South Whidbey falls

to Archbishop Murphy

In another rain-delayed make-up game, Archbishop Murphy overcame the South Whidbey fastpitch softball team 5-1 on Tuesday.

With bases loaded in the first inning, the Falcons scored on a bunt by Allison Wood.

Murphy was unable to respond until the third inning, then managed to take advantage of several Falcon errors.

“It’s those little mental things that need to be overcome,” Falcon coach Chuck Burton said. “And we faced the second best pitcher in the league.”

Wildcat thrower Brittany Allen had

14 strike-outs and pitched a one-hitter.

On the bright side, Falcon Natasha Roberts stole her 12th base for the season.

“I think I’m just determined to get to the next base,” she said. “I watch the pitcher’s release point and then run as fast as I can.”

For Wood, the day was a disappointment; she was hoping to keep Murphy at bay after the Falcons went ahead.

“There were two badly-chosen pitches and I just knew a bunt would do the trick,” she said.

Both girls said everyone is trying to get their rhythm back after spring break and several ill-timed injuries.

At 4 p.m. on Friday, May 2, the team welcomes Granite Falls to the softball field in Langley.

Falcons face tough Sehome tennis squad

The Falcon tennis team overcame Northwest Conference powerhouse Burlington April 23, winning 6-1.

For the singles, South Whidbey’s Lindsey Newman won 6-1, 6-0, Natalie Wheeler won 6-3, 7-5, Jen Gemkow won 6-3, 6-3 and Liz Lutch lost 2-6, 2-6.

In doubles action, Victoria Comfort and Shannon Craig won 6-1, 6-1 Julia Iversen and Nicole Zalewski won 6-2, 6-0 while Maya Hough and Noelle Metz won 6-7, 6-2 and 1-0 with a third set tiebreaker.

“Clearly, we had better concentration in Burlington throughout the match,” Falcon coach Tom Kramer said. “In singles, Natalie Wheeler played a complete match, with better shot selection and patience. Jen Gemkow played a good match in playing singles for the first time this season. Julia Iversen and Nicole Zalewski played well in their first match playing together. Victoria and Shannon were more consistent and creative in their match. Lindsey was dominant as usual.

“Overall, a better performance by the entire team,” he said.

At 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 the team welcomes Bellingham to the high school courts.

Falcons lose pitching battle with Murphy

In a make-up game with Archbishop Murphy on Tuesday, it was another great pitching duel with the young Falcons coming up short. South Whidbey lost in a close one, 2-1.

“Hunter Rawls was overpowering through the first six innings as he struck out seven hitters with tremendous stuff and allowed only two hits on the day from one of the top teams in the league,” Falcon coach Dave Guetlin said.

It was Rawls’ first start on the varsity squad.

In the fifth, he got into a jam with a couple walks and permitting the go-ahead run. Rawls was replaced by Luke Hodson who quickly came in and got the last out of the inning and ended the Wildcat uprising.

Hodson finished up the sixth inning without allowing a hit or run.

Offensively, the Falcons picked up their lone run in the second inning. Aaron Mannie led off by being hit by a pitch. Mannie was then followed by Eric Sparks driving a shot over the center fielder’s head for a double and an RBI. The Falcons out-hit the Wildcats seven to two but couldn’t muster the key hit at the right time.

“Two very controversial calls also took the Falcons out of two innings where runners were in scoring position,” Guetlin said.

Sparks and Lucas Yale led Falcon hitters with two hits apiece.

Murphy is third in the conference at 11-5 while the Falcons drop to 4-14.

Friday was the last home game of the season; before the game, the team’s seniors were honored — Mannie, CJ Baker and Robert Boenish in their final home game as Falcons.

Falcon girls beat

the Kings’ Knights

The South Whidbey girl golfers beat Kings at Useless Bay on April 25 by a score of 79-72 under Stableford rules.

Falcon coach Tom Sage noted strong performances were given by Emily Lindus with 19 points, Sydney Miller with 18 and Olivia Hamilton with 17. Also contributing were Brandi Winn with 12 points, Morgan Thomson with 13 points and Danyelle Leggette with 12.

The Falcons are now 5-3 in league matches, with Sultan and Archbishop Murphy coming to the island April 28 and May 1.

Gun club hosts spring

sports show on Sunday

The Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club will hold it’s annual Spring Sportsman’s Show this weekend.

Items for sale will include firearms, ammunition, reloading gear, fishing equipment and all manner of shooting, hunting, fishing and camping related items.

The show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 27 at the clubhouse,

3334 Brooks Hill Road, Langley.

Admission is $1, but free for members. Tables are still available for items to sell; call Mike McInerney at 221-7574 for details.