For the first time in more than three decades, Â鶹ĘÓƵ’s made a return trip to the Northwest Athletics Conference’s post-season tournament, showing the team’s continuing progress.  

Head Coach Jason Weatherley said his players’ effort and commitment to the program’s culture were key factors to finishing fourth in the NWAC East Region and earning a tournament berth. 

“This group’s drive made the season a success from start to finish,” Weatherley said. “The culture we’re building and the student-athletes we’re recruiting are setting a higher standard for success.”

YVC softball catcher winds up to throw to pitcher TOP: Yaks players gather at home plate to celebrate pitcher/in-fielder Glory Eastabrook scoring a run during an April 12 game versus Edmonds. ABOVE: Yaks catcher Abbygale Sheridan, named Second-Team All-East as a freshman. 

After stringing together seven consecutive victories in late April and early May, the Yaks struggled to generate offense heading into the tournament. Unfortunately, the team couldn’t warm up its bats in the tournament, falling to No. 6 Everett 1-5 and to No. 3 Southwest Oregon 0-7. The Yaks ended with a 19-19 overall record and 12-12 record in conference play.  

“The team faced ups and downs but always played for each other,” Weatherley said. “Their unity and commitment to our values, on and off the field, will stay with me.” 

Two players, sophomore pitcher/in-fielder Glory Estabrook and sophomore in-fielder Emma Stamp, earned First-Team All-East honors, while freshman catcher Abbygale Sheridan and sophomore pitcher Briley Ingram were named Second-Team All-East. 

Sheridan tied for 11th in the NWAC for stolen bases, notching 18. Estabrook tied for 13th among the league’s pitchers with 13 wins, along with pitching 13 complete games, just one fewer than the league leading mark, and accumulating 96 strikeouts. 

Yaks softball pitcher winds up on the mound.

Sophomore Briley Ingram winds up on the mound during an April game.

Stamp also is the first player in the program’s history to be named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American in recognition of her athletic and academic excellence. 

Weatherley said that, after a short summer break, the team will get back to work in September.  

“We’ll start fresh, with returners and new freshmen positioned to meet our program’s expectations,” he said. “I’m confident this group will rise to the challenge.” 

Story by Dustin Wunderlich, director of community relations. Photos by Ross Courtney.