Central Kitsap drops Wolves behind bats, arms

ft off for spring break.

The Cougars (8-1, 6-0 in Narrows League Bay Division play), brought out the bats early, pounding the South Kitsap Wolves (4-2, 3-2 Bridge Division) 10-4 in a Narrows League contest Wednesday.

“We did alright for being off for eight or nine days,” CK coach Bruce Welling said.

CK scored a pair in the first inning and four more in the third before SK ever got on the board.

“I was happy,” Welling said. “Their pitching wasn’t overpowering, but it was strategically placed. Our kids adapted to that really well.”

The win puts the Cougars alone atop the division and leaves just CK and Wilson as the league’s undefeated teams. That made Friday’s game against the Rams even more important.

“Wilson is undefeated as we are,” Welling said. “That’s a very big game for us. That’s a big game for both of us. The winner of that game will be in pretty good shape.”

The results of that contest, as well as Thursday’s rematch with South Kitsap, were unavailable at press time.

Both teams were without key players in the game, as SK missed regular center fielder Natalie Peapea, who was attending a sports medicine competition.

“South is still a good ballclub,” Welling said. “And they were missing some starters today. I thought we did well, so I’m pleased.”

For CK, the news was much worse as slugging first baseman Lauren Johnson is done for the season following surgery to fix a torn rotator cuff. While the Cougars’ depth is one of the team’s top strengths, Welling said there’s no way to replace the Narrows League’s leading home run hitter the past two seasons.

“We have the bats but you can’t replace Lauren’s power,” Welling said. “Lauren has that ability at any time.”

One CK player who had been out, Julie Fergus, returned to action with a protective brace over a cast on her left arm.

“She got the OK to play right away,” Welling said. “She can contribute. That’s what we like.”

CK’s sophomores got in on the action Wednesday as well.

Katie Hanten made a mark with her bat, crushing a three-run homer in the third. Fellow Cougar sophomore Erin Curtis made some great defensive plays in right field to rob the Wolves of some scoring chances as well.

“Erin is an excellent ballplayer,” Welling said. “You’re gonna hear more and more about her as the year goes on.”

Pitcher Carolyn Cross, affectionately referred to as ‘KK’ by her teammates, pitched well throughout the game, giving way to ace Erika Quint in the seventh. Quint struck out the side, also going 2-4 with a double and 3 RBI in the game.

“We wanted to get ‘KK’ in there,” Welling said. “And she could have finished up, but it wouldn’t have served any purpose.”

Brittney Romano went 3-4 out of the lead-off spot for the Cougars and Cross helped her own cause by going 2-2 with a pair of doubles and 2 RBI. Karli Baumgartner also was huge with her bat, going 2-4 with a double and 3 RBI.

CK had two errors defensively, but Welling said he’s not worried about his club in the slightest.

“They know it’s alright to make mistakes,” he said. “These kids have a lot of freedom on what they can and can’t do. They’ll come back. They fall down but they get right back up.”

CK will play at Foss Monday in a 3:30 p.m. road game.

Olympic

The Trojans had a tough two-game series with North Mason (8-2) this week, falling 10-3 Tuesday before rebounding with a narrow 6-4 loss Wednesday.

Rachel Haas started both games for the Trojans (5-6), going 2-4 Wednesday. Athena Rosario had a good two-game series for the Trojans, going 2-3 with a homer Tuesday and 2-4 on Wednesday. Kelsey Anchors also homered Tuesday for Olympic. Sarah Varady was 3-4 with 2 RBI Wednesday.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.