Papermakers turn the corner

After an up and down start to the season, the Camas High School softball team turned the corner during the first week of league play.

Mountain View jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first two innings Friday, but then the Papermakers scored six runs on six straight hits with two outs in the bottom of the third. Ashley Grimanelis, Alexis Tiedy, Abby Wong, Tiana Bevens and Faith Hartman had three hits. Ali Hancock drove in three runs, and Tiedy, Wong and Bevens had 2 RBI. When the dust finally settled, Camas won 13-3.

“The hard work in practice pays off in the games,” said head coach Dale Lunde. “This is a good group of girls. We’re getting the most out them. They hustle. They love this game. I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

After getting knocked around in the first two innings, Hancock settled down and pitched shut out softball the rest of the way. She also delivered a 2-run triple in the clean up spot to give Camas the lead for good.

“I kept the ball down and started hitting my spots,” Hancock said. “It was really exciting to see the bats come alive and the energy in the dugout.”

Team captain Emma Jimenez was sidelined by the flu, but she convinced Lunde to let her play a few innings at shortstop Friday. She showcased her glove and arm in the field, and also drove in a run at the dish with a double to the left field fence.

“She’s a gamer,” Lunde said.

Although Jimenez was out of the lineup Wednesday, Camas found a way to defeat Union 5-4. Hancock knocked in three runs. Alyssa Tomasini added 2 RBI. She drove in the decisive run in the top of the seventh inning. Kennedy Ferguson pitched a complete game for the Papermakers.