These South Sound softball teams could make deep postseason runs
Will a South Sound school hoist a state softball championship trophy this May? Here’s a look at a few locals from Class 4A down to 2A that we think could make a postseason run this spring, based on how they’ve played in the regular season.
SOUTH SOUND CONTENDERS
Class 4A
Rogers (15-2, 14-1) — With one game remaining and a two-game division lead, Rogers’ regular-season 4A SPSL title is safe – but ace pitcher Sierra Murray and 10 total Rams batting over .350 certainly have district and state trophies next on their to-do lists. Murray has taken one of the state’s toughest leagues by storm, a freshman leading the SPSL in strikeouts (159) with a 13-1 record and 1.70 ERA. And despite their 15-game win streak throughout April, it’s hard not to look ahead at what should be an exciting future for the Rams program. Murray is the team leader in batting average (.488) and one of three freshmen hitting over .400. Leadoff center fielder Payton Walling doubles as Rogers’ slugging threat (8 HR).
Graham-Kapowsin (14-4, 12-3) — Senior Jessika Jennings has been a two-way standout for the Eagles, hitting .467 with plenty of pop, racking up five doubles, a triple and four home runs this spring. On the mound, she sports an 8-2 record with a 1.64 ERA and 106 strikeouts. The Eagles have hit 18 home runs as a team this season.
Emerald Ridge (13-6, 11-4) — There’s a dangerous lineup and standout pitcher (Alanna Wirtala) brewing in South Hill. A constant threat to score 10+ runs, Emerald Ridge danced all the way to last year’s 4A championship game and has the pieces for another deep run. Wirtala (2.64 ERA, 122 K) has gone the distance for a complete game in each of her last nine starts, along with 14 doubles and 23 RBI at the plate. 1B Abygale Redwine keeps crushing softballs (.661 AVG, 41 RBI) and backstop Jayda Guadron (.523 AVG) provides middle-of-the-order pop for the SPSL leaders in runs scored (209).
Tahoma (15-2, 10-0) — Opposing arms have nowhere to hide when Tahoma’s offense finds their groove, a merciless lineup with big-play potential in every at-bat. The Bears boast five hitters above the .400 mark, powered by leadoff hitter Mia Hammington’s nine home runs and .604/.625/1.528 slash line. Tahoma rarely finds itself in a blowout, instead crushing NPSL rivals by 10+ runs in five innings as RHP Alexa Ramirez mows down opponents in order. The sophomore struck out a school-record 122 batters last year and already broke her own record, sporting a 1.12 ERA and 123 Ks this spring.
Class 3A
Enumclaw (15-3, 13-0) — Good luck getting the offense going against Enumclaw’s ace: Alyssa Harris’ 154 strikeouts rank fifth in the state, per MaxPreps. She has posted a 6-1 record with a 1.47 ERA this season. Alyssa Neal has been a power-hitting machine, batting .481 with 12 doubles, three triples and two home runs for the Hornets.
Auburn Mountainview (12-3, 10-1) — Mia Heigh and Tessa Trippy bring the thump for the Lions’ lineup. Heigh is batting a team-high .686 with six doubles, three triples, five home runs and a team-leading 38 RBI. Trippy is hitting .596 with 16 doubles, three home runs and 23 RBI. McKenna Ward has been the team’s No. 1 pitcher, compiling a 5-1 record with 40 strikeouts and a 0.87 ERA.
Gig Harbor (13-2, 12-1) — Dani Biehl has been one of the area’s top two-way players this spring, batting .698 with six doubles, five triples, a home run and 23 RBI. On the mound, she has an 8-1 record with 62 strikeouts and a 3.29 ERA. It’s not just Biehl — the entire lineup has produced. The Tides are hitting .465 as a team this spring. Keep an eye on senior Gracie Carey; her eight doubles lead the team.
Central Kitsap (14-3, 12-2) — The Cougars returned three all-SSC selections from their state-tournament team in 2024, and we think Central Kitsap possesses the lineup and pitching depth to get back. Savvy Paulson has emerged as Central Kitsap’s two-way contributor -- posting a 1.93 ERA in nine appearances along with an active 10-game hit streak (.537 AVG). Sluggers Scarlett Mabe (.540 AVG) and Ava Day (.467) have combined for 13 home runs and helped lift Central Kitsap to wins over Gig Harbor, Peninsula, and Silas this April.
Class 2A
Tumwater (21-6, 11-1) — After advancing to the Class 2A state championship game and securing a runner-up finish last spring, can the T-Birds make another run this postseason? Ella Ferguson has been a two-way standout, batting. 500 with two doubles, a triple and four home runs. On the mound, she has a 5-1 record with 69 strikeouts and a 1.62 ERA. Jaime Haase leads the team with 26 RBI.
Franklin Pierce (11-1, 11-0) — With three wins in early May, this run-scoring machine in South Tacoma would complete an undefeated 2A SPSL season in grand fashion. Franklin Pierce averages more than 15 runs per game over league rivals and boasts three Cardinals slashing at least .625/.690/1.050. Just how much of a cheat code has leadoff shortstop Kiley Sledge been this season? The state’s leader in batting average (.839) hasn’t struck out in 42 plate appearances with more home runs (8) than walks (7). They’ll be a tough out at the district level if Franklin Pierce’s bats stay hot.
This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
