Cougs topple young Eagles

Youth versus experience.

After Central Kitsap cruised to an 11-1 win over Klahowya at Linder Field Friday, Cougar coach Bruce Welling said the win, while certainly solid for his team, was certainly not an indication of the team Klahowya is and has the potential to be.

“I thought (Klahowya pitcher Kazandra Holliday) did extremely well and I thought our kids hit really well,” Welling said. “But I thought they were a very good ballclub.”

While the Cougars, with a history including the 1993 state title and five top-four finishes in eight trips to state, handled the Eagles a decisive loss, Klahowya, with three trips to state in a short school history, flashed some of the potential that coach Jodie Woolf hopes can return the team to the postseason.

“We’re showing rapid growth and we’re stepping up,” Woolf said. “They’re focused at practice and showing me they want to be there.”

The Cougars (1-1), while young, have a strong core of returners that helped give them the upper hand on Friday. CK pitcher Erika Quint had a great game, striking out 11 in five innings while getting strong offensive support from first baseman Lauren Johnson (3-4 with 3 RBI), Amy Renfrow (2-3 with a double and 2 RBI) and Brittany Romano (2-4 with a triple and 2 RBI).

“Our young kids are doing well right now,” Welling said. “Our older kids are doing well. I don’t have too many worries.”

It was also a nice game for CK in that the team was finally a complete package on the field.

“We did well,” Welling said. “We had our full components today for the first time all season.”

Brittnay Devitt continued her strong start to the 2006 campaign with an RBI triple for the Eagles (0-3). Devitt will continued to be a key part of Klahowya’s success this season, Woolf said.

“She is so athletic,” she said. “She was in a collision at second base (Friday). Both of them get dinged up, but she’s like, ‘No, I’m fine.’ She’s a tough, tough kid.”

The biggest benefit for Klahowya in the loss was simply getting more field time. Due to timing and weather, the Eagles haven’t gotten a lot of field time in.

“It’s nice to get some games done,” Woolf said. “I really wish we could get on the field and practice. We’ve still only been on the field one day (prior to the game).”

Klahowya hosted Chimacum and CK welcomed Wilson in non-league battles Monday, but results were unavailable at press time. The Cougars will be on the road today with a 3:30 p.m. contest at Stadium. The Eagles also play at 3:30 against Life Christian on the road.

Short hops

Cougar Kendl Sours, another who figures to be a key for CK this season, celebrated her birthday with the victory, while pitcher Erika Quint received an original prom proposal via a banner in right field.

Boys soccer

The Central Kitsap soccer squad edged the Eagles on Saturday at Silverdale Stadium, walking away with a 2-1 win.

The Cougars got on the board early when Tom Kessler scored unassisted in the game’s second minute.

CK’s Tyler Wain started the second half similarly, putting one in the net in the 43rd minute. Ryan Simcic scored the Eagles lone goal but Klahowya couldn’t quite come back.

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