Category: Softball

#1 Kimberly overwhelms #8 Marsh Valley in a decisive 18-1 victory at the 4A Idaho State Tournament, showcasing why they entered as the tournament’s top seed with a relentless offensive assault from the very first inning.

Brooklyn VerWey delivered a power-hitting clinic, blasting two home runs and driving in four runs with shots in both the first and third innings. Her early two-run homer to left field ignited what would become an offensive explosion for the Bulldogs.

The Kimberly attack was led by an absolutely dominant performance from Addi Cann, who finished a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate with an incredible 7 RBIs. Cann’s complete offensive showcase included a double in the second inning that drove in two runs and a home run in the third. She later added a two-run single in the fourth to cap her remarkable day.

Kimberly’s scoring came in waves:

• 3 runs in the first inning (VerWey’s 2-run HR, Cann RBI single)
• 5 more runs in the second to push the lead to 8-0
• 4 runs in the third including back-to-back homers from VerWey and Cann
• 6 final runs in the fourth on 7 hits to complete the rout

Emma Chavez joined the home run parade with a two-run shot to center field in the second inning. The Bulldogs’ 18-hit attack also featured multi-hit performances from Chavez, VerWey, Jaci Cowger, Mallory Kelsey, and Madi Trappen.

In the circle, Gracie Alleman earned the win with a strong four-inning performance, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out five batters. Mallory Kelsey closed things out with a perfect inning of relief, allowing just one hit and striking out one.

Marsh Valley’s offense was limited to just four hits total, with Lydia Howell collecting half of them by going 2-for-3. Olivia Campbell drove in the Eagles’ lone run. Lisa Peck took the loss, surrendering 12 runs (7 earned) on 11 hits over 2⅔ innings.

With the decisive victory, Kimberly advances to face the winner of Game 4 between #4 Gooding and #5 Teton in Game 8 scheduled for Friday at 11:15 AM as they continue their championship pursuit at Skyview High School in Nampa.

#3 Weiser defeats #6 Timberlake 7-2 in the 4A State Tournament opener at Skyview High School, advancing to the next round after a decisive late-game rally.

What began as a tight contest transformed completely in the bottom of the 6th inning when Weiser’s offense erupted for 6 runs on 5 hits. Bennett Torres delivered the pivotal blow with a 3-run home run to center field that turned a 2-1 deficit into a commanding lead. Torres finished 1-for-3 with a team-leading 3 RBIs while also handling 13 defensive plays without an error.

Madi Janicek controlled the game from the circle for Weiser:

• 11 strikeouts
• Just 3 hits allowed over 7 complete innings
• Only 1 walk
• Complete game victory

Timberlake had taken a 1-0 lead on Marissa Needs’ tag up in the first inning, and later went ahead 2-1 when Prestyn Gardner connected for a solo homer in the 5th. Shae Jones pitched effectively for Timberlake until the 6th, recording 8 strikeouts.

Offensive contributions came from throughout Weiser’s lineup:

• Natalya Hoobery: Perfect 3-for-3 at the plate
• 7 total team hits against strong pitching
• Multiple hits in the decisive 6th-inning rally

Weiser’s defense played error-free softball, making every play behind Janicek’s strong pitching.

With this victory, Weiser advances to Game 7 tomorrow at 11:15 AM against the winner of #2 Cole Valley vs. #7 Preston, continuing their pursuit of the state championship. The tournament continues through May 17 at Skyview High School in Nampa.

SATURDAY UPSETS:

#5 Payette STUNNED #4 Homedale 11-2

#6 McCall SHOCKED #3 Fruitland 5-16

TONIGHT’S SEMIFINALS:

#2 Weiser vs #6 McCall – 5:00PM

#1 Cole Valley vs #5 Payette – 5:00PM (@ Heritage Middle School

ELIMINATION GAMES TOMORROW:

• Loser of Weiser/McCall vs Homedale – 5:00PM

• Loser of CV/Payette vs Fruitland – 5:00PM

The underdogs showed up BIG on Saturday! Can Payette and McCall continue their Cinderella runs? Come show your support as teams battle for a spot in the championship!

The 4A Snake River Valley Softball Districts are HERE!

Today’s Games (May 3rd):

#4 Homedale vs #5 Payette – 12:00 PM

#3 Fruitland vs #6 McCall – 12:00 PM

The journey to STATE begins NOW! Double elimination format means every team still has a shot!

Winners advance to face #1 Cole Valley and #2 Weiser on Monday. Championship game set for Wednesday, May 7th at 5:00 PM.

Remember: BOTH finalists punch their tickets to STATE!

Let’s go teams! Who are you rooting for? Drop your team in the comments!