Lake Washington racks up tons of runs in win over Bellevue

Kangs end season at districts

By Andy Nystrom • May 12, 2018 12:30 pm

Lake Washington unleashed massive numbers — 19 runs and 14 hits — in the Kangs’ victory over Bellevue in the 3A KingCo tournament.

Amy Chen and Anastasia Kotsakis led the RBI parade with six and five, respectively, as LW won, 19-9, in five innings on May 11 at Inglemoor High. Both teams advanced to the 3A SeaKing District playoffs. The Kangs lost to Bishop Blanchet, 8-1, to end their season on Monday.

“I just relax when I get up there. I know that I have a few pitches coming at me and I’m gonna work with what I’ve got,” Kotsakis said after the Bellevue game. “I’ll set up and I’ll just kind of say a little, ‘swing easy and go for it.’ And I know that if maybe I don’t follow through or pull through, then I know my teammates will be there to back me up.”

There were plenty of blazing bats for LW on the night.

Chen had three hits, including two doubles; Kotsakis had two doubles; Hailey Menssen had three hits and two RBIs; Lindsay Allan had two hits, including a triple; Haley Brown had two hits; and Anna Fridell had one hit and two RBIs.

LW lefty Jane Wilson returned to the pitcher’s circle — after battling back issues recently — and earned the win with two innings pitched.

Menssen and Kotsakis reflected on what it means to be part of the Kang softball family.

“It’s been really amazing, I think all the girls are working really well together,” Menssen said. “We’ve all had each other’s backs: whether we’re high, whether we’re low, it doesn’t really matter, we’ve all been there.”

Added Kotsakis: “It’s been a really great experience and I’m so proud to have been able to play on this team for the past four years.”

Menssen said that communication and teamwork are crucial for the Kangs.

“I think that’s the biggest thing that our team is pretty proud of. We work hard cheering each other on,” Menssen said.