Knights softball sees big turnout after 2023 state performance

ROYAL CITY — The Royal High School softball team is fielding its biggest roster in a long time this year.

“It’s exciting for Royal softball,” said Head Coach Lisa Lawrence. “We had around 36 girls turn out this year, which to my recollection is the largest turnout we’ve ever had, at least in the last decade or so.”

The Knights, last year’s second-place finishers at the 1A State Softball Tournament, lost three seniors, so the team is trending a little younger, Lawrence said.

The team will focus on pitching a lot this year, she said. One particular standout on the mound is only a sophomore.

“Jill Allred, who was a freshman last year, she teamed up with one of our seniors who was a pitcher,” Lawrence said. “And really the two were a combination that's probably unseen in Washington very often at the 1A level.”

“We’ve got three seniors that have been with the program all four years. They all have experience playing summer ball.”

One of those seniors is Jill Allred’s sister, catcher Randi Allred. 

“She’s going to be a real solid force behind the plate,” Lawrence said. “And their cousin Raegan (Wardenaar) is our shortstop. She’s been starting shortstop all four years, so she’s really solid there.”

The third senior is outfielder Jaya Griffin, Lawrence said.

“All three have a ton of experience,” she said. “It’s going to be really great to have them as the backbone.

Lawrence attributed the swell in the team’s ranks to last year’s excellent showing.

“I think with a second-place finish at state last year, it's got this community excited to play softball and support the program.”

Joel Martin may be reached via email at jmartin@columbiabasinherald.com.

Royal Softball Schedule

March 19 - vs Selah - 4 p.m.

March 23 - vs Deer Park, Riverside (doubleheader) - 11 a.m.

March 26 - at Connell (doubleheader) - 3 p.m.

March 29 - vs Eastmont (doubleheader) - 3 p.m.

April 9 - at Zillah (doubleheader) - 3 p.m.

April 12 - vs Montesano - 7 p.m.

April 13 - vs Colville - 9 a.m.

April 19 - vs Naches Valley - 4 p.m.

April 27 - at Wahluke (doubleheader) - 11 a.m.

April 30 - at Warden (doubleheader) - 3 p.m.

May 7 - vs College Place (doubleheader) - 3 p.m.

May 11 - vs Kiona-Benton (doubleheader) - 11 a.m.

    Royal shortstop Raegan Wardenaar makes contact with a pitch against Moses Lake in 2023. Wardenaar is one of three returning seniors on the Knights softball squad.
  

    Royal senior Jaya Griffin, left, prepares to bunt in the 2023 1A state championship game against Montesano.
  

    Royal senior Randi Allred, left, catches a pitch at last season’s state tournament in Richland.
  

    Royal junior Audrey Bergeson keeps her eye on the ball as the runs to third base.