By NATHAN WHALEN

Special to the News-Times

South Whidbey eighth grader Lena Heggenes hit a two-run home run during Falcons’ varsity softball team’s 14-2 victory March 16 over Evergreen of Seattle.

“Her bat has been on fire this season. She’s been seeing the ball real well this season,” South Whidbey softball coach Keasha Campbell said.

Heggenes is one of six eighth graders playing varsity on the high school team.

Fellow eighth grader Sophia Jennings threw 14 strikeouts through 10 innings in three games to start the season.

Evergreen of Seattle is a 2A school that competes in the Kingco League.

After giving up a run in the top of the first inning, South Whidbey scored four runs. Kyla Rogers drove in two runs on a single, Gretta Jones added a run on a double and a dropped third strike scored the fourth run of the inning.

Heggenes’ two-run home run was part of a five-run second inning. Charley Lasick drove in a run on a single, Mimi Forde drove in a run on a single and Sophie Zeigler drew a walk that scored a run.

Jennings and Lasick got RBIs on singles during the third inning. Forde scored a run on a fielder’s choice and Sofia Delfaro walked, which drove in another run.

Jennings earned the win with seven strikeouts over five innings.

South Whidbey had 11 hits. Rogers, Jones, Jocelyn Nichols and Lasick each had two hits. Forde, Rogers, Jones, Lasick and Heggenes each drove in two runs.

“They’ve worked really well together,” Campbell said.

She highlighted the leadership of Nichols, who has been supportive of the eighth graders on the team.

“She really pushes the fact we are a family and really supportive of each other, and that has made a really strong bond with the girls,” Campbell said of Nichols, who is a junior.

Saturday’s win brings South Whidbey’s record to 2-1. Their season continues Saturday with a double header Saturday where South Whidbey hosts Bellingham. Games times are noon and 2 p.m.

“We’re excited about the path ahead of us,” Campbell said.