Softball: Friday rematch ends in Lynnwood victory over Shorewood as star pitcher returns to the mound

Lynnwood's Grace Hugdahl slides safely into home

Text and photos 

by Scott Williams

Lynnwood Today

The last time the Shorewood and Lynnwood softball teams met on March 21 at Shorewood High School, the two teams combined for 45 runs and ended in extra innings with Shorewood winning 23-22.

The rematch took place Friday afternoon at Lynnwood High, where Lynnwood erupted for eight runs in the second inning on their way to a 14-3 victory in six innings.

They key difference for the Royals was starting pitcher, Mayda Rieflin.

In the first meeting between the two schools, Rieflin was not available due to a sore arm. Friday, she pitched well, allowing just three runs on seven hits, and struck out eight batters.

“It was hard not being able to play (in the first game). Felt good to be back,” Rieflin said after the game. She went on to compliment her teammates. “They did really well. Jayden (Angell) with that stellar diving catch. That was amazing. And Hannah (Swartz) with that walk off home run. That was awesome!”

Starting pitcher, Mayda Rieflin
made the difference for the Royals

The plays she referred to were a diving catch by third baseman, Jayden Angell for the first out in the fifth inning. The other play occurred with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning, leading 12-3 and one runner on base.

Second baseman Hannah Swartz rocketed the second pitch of the at bat well over the right field fence for a walk-off home run, granting Lynnwood the victory by virtue of the 10-run mercy rule.

Other key contributors for the Royals were junior catcher Maddy Ryan, who had a single, triple and her first career home run, a three-run shot in the second inning. Senior first baseman Angie Martin added a single and a home run.

The win gives Lynnwood the current edge in the form of a two-game lead over Shorewood and Shorecrest for the fourth-place spot in the Wesco 3A South which would earn them a spot in a play-in game to qualify for the district tournament.

Lynnwood will return to action on Wednesday, May 2 when they travel to Meadowdale High School to take on the Mavericks. The game will start at 4 p.m.

Wesco 3A South Girls Fastpitch Softball

Shorewood 1 0 0 0 2 0 — 0 0 0
Lynnwood 0 8 2 0 2 2 — 14 10 0

Shorewood – 3-9 in Wesco 3A North 3-11 Overall. The Thunderbirds' next game is Monday, April 30, when they travel to Everett High School to take on the Seagulls beginning at 7 p.m.

Lynnwood – 5-8 in Wesco 3A South, 5-11 Overall. The Royals' next game will be Wednesday, May 2, when they go on the road to face the Meadowdale Mavericks beginning at 4 p.m at Meadowdale High School.