The Olympian

Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: News

By Kevin Doucette
Contributing Writer

The Olympic College softball team has gone 8-2 in the past 10 games, including two huge wins against the previously undefeated Bellevue team, and the team now has high hopes for the upcoming playoffs.
The Rangers, who are currently 21-8 in league and hold the second place spot in the North Region, are more or less a lock-in to get into to playoffs. If the Rangers continue to play like they have been, they will have good momentum heading into the playoffs.
"We need to be focused," said head coach Jessica Cabato, "and ready to play every game, because everyone is out to get us after beating Bellevue."
With all different coaches and nearly a completely new roster, the Rangers are a completely different team than a season ago.
"This year we have team chemistry, it seemed like we all hated each other last year," said the only returning player from last season and team captain Niki Winburn.
When asked about what the team must do to continue the recent success, Winburn said what everyone has been saying - hit.
"Our defense is solid, but with hitting we are either on or off, we fall into slumps together, and when one hits everyone hits," said Winburn
During the Rangers' recent hot streak there have had several big contributors. Natalie Paepae has been hitting well, Amy Renfrow and Madison Massey have come up with some big hits and the middle infielders Carolyn Edenbo and Karli Baumgartner have played outstanding defense.
But maybe the biggest contributor is pitcher Erika Quint. Quint has recorded 10 wins, 111 strikeouts, and a 1.51 earned run average, which is sixth best among pitchers in the 27-team Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC).
"I've been working really hard," said Quint. "I've been playing softball a long time and have never worked this hard before."
Of Quint's 10 wins this season, none have been bigger than the two wins against Bellevue, where in the total 14 innings she pitched, she gave up just seven hits and one run.
"They beat us last time and were really cocky. I was thinking, 'just win,'" said Quint. "I really, really wanted those games."
It wasn't just Quint that wanted to beat Bellevue.
"We were extremely focused and confident." said Cabato. "Erika (Quint) pitched better than ever, it was really impressive since the one-through-nine hitters can all hit."
There are just a few games left until the playoffs, which is May 16 through May 18 in Portland.
"We are in second place right now, and we should have no problem (getting into the playoffs)," said Cabato.

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