Lady Braves take high road; crush Concrete 11-1

La Conner High smashed Concrete 11-1 Friday to remain in the fast lane for a run at the league softball title.

With the lopsided win, the Lady Braves remained unbeaten in four NW2B starts and improved to 12-3 overall.

Better yet, La Conner showed it’s gearing up for what might well be an extended playoff ride.

The Lady Braves put together their most complete game of the year in the double-digit home triumph over Concrete, a key tuneup leading into critical late season league games with Orcas and Darrington.

“The team had a great effort in all aspects of the game,” Lady Braves’ head coach Peg Seeling said after her club was able to crush Concrete via the five-inning, 10-run mercy rule.

La Conner played flawlessly in the field behind sophomore hurler Olivia Hedlund, who tamed the Lady Lions on three hits while fanning seven hitters.

Her command of pitches was exceptional as Hedlund issued only one free pass on the day.

She also helped her cause with a pair of safeties and two RBIs, part of a 10-hit Lady Braves’ onslaught.

Emma Christianson led the way with three doubles and a trio of runs driven in.

“She also did a super job leading the team defensively from behind the dish,” Seeling said of La Conner’s versatile catcher, a converted middle infielder.

“To score 11 runs and not commit any errors,” stressed Seeling, “was a great combination.”

She cited Madi Cavanaugh and Lauren Reynolds as examples.

Cavanaugh ignited the La Conner attack with a base hit, two stolen bases, and an RBI. Reynolds, the team’s first baseman, recorded five putouts and lined a double while driving in a run.

Nakiya Edwards, Chloe Fullington, and Ashley Watkins joined the La Conner hit parade with singles.

In Orcas, La Conner will host a struggling Lady Vikings squad that entered this week’s action having won just three of 10 games, with a 1-3 league mark.

A Monday meeting between the two longtime league rivals was postponed due to rain.

Darrington, whom the Lady Braves were slated to face Tuesday, started the week with a 2-1 league record and level 3-3 overall ledger.

La Conner is scheduled to wrap up the week this Friday at home against a 2-7 Friday Harbor team. First pitch for the May 9 contest is set for 1:30 p.m.