In an outstanding season of grit and glory, the Olympia High School Bears Girls Softball team has punched their ticket to the state tournament. With a commanding 15-3 record, the Bears clinched the league title and secured the top seed in the district tournament. Their journey has been a testament to their hard work, determination, and countless unforgettable moments on the field. 

Dominating the League and Districts 

The Bears roared through the league, capturing the title with sheer dominance and earning the first seed in the district tournament. This season has been a showcase of their exceptional skills, teamwork, and unyielding spirit. 

“Sami’s a really good teammate, and it’s just been exciting playing with her and experiencing this together,” stated Sydney Potvin, freshman catcher and sister of senior pitcher Sami Potvin. 

Despite a stellar start in the district tournament, the Bears finished in third place, positioning them as the 7th seed heading into the state showdown. Their resilience and determination remain unshaken as they prepare for the battles ahead. 

State Tournament bound

As the 7th seed at State, the Olympia Bears are set to clash with Glacier Peak on Friday. This upcoming face-off promises to be an electrifying contest, with both teams eager to put their best foot forward. 

“Our team has bonded really well. We’ve got good energy on and off the field. I feel like we keep up that support, which just creates a good environment and pushes us to be better,” Sydney Potvin added. 

Juniors Avery Mauldin and Brooklyn Crass have been instrumental in the team’s success, consistently showcasing their talents game after game. Mauldin, leading off the lineup, and Crass, hitting second, have provided the team with a strong offensive start, setting the tone for many of their victories. 

Eyes on the prize

The road to state has been paved with highs and lows, but the Bears’ spirit has never faltered. Their journey is a testament to their relentless hard work, resilience, and the tight-knit bond they share as a team. 

Junior pitcher and outfielder Ava Bautista shared her excitement: “It feels really great! I didn’t have super high expectations for the team. We are a younger team, so seeing us improve a lot throughout the season was amazing.” 

Bautista highlighted the team’s dynamic and a pivotal moment in their season: “I feel like a turning point was a game against Sumner. It went into extra innings and everyone contributed in that game, especially the freshmen, which was cool to see. It set a tone for the team and kind of made me think we could go up against any team.” 

“We are all super excited for State. It’s been a really great season for all of us so far. Towards the end, we locked in and the team as a whole is working well together. Even the bottom half of the lineup is now clicking and getting good at-bats,” Bautista added. 

Community backing and future aspirations

The community rallies behind these talented athletes, cheering them on as they aim for state glory. The Bears’ achievements this season have already been outstanding and hopefully, the momentum carries into State.

“I appreciate everybody on the team for working so hard. Seniors Sami and Alex have really been at the core in support of everyone,” exclaimed Sydney Potvin.

From freshmen to seniors, everyone on the team is contributing, with hits coming from every class, showcasing the depth of talent across the roster. As they charge into the state tournament, the Olympia High School Bears embody the true spirit of sportsmanship and tenacity. Win or lose, they bring a different type of confidence and will leave it all on the field.