A year after going on a memorable run to the state title, the Juanita High softball team will return from the Class 3A state tournament empty-handed.

The Rebels lost to Kelso and Auburn Mountainside on Friday, May 27 at Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey, going 0-2 and ending the season somewhat prematurely.

Lisa Nelson pitched all 14 innings for the Rebels (20-7), throwing 233 pitches and allowing seven hits between both games.

In the opener, which Juanita lost 1-0 to Kelso, Nelson struck out nine batters without an earned run, but Kelso scored on an error in the top of the third inning. Juanita put runners on first and second with no outs in the bottom half of the frame, but could not score.

Nelson threw 140 pitches in a 2-0 loss to Auburn Mountainside in the loser’s bracket, allowing four hits and striking out 11 batters. The Rebels managed five hits in the second game on Friday, including what looked like a rally in the bottom of the sixth.

Juanita put runners on first and second with one out, but Briar Swayne and Nelson both popped up and were caught in right field.

Friday marked the final game in Juanita uniform for Nelson and Gianna Paribello, the Rebels’ only two seniors.