Ending on a high note

RICHLAND — Playing at the D-BAT Summer Series in Richland, the Moses Lake Rattlers went 4-1 on the weekend with a win in the team’s final game of the season.

“We were excited for our last tournament,” head coach Lisa Lawrence said. “A chance to wrap things up on a high point, which we did.”

Moses Lake opened the tournament with three-straight wins in pool play, defeating Washington Fastpitch Academy 9-1, Lake City Thunder 13-6 and Northwest Elite 5-2 on Saturday. Catcher Randi Allred led the Rattlers with six RBI across the first three games, with four of them coming off of three hits against Lake City.

“Offensively, we were hitting really well,” Lawrence said. “Defense, we were playing strong. It was great to have a day like that where everything was clicking.”

Many of the teams Moses Lake faced this weekend were also games at prior tournaments.

“Several of the teams we played this weekend we have played before, so it gives us some good information as far as how we succeeded or things that were challenging the last time we played them so that we can prepare,” Lawrence said.

In the first round of bracket play the Rattlers matched up against the Washington Angels, falling 5-4. Moses Lake avoided the tournament’s time rule and extended the game into the top of the seventh inning, where they managed to score two runs off an error and another when left fielder Hayden Morris drove in a run on an RBI single. However, it wasn’t enough to knock off the eventual tournament champions.

“I think the girls were excited to have one last chance, and we battled to the end,” Lawrence said. “Just about made it, but not quite. Making it through that time limit and giving us one more chance kind of fired us up.”

In Saturday afternoon’s consolation game, Moses Lake went on to win 7-1 over the Northwest Ambush where Allred, Morris, Torres and pitcher Elizabeth Heinz all drove in runs in the win. Shortstop Persayis Garza scored off of two wild pitches.

“That was exciting because it was a great way to end the season – and for some of our seniors, ending their careers with a win,” Lawrence said. “That was a real high note for us.”

Moses Lake finished the summer 2023 season with an 11-8 record.

“It’s been a real exciting year,” Lawrence said. “A lot of the girls on the team have been playing together for a lot of years. The coaches, we’ve been coaching together for a whole lot of years – we’re also retiring from the program. It was a real exciting year just to have that bond and carry it forward to the end.”

Lawrence said that the 18U Rattlers will continue next year, coached by Big Bend Head Coach Kylee Brulotte. About half of this year’s roster is eligible to return.

“We’re excited to see that it didn’t come to an end and that there’s a future for the girls that want to keep playing,” Lawrence said.

Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.