Jada Heaton (left) and Mia Farris are ready to rumble. (Jennifer Heaton photo)
“It was pure joy to see all these girls back on the field!!”
The Central Whidbey Little League Juniors softball squad opened a new season Monday — a major milestone during the Age of Coronavirus — and just getting back in action was enough to leave coach Fred Farris with a huge smile (under his mask).
While the Hammerheads fell short on the scoreboard, with arch-rival North Whidbey rallying for a 16-6 win, the CWLL coach was pleased with a lot of what he saw.
“Girls played great defense and were in good shape,” Farris said.
The diamond guru also had to tip his hat to the rival pitcher, Addison Morales, who he and CWLL assistant coach Kim Brotemarkle helped train.
“We coached her in fall ball three or four years ago and she was just learning to pitch then,” Farris said. “She has really turned into a great pitcher and pitched a great game.”
Facing off with Morales was Chloe Marzocca, who tossed a complete game for Central Whidbey and was often very effective, scattering six hits.
At the plate, Teagan Calkins and Madison McMillan had booming bats for the Hammerheads, collecting two hits apiece.
Calkins delivered a triple and two RBI, McMillan scored twice and stole five bases, while four other Central players came around to tap home plate.
Jada Heaton, Mayleen Weatherford, Katie Marti, and Mia Farris all scored, with Heaton (4), Farris (3), and Marti (2) combining for nine steals.
Taylor Brotemarkle, Anna Steckman, and Candace Meek round out the 11-player Hammerhead roster.
The two teams will meet again, with Central Whidbey set to face North Whidbey six times during a 16-game schedule.
It’s a rivalry Fred Farris embraces.
“I wanted to mention what great sportsmanship the North Whidbey players and coaches showed,” he said. “Although rivals on the field, they truly are great friends off of it.”
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