<\/a>Kentwood utility player CJ Larson takes a ball in her at bat in the All-Star game. Ben Ray \/ The Reporter<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
“These girls want to come out and have fun, but they’re also here to win a game. They came out here to show their talent and be the best they can,” Eacret said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“It’s always bigger than softball. These kids were taking this opportunity and enjoying the moment … It’s really incredible to have this much talent on both sides out playing,” Nesper said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
The quality of play from the girls was also extremely high, and the talent level was incredible in the game.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Auburn Riverside’s Kaylee Walker was awarded MVP on the 3A side, going 3-for-5 (2 doubles, 2 RBI). Tahoma’s Taryn Jones received the 4A MVP for the two games by going 3-for-3 (HR, 2B, 6 RBI).<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/a>Riverside infielder Jossy Taylor celebrates throwing a runner out at second base. Ben Ray \/ The Reporter<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
4A won game one 8-1 over 3A. Decatur had two pitchers combine for the seven-inning one-run ballgame. Karen Cervantes went four strong innings, allowing a run in the first and struck out two. 4A NPSL pitcher of the year Audrey Deviney came in to relieve Cervantes and allowed just one hit over three innings.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
To get the teams familiar with each other, 4A coach Eacret had her own unique way of breaking the ice. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“We came from a very awkward beginning to literally having an ugly dance competition before the game. Now they’re all hugging and best friends after the game,” she said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/a>Decatur Gator Lani Smith-O’Brien at the plate. Ben Ray \/ The Mirror<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
In game two, it looked to be a similar result as the first game with the 4A All-Star team taking a quick 5-0 lead. But back-to-back five-run innings in the fifth and sixth bolstered 3A to a huge 10-5 win.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Nine players registered RBIs in the win for the 3A squad. Aubrey Muxen from Auburn Riverside had the lone multi-RBI game, driving in two with a double. Riverside Raven Jossy Taylor had a great day in game two, recording two hits in her two at-bats.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
With the softball season now officially coming to a close, it’s a storybook ending for coach Eacret’s first season.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
<\/a>Riverside centerfielder Seneca Aarstad makes a throw to the infield. Ben Ray \/ The Reporter<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
“I don’t think the end of the year has processed yet,” she said. It was her first year at the helm of any team. She coached Kentwood to a state berth for the second year in a row and was two games away from the championship.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
“I remember sitting watching this game last year. I never would have ever thought I would be coaching this team. It wasn’t on my mind at all … I’m thankful, I’m not ready for it to be done. But the nice thing is my girls are ready for summer workouts, so we’re not really done,” Eacret said.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t