Eagles draw defending champs in first round of state

Issaquah kept its record flawless and clinched a state tournament bid, beating Newport, 4-2, in the Sea-King District fastpitch softball championship last Friday.

The Eagles earned their fourth win of the season against the Knights by rallying for two runs in the third and another two in the sixth. Newport took a quick 2-0 lead in the first, but RBI hits from Tanika Ladd, Molly Nelson and Kim Sekijima lifted Issaquah to victory. Pitcher Brianna Bray earned the win for the Eagles.

Issaquah reached the championship game, knocking off Mount Si 10-0 on May 15 and beating Bainbridge 1-0 in Friday’s semifinal.

Earning the No. 1 seed, provided Issaquah (21-0) with a tough first-round matchup against defending 3A champion Kennedy (22-3). The Lancers were reportedly without their star pitcher, Karli Merlich, in their district tournament. She hurt her arm and it was uncertain as of press time if she’ll be ready for the state tournament.

Issaquah and Kennedy begin play at 9 a.m., today at SERA Fields in Tacoma.