the remainder of the season.”