Photo Courtesy Larry Bale - Olivia Matlock of the Pe Ell-Willapa Valley Titans, returns as one of the top hitters and pitchers in the Class 2B ranks. Matlock was the MVP of the Pacific 2B League last season. She is a senior at WVHS.
MENLO - Perennial fastpitch power Pe Ell-Willapa Valley travels to Chief Leschi Tuesday for a Pacific League double header. The Titans opened the season at home in Pe Ell against Forks in a twinbill yesterday. The Titan junior varsity hosts Onalaska for two games Saturday starting at noon. The Pe Ell-Willapa Valley combine team competed at the Montesano Jamboree, an exhibition, last Friday.
The Pacific League champion Titans were 15-1 last season, including their only defeat to Forks in the District IV semifinal.
"We have high expectations of our team this year and we should compete for the league, district and state titles," Veteran P-WV head Fastpitch Softball Head Coach Ken Olson told the Herald.
"Pitching and offense should be our strength," Olson said. "We are an experienced team...Not sure there are any weaknesses."
Coach Olson said, "All of the returners are my key players." Returning letter winners include Olivia Matlock (pitcher), Payton Peterson (catcher), Dani Shannon (IF), Merissa Frasier (IF), Raegan Portmann (IF), Ava Bush (IF) and Grace Huber (OF).
League MVP Olivia Matlock was virtually unhittable in the circle with a record of 13-1, an earned run average of 1.08, 109 strikeouts in 65 innings, 7 shutouts and 2 no-hitters. Matlock also led the Titans in batting average (.633), RBI (33) and home runs (8).
"Lauren Matlock (OF) and Jillian Hodel (OF) are eighth graders with a lot of potential," Olson said.
"I don't use captains, just senior leadership," Olson, who is in his eighth year at the helm of the Titans, added.
Lost to graduation is Annika Mason, who plays for Centralia College.
Also competing in the Pacific 2B League are Ocosta, Forks, Raymond, Ilwaco, South Bend, North Beach, Northwest Christian and Chief Leschi.
Eric Hopfer and Morgan Coady are Olson's assistant coaches.
Asked what his key games are? Olson responded, "Ocosta, Forks, Raymond and Adna should be challenging."
Below are the Titan varsity and junior varsity rosters, compliments of Olson.
Titan Varsity: Merissa Frasier (SR), Dani Shannon (SR), Ava Bush (SR), olivia matlock (SR), Raegan Portmann (SR), Alli Engel (SR), Lydia Smaciarz (SR), Ella Petit (JR), Payton Peterson (JR), Grace huber (JR), Lauren Emery (SO), Jillian Hodel (8TH), Lauren Matlock (8TH), Kylee Lyons (SO), Sophia Milanoski (8TH), Rilyn Channell (8TH).
Titan Junior Varsity: Kessa Smith (SO), Brookelynn Kinger (FR), Addison Merkel (FR), Lorelei Smaciarz (FR), Cassandra Sipp (8TH), Neveah Ekman (8TH), Kylee Fluke (8TH), Kristy Jerles (8TH), Paislee Salme (8TH), Eliza Barnum (8TH), Bella Ruddell (8TH).
Below is the P-WV schedule.
- 3/11 at Montesano Jamboree (noon)
- 3/15 vs Forks* (DH)
- 3/19 vs Onalaska JV (DH) (noon)
- 3/22 at Chief Leschi* (DH) 3 pm
- 3/23 at Onalaska JV (DH)
- 3/26 vs Yelm (1:15 pm) at Auburn
- 3/26 at Bellevue (5:30 pm) at Auburn
- 3/29 at Raymond* (DH)
- 4/12 vs Ilwaco* (DH)
- 4/19 at South Bend* (DH)
- 4/26 at Ocosta* (DH)
- 4/30 at Adna
- 5/3 vs North Beach* (DH)
- 5/5 at Castle Rock
- 5/9 at Montesano
- 5/11 vs Eatonville
- 5/14 vs Adna
Notes:Home games are in bold and played at Pe Ell HS. * - denotes Pacific 2B League games; DH - denotes double header, which start at 3 pm; Single games start at 4 pm unless otherwise noted.