The Lake Washington High School softball team won the 2A/3A KingCo tournament title for the second consecutive year by defeating Juanita, 7-5, on May 16. However, that was just the first step. The Kangs continue on this week in search of a second straight state title – but this time at the 3A level.

“We won the 2A state title last year, then this year LW moved up to 3A,” said Lake Washington High School softball head coach Traci Tawney. “Our regular season league competition remained the same core group as last, so there was solid competition to help test our skills and show us where we needed to improve. I think that will be very helpful as we move into some uncharted 3A post season waters.”

The Rebels, Kangs and Bellevue advance from KingCo to the district tournament, played this week at the Southwest Athletic Complex in West Seattle (results were after press deadline). The Kangs dominated the regular season, though, finishing 19-0 in league play and 20-1 overall. Lake Washington’s only loss came to 4A power Inglemoor to start the preseason.

Crosstown-rival Juanita posed a big threat to the Kangs’ run this season. Lisa Nelson continues to be one of the best pitchers in the league. She took the loss for the Rebels during the title game despite giving up just two earned runs and striking out nine batters.

“[Juanita head coach] Traci Odegard has been working hard with her team and we knew they would be ready,” Tawney said. “It was great to have both Kirkland teams battling it out; the [championship] game had plenty of tense moments. Turns out that day, we ended up ahead at the end.”

Tawney said that the friendly rivalry between the two schools will help each team get better.

“They exposed some areas of weakness and gave us goals for practice,” Tawney said.

During the championship game it was Maddie Brown who pitched for the Kangs, throwing a complete game, giving up just four earned runs while striking out eight batters. The reemergence of Brown on the mound, who struggled with injuries last postseason, gives Lake Washington a rare one-two punch from the pitching circle with Tori Bivens continuing to dominate every team she faces.

The team’s catcher Hannah Walker has also emerged as a force at the plate.

“Both had outstanding numbers last year and have become even stronger this year,” Tawney said. “It’s pretty amazing watching them miss-hit a ball and still get singles and doubles. Then when they are on…watch out. I wouldn’t want to play infield against them.”

However, the entire offense has been more potent this season with six different players hitting a home run.

“We have such a diverse group of hitters one through nine,” Tawney said. “We work really hard to get girls on base, because there are several in the lineup that can produce big hits and bring in runs.”

Bivens had two RBI during the title game and went 2-for-3 with a double at the plate. Kangs Julie Turner, Walker and Brown also had big hits during the game.

Lexi Blackburn hit a home run for the Rebels, however it was not enough to knock off the champs.

Tawney was also named Coach of the Year for the 2A/3A KingCo league. However, she sees the award as being for the entire coaching staff, including Jessica Cuillier and Bethany Newcomb.

“It means that the hard work, hours, laughs and communication that the three of us put in is recognized and appreciated,” Tawney said. “The three coaches are not ones to yell, instead we always try to be encouraging and teach. Our goal for three seasons now has been to have passersby look at our team and be able to tell that players and coaches love the game and love being on that field. Coach of the Year means that we’ve been able to do that.”

The 3A tournaments will give the Kangs a tougher challenge this season with Metro powers Ballard, West Seattle and Bainbridge Island. Enumclaw and Everett will also pose a big challenge if the Kangs qualify for the state championship tournament again.

“Not sure who we will end up seeing, but we know that postseason is everyone’s time to shine,” Tawney said. “There are bound to be many great games.”

Juanita won its first district game on Monday by defeating Chief Sealth, 11-0, at the Southwest Athletic Complex in West Seattle, but lost to Bainbridge, 4-3, during the second round on Tuesday.

Lake Washington destroyed Bishop Blanchet, 14-2, during the second tournament, after earning a first-round bye.