Capri Anter, ready to destroy the hopes and dreams of rival pitchers. (Allison Scarpo photos)
The final game doesn’t tell the entire story.
The Central Whidbey Little League Majors softball squad is a high-flying group of talented young women, with bright diamond futures ahead of them.
So, while Thursday’s season-ending 28-9 loss to a red-hot Sedro-Woolley squad hurts, it’s a bump in the road, and not the end of the journey.
The Wolves, who finish 13-6 this season after being knocked out of the District 11 tourney, will be back.
Central Whidbey won’t be going to the state championships this time — Sedro claims that ticket thanks to Thursday’s win at Rhododendron Park — but the prairie powerhouses have much to look forward to in years to come.
“The girls came a long way this year and will continue to develop,” said Wolf coach Aaron Lucero. “Excited to see them grow in the future.
“Always tough when a season ends – that part never changes, but we’ll get there.”
“And just where do you think you’re going?!?!”
Central Whidbey beat Sedro during the regular season, but the visitors were locked-in during what turned into an elimination game.
“Sedro has a good core, including solid pitching, fielding, and hitting,” Lucero said. “Hats off to them.”
Lucero and fellow Wolf coach Lark Gustafson also work with the Coupeville High School softball program, and the hope is for the CWLL players to keep moving upwards together, rung by rung.
The diamond guru praised his players, and their families, for their work and commitment.
“Families (were) all supportive,” Lucero said. “Really one of the best groups of parents I’ve ever had, and I think this is my 15th year coaching.”
One team, one dream.
Thursday’s game wasn’t a blowout until the end, as Central Whidbey hung tough through the first two innings.
The Wolves pushed across a pair of runs in the first, then plated seven runners in the second, trailing just 12-9 at that point.
The killer was the third frame, however, as Sedro erupted for 16 runs, eventually forcing the mercy rule to be enacted.
Haylee Armstrong and Capri Anter paced Central Whidbey, both scoring twice, while Sydney Van Dyke, Adeline Maynes, Alison Powers, Cameron Van Dyke, and Emma Cushman also tapped home plate.
Michelle Michaud, Chelsi Stevens, Rhylin Price, Ava Lucero, and Amelia Crowder complete the Wolf roster.
“On to next season!”
Coupeville Sports 
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