Federal Way high school had a longer wait than most other fastpitch teams to start their season, but it started off well for them with a 13-3 win over division rival Decatur.
The runs came early as the Eagles opened the game with five runs in the first two innings, jumping out to a 5-0 lead.
Decatur would answer with a three-run third inning, bringing the game to a score of 5-3. The runs were brought in on a bases clearing triple by sophomore Sophia Musiak.
They would be the only runs Decatur would score.
The Gators struggled with errors throughout the game committing five total.
The errors in the fifth inning caused the most damage.
Decatur quickly managed to get the first two Federal Way batters out, but a couple errors extended the inning on what would have been the third out.
The Eagles managed a two-out rally and scored four runs in the inning, pushing the lead to 12-3.
“Errors killed us this game,” said Decatur head coach Sara Steinmetz. “We had one big inning with multiple errors and with the girls understanding that those can’t happen, our season should get better.”
Eventually the Gators would succumb to the mercy rule in the sixth inning after allowing one run to cross the plate.
Eagles junior pitcher Jaclyn Gillis had an excellent game as she only allowed five hits and walked three batters. She struck out seven batters total.
Federal Way head coach Carl Peters believes that his team is capable of a post-season berth this year as he thinks that going to districts is a big possibility with the talent the Eagles have.
Steinmetz remains positive about the Gators chances of improving this year. The team is full of seniors and she expects them to provide leadership in their final season.
Federal Way’s record improved to 1-0 overall and in conference with the win.
The Eagles played Kent-Meridian on Thursday after the Mirror’s publishing deadline. Their next game is a home game against the Kentlake Falcons at 4 p.m. today.
Decatur fell to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in conference on the season with the loss.
The Gators’ next game is at home against Kent-Meridian today at 4 p.m.
