Winner of The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week (March 31 to April 5)
Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week for contests played between March 31-April 5. Thanks to everyone who voted and supported local student-athletes.
This week’s winner is:
Laken Elvig, White River softball
In her second-career high school start, White River’s freshman pitcher threw a two-hit complete game (five innings) and went 2-for-3 at the plate with her first-career home run, a two-run double, two runs and five RBI in Tuesday’s 14-1 win over Federal Way.
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Want to nominate a South Sound high school athlete in the future? Email reporter Jon Manley (jon.manley@thenewstribune.com) or Tyler Wicke (twicke@thenewstribune.com) or send a direct message on Twitter/X (@manley_tnt or @WickeTyler) with the athlete’s first and last name, school, year, position and a stat line from game(s) during the past week. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sunday.
Laken Elvig, White River softball — In her second-career high school start, White River’s freshman pitcher threw a two-hit complete game (five innings) and went 2-for-3 at the plate with her first-career home run, a two-run double, two runs and five RBI in Tuesday’s 14-1 win over Federal Way.
Aspyn Evanson, Bonney Lake softball — Senior southpaw threw two scoreless innings (one hit, five strikeouts) and homered in Monday’s 26-2 win over Curtis, finishing 2-for-4 with four runs and four RBI.
Laneigha Garcia, Franklin Pierce softball — Junior catcher tormented Foss with two home runs and two doubles in Tuesday’s 23-2 win, finishing 4-for-5 with four runs and seven RBI.
Mia Hammington, Tahoma softball — Center fielder hit a pair of solo home runs and finished 3-for-5 with three runs and two RBI in Friday’s 12-5 win over Auburn Riverside.
Mia Heigh, Auburn Mountainview softball — In three games (three wins) last week, the senior catcher was a combined 5-for-10 with a walk, three doubles and eight RBI.
Kelsie Hynek, South Kitsap softball — Second baseman went 4-for-5 with a double and six RBI in Wednesday’s 27-4 win over Spanaway Lake.
Kelsey Jones, Tahoma softball — Freshman catcher launched her first-career high school home run in Wednesday’s 13-1 win over Stadium, going 2-for-3 with a run and four RBI.
Taryn Jones, Tahoma softball — Senior shortstop hit an inside-the-park home run in Wednesday’s 13-1 win over Stadium, finishing 3-for-4 with two runs and three RBI.
Leila Kennach, Franklin Pierce softball — In wins over Foss and Steilacoom, Franklin Pierce’s third baseman was a combined 7-for-7 at the plate with a home run, seven runs and 11 RBI.
London Kim, Stadium softball — Junior catcher homered in the first inning of Friday’s 15-1 win over Curtis and finished 3-for-3 with three runs and five RBI.
Ella Makepeace, Bethel softball — Junior second baseman reached and scored safely in all five plate appearances of Saturday’s 28-4 win over Bethel, finishing 2-for-2 with three walks, five runs and four RBI.
Genesis Miller, Kentridge softball — Junior pitcher and leadoff hitter tossed four shutout innings in Thursday’s 16-0 win over Auburn, allowing one hit with four walks and six strikeouts. At the plate, finished 2-for-3 with a double, walk, three runs and three RBI.
Sam Mitchell, Rogers softball — Senior second baseman hit walk-off single in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s 7-6 win over Graham-Kapowsin, part of a three-run comeback in the final frame. Finished 2-for-5 with the game-winning RBI.
Sierra Murray, Rogers softball — Freshman threw her fifth complete game of the season in Friday’s 6-4 win over Sumner, allowing three hits and four earned runs with six walks and 11 strikeouts across seven frames. Finished 2-for-3 at the plate with a walk, run and two RBI.
Brooklyn Pettit, Graham-Kapowsin softball — Freshman right-hander delivered a complete game in Friday’s 11-1 win over Bonney Lake, allowing four hits and one earned run with two walks and 12 strikeouts. Went 2-for-5 at the plate with an RBI double in the first inning.
Alexa Ramirez, Tahoma softball — Sophomore right-hander threw a complete game in Friday’s 12-5 win over Auburn Riverside, allowing 12 hits and four earned runs with two walks and 13 strikeouts. At the plate, doubled twice and finished 2-for-4 with two RBI.
Abygale Redwine, Emerald Ridge softball — First baseman hit a three-run home run and finished 4-for-4 with six RBI in Monday’s 16-1 win over Bethel.
Kiera Thomas, Puyallup softball — Senior P/INF launched two home runs in Wednesday’s 17-1 win over Bethel (4 RBI) and threw three perfect innings (six strikeouts) in the circle.
McKenna Ward, Auburn Mountainview softball — Sophomore right-hander tossed a one-hit complete game (five innings) in Tuesday’s 18-1 win over Todd Beamer, walking none with nine strikeouts. Went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI double, walk and run scored.
Joy Wilde, Lincoln softball — Senior catcher hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, home run) in Thursday’s 21-0 win over Foss, finishing 4-for-4 with three runs and four RBI.
This story was originally published April 7, 2025 at 11:31 AM.
