Ranger Wrap-Up | 4/14/2025
Softball
Rangers Split 6 Over a Busy Weekend of League and Tournament Play
The Olympic Rangers opened their weekend with a home doubleheader against the visiting Douglas Royals on Friday. Game 1 started with a jolt as Douglas' Amy Clegg launched a leadoff home run in the first at bat of the game. Despite the early blow, the Rangers responded with firepower of their own, building a 7-3 lead behind strong offensive efforts from sophomore Abigail Aribal—who doubled and tripled out of the leadoff spot—and consistent contact from sophomore Olivia Pater, who added two hits. Reliable freshman starter, Madison Kelker, gave up a few uncharacteristic early runs and freshman Shelby Avery handled the final two innings, but the Royals surged late to overtake the Rangers in an 11-7 final.
Friday's Game 2 told a different story as Olympic settled in and took control early, never letting go enroute to an 11-3 win. Freshman, Colorado native, Tatem Miller's second-inning triple brought in two key runs and cracked the game open. Miller was equally effective in the circle, going the distance while scattering seven hits and allowing just three earned runs. The Rangers' offense was dialed in, with multi-hit performances from Pater, Miller, and freshmen sluggers Hayley Garber and Sienna Kauhi, to seal the dominant bounce-back win.
Now sitting at 9-5 in NWAC North Region play, the Rangers turned their focus to the NWAC Crossover Tournament in Yakima, looking to gain ground and sharpen their edge for the second half of the season. The Rangers kicked off the tournament with a thrilling 12–7 comeback victory over Spokane on Saturday. After falling behind 7–2 in the early innings, the Rangers rallied with a potent offensive surge and solid pitching to secure the win.
Miller was in the circle for Olympic, delivering a complete-game performance. Despite early challenges, she settled in to hold Spokane scoreless over the final innings, allowing the Rangers' offense to mount their comeback.
Offensively, the Rangers were led by standout performances from shortstop Pater who went 4 for 5, driving in 3 and scoring a run, and freshman right fielder, Sienna Kauhi, who went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Kauhi's clutch single in the 6th put the Rangers ahead for good, who had hits from 7 of the 9 starters.
The Olympic Rangers finished their strong Saturday with a decisive 7-0 victory over Blue Mountain. With this victory, Olympic improved their overall record to 11-8 and demonstrated their readiness to compete at a high level in the tournament. The Rangers looked to carry this momentum into their next matchup on Sunday.
The Olympic Rangers faced a formidable opponent in Columbia Basin on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the NWAC Crossover Tournament in Yakima, resulting in a 13-5 loss.
The game began with Columbia Basin taking an early lead, scoring multiple runs in the first few innings. Despite the early deficit, the Rangers demonstrated resilience, with key offensive contributions from players like Kauhi, Garber, and Kelker, who drove in timely runs over the middle part of the game. each recorded multiple hits.
Kelker started in the circle for Olympic, facing a potent Columbia Basin lineup. Despite her efforts, Columbia Basin's offense proved challenging, leading to the Rangers' eventual defeat. This game marked the Rangers' first loss in the tournament. They aimed to rebound in their next matchup against Lower Columbia later that day.
Similar to the CBC game early in the day, the Lower Columbia's offense proved balanced and strong, establishing an early lead that the Rangers struggled to overcome. Despite the setback, Olympic's defense showcased moments of resilience, with key plays that limited further scoring opportunities for their opponents. Offensively, the Rangers managed to put a run on the board, demonstrating the strength of the Red Devil's hurler, Ava Elb. However, they were unable to generate the sustained offensive momentum needed to close the gap.
With this game, the Rangers wrapped up the tournament, gaining valuable experience and insights to carry forward into the remainder of the season. They will look to apply these lessons as they return to league play, aiming to strengthen their position in the NWAC standings.
Friday, Game 1: Douglas College 11, Rangers 7
Offense: 7 runs [Aribal (2), Pater (2), Kelker (1), Garber (1), Kauhi (1)], 9 hits [Aribal (2), Pater (2), Garber (2)], 7 RBIs [Aribal (2), Pater (2), Garber (1), Kauhi (1), Kelker (1)], 3 walks [Kelker (1), Garber (1), Aribal (1)], 1 triple [Aribal], 1 double [Aribal].
Defense: 7 IP [Kelker (5), Avery (2)], 11 runs allowed [Kelker (8), Avery (3)], 10 hits allowed [Kelker (7), Avery (3)], 5 strikeouts [Kelker (3), Avery (2)], 2 errors.
Friday, Game 2: Rangers 11, Douglas College 3
Offense: 11 runs [Pater (2), Garber (2), Miller (2), Kauhi (2), Aribal (1), Brierly (1), Kelker (1)], 13 hits [Pater (2), Garber (2), Miller (2), Kauhi (2), Aribal (2), Brierly (1), Kelker (1), Whitehead (1)], 10 RBIs [Miller (3), Pater (2), Garber (2), Kauhi (1), Aribal (1), Kelker (1)], 4 walks [Garber (1), Aribal (1), Brierly (1), Whitehead (1)], 2 triples [Miller, Aribal], 1 double [Pater].
Defense: 7 IP [Miller (7)], 3 earned runs [Miller], 7 hits allowed [Miller], 5 strikeouts [Miller], 1 error.
Saturday, Game 1: Rangers 9, Spokane 1
Offense: 9 runs [Aribal (2), Garber (2), Pater (1), Kauhi (1), Kelker (1), Miller (1), Brierly (1)], 12 hits [Aribal (3), Garber (2), Pater (2), Kauhi (2), Kelker (1), Miller (1), Brierly (1)], 8 RBIs [Aribal (2), Garber (2), Pater (1), Kauhi (1), Kelker (1), Miller (1)], 3 walks [Aribal (1), Garber (1), Pater (1)], 2 triples [Aribal, Garber], 1 double [Pater].
Defense: 7 IP [Kelker (7)], 1 earned run [Kelker], 4 hits allowed [Kelker], 6 strikeouts [Kelker], 1 error.
Saturday, Game 2: Rangers 7, Blue Mountain 0
Offense: 7 runs [Aribal (2), Garber (2), Pater (1), Miller (1), Kauhi (1)], 10 hits [Aribal (3), Garber (2), Pater (2), Miller (1), Kauhi (1), Brierly (1)], 6 RBIs [Aribal (2), Garber (2), Pater (1), Miller (1)], 2 walks [Garber (1), Aribal (1)], 1 triple [Aribal], 1 double [Pater].
Defense: 7 IP [Kelker (7)], 0 earned runs [Kelker], 3 hits allowed [Kelker], 5 strikeouts [Kelker], 0 errors.
Sunday, Game 1: Columbia Basin 13, Rangers 7
Offense: 7 runs [Aribal (2), Garber (2), Pater (1), Kauhi (1), Brierly (1)], 9 hits [Aribal (2), Garber (2), Pater (2), Kauhi (1), Brierly (1), Kelker (1)], 6 RBIs [Garber (2), Aribal (1), Pater (1), Kauhi (1), Brierly (1)], 3 walks [Garber (1), Aribal (1), Pater (1)], 1 triple [Aribal], 1 double [Garber].
Defense: 6 IP [Avery (6)], 13 earned runs [Avery], 12 hits allowed [Avery], 4 strikeouts [Avery], 2 errors.
Sunday, Game 2: Lower Columbia 7, Rangers 1
Offense: 1 run [Aribal], 5 hits [Aribal (2), Garber (1), Pater (1), Kelker (1)], 1 RBI [Aribal], 2 walks [Garber (1), Pater (1)], 1 double [Aribal].
Defense: 6 IP [Avery (6)], 7 earned runs [Avery], 9 hits allowed [Avery], 3 strikeouts [Avery], 1 error.
Baseball
Rangers Drop Four-Game Set Against Lower Columbia
The Olympic Rangers opened the weekend at home, hosting Lower Columbia for a Saturday doubleheader, but were unable to fend off the Red Devils' offense, falling in both contests. Game 1 saw the Red Devils jump out to an early lead, scoring 11 unanswered runs in the first 5 innings, but OC responded with a 4-spot in the 6th with clutch singles from sophomore David Matthew and freshman Seamus Brown. Unfortunately, it was too little, too late for the Rangers and they fell, 15-4. Matthew added a couple more hits, going 3 for 3 in the game with 2 RBI. Starting freshman, Itsuki Fukuda, the pride of Matsue, Japan, got beat around a bit, giving up 9 earned runs in 3 innings pitched.
In Game 2, the Rangers kept it close in a low-scoring affair but ultimately dropped a 3-1 decision. Hits were sparce for the Rangers, with their only run coming off an error. On the mound, sophomore ace Nicho Crowley and freshman Nathan Burke combined to allow just three hits and kept Olympic in the game until the final out.
The series shifted to Lower Columbia on Sunday, but the Rangers' bats remained quiet. In Game 3, a strong start from sophomore Silas Stenerson was not enough in a narrow 4-2 loss. Olympic threatened in the 5th, with an RBI from freshman Alex Elton, but couldn't complete the rally. Sophomore Tyler Harris's double in the 2nd scored Matthew and was the offensive highlight of the game of OC.
Game 4 was all Red Devils as the Rangers were held scoreless in a 12-0 loss. The Rangers managed just five hits in the finale, and early runs proved costly for the Ranger. Despite the weekend sweep, the Rangers showed flashes of competitive play and will look to shake off the current 6-game slide heading into the heart of league play.
Next up: Olympic heads to Tacoma for a Friday doubleheader starting at high noon, then host the Titans here at Legion Field on Saturday.
Saturday, Game 1: Rangers 4, Lower Columbia 15
Offense: 4 runs [Imai, Harris, Shaffer, Batalona], 6 hits [Matthew (3)], 4 RBI [Matthew (2)], 6 walks [Castro, Harris, Imai, Shaffer, Ahn, Hecker].
Defense: 7 IP [Fukuda (3), Nicholson (3), Sekihara (0.1), Richey (0.2)], 12 earned runs [Fukuda (9), Nicholson (1), Sekihara (2)], 10 hits allowed [Fukuda (7), Nicholson (2), Sekihara (1)], 5 strikeouts [Fukuda (1), Nicholson (3), Sekihara (1)], 7 walks allowed [Fukuda (3), Nicholson (2), Sekihara (2)], 4 errors [Imai, Shaffer, Loverink, Brown]
Saturday, Game 2: Rangers 1, Lower Columbia 3
Offense: 1 run [Hecker], 3 hits [Brown, Hecker, Imai], 1 RBI [Harris], 2 walks [Matthew, Castro]
Defense: 7 IP [Crowley (6), Burke (1)], 1 earned run [Crowley], 3 hits allowed [Crowley], 3 strikeouts [Crowley], 6 walks allowed [Crowley (5)], 2 errors [Matthew, Corpuz]
Sunday, Game 1: Rangers 2, Lower Columbia 4
Offense: 2 runs [Matthew, Shafer], 4 hits [Hecker, Harris, Elton, Shafer], 2 RBIs [Harris, Elton], 2 walks [Matthew, Elton]
Defense: 8 IP [Stenerson (7.0), Tordiffe (1.0)], 3 earned runs [Stenerson (2), Tordiffe (1)], 7 hits allowed [Stenerson (5), Tordiffe (2)], 4 strikeouts [Stenerson], 4 walks allowed [Stenerson], 1 error [Stenerson]
Sunday, Game 2: Rangers 0, Lower Columbia 12
Offense: 5 hits [Shaffer, Matthew, Loverink, Corpuz, Castro], 4 walks [Putman (2), Hecker, Angelos]
Defense: 4 IP [Spitzer (0.2), Burke (2.0), Tordiffe (0.1), Richey (1.0)], 10 earned runs [Spitzer (4), Burke (1), Tordiffe (4), Richey (1)], 7 hits allowed [Spitzer (2), Burke (1), Tordiffe (3), Richey (1)] 5 strikeouts [Spitzer (1), Burke (1), Tordiffe (1), Richey (2)], 11 walks allowed [Spitzer (4), Burke (3), Tordiffe (2), Richey (2)], 2 errors [Castro, Shaffer]
Track & Field
Rangers Make Statement with Strong Third-Place Finish at the PLU/SPU split meet
The Olympic College Track & Field team continued its impressive season with another standout performance in Tacoma this weekend, where both the men's and women's squads claimed third-place finishes. Under the leadership of Coach Austin, the Rangers showed once again that they're gaining serious traction as NWAC Championship season approaches.
Among the day's top highlights, sophomore David Andrews secured his place at the NWAC Championships with a qualifying mark in the hammer throw, adding depth and momentum to the men's throws squad. On the track, sophomore speedster Ndya Hudson locked in her second championship event of the year, this time in the 400 meters, showing impressive range and grit.
The Rangers' women's 4x100-meter relay team also delivered when it counted, clocking a time that earned them a well-deserved trip to the NWAC Championships. In the field events, freshman Nashayla Fellows launched a new personal record in the shot put, moving her among the NWAC's top-ranked throwers and reaffirming her breakout freshman campaign.
Not to be outdone, freshman long sprinter, Aiden Smith, turned in a personal best in the 400 meters, making a significant move up the conference leaderboard and continuing to establish himself as a top contender.
"Several other athletes hit personal records, showing great progress across the board," said Coach Austin. "The team continues to build momentum, and I'm proud of the work they're putting in."
With continued growth and rising individual performances, the Rangers are proving themselves a complete team on the rise.
Next up: The Ralph Vernacchia Open in Bellingham hosted by Western Washington University on Saturday, April 26.
Golf
Sixth for OC, but Preparations for League Play on Course at Tumwater Valley
The Olympic College Rangers golf teams displayed grit this weekend at the South Puget Sound Spring Invitational, battling alongside a mixed field of NWAC, NAIA, and NCAA programs at Tumwater Valley Golf Course. The weather offered a classic Pacific Northwest touch—chilly mornings, bright and clear afternoons, and only mild wind, making for nearly perfect scoring conditions on the slowly drying course.
Bellevue College swept the team titles, with their men finishing 15-over-par and their women 48-over, while Bellevue's Isaac Elaimy (69–70, -5) and Jaclyn Woo (75–73, +4) claimed individual medalist honors. The Rangers, meanwhile, gained valuable insights playing alongside some of the programs they are seeking to join in the future, landing sixth in both the men's and women's standings.
For the OC men, sophomore Seth Headrick led the way, carding rounds of 79 and 76 for a two-day total of 155 and a tie for 16th overall. Fellow sophomore and team captain Orlando Chiquiti posted rounds of 81–80 to take 29th, while freshman Casey Carter opened strong with a 78 before cooling off with an 84, tying for 30th. Rounding out the squad, Ashton Purser (84–94) and Spencer Harader (96–92) finished 39th and 42nd, respectively. The group landed just behind host South Puget Sound, showing competitive depth in a field loaded with top talent.
On the women's side, freshman Ava Guthrie continued her ascent, firing 84–86 to earn another top-10 finish, tying for 7th overall. Captain Elizabeth Mellum followed with a determined second round 88 after a tough start (94), finishing 13th. Sophomore Kate Peterson posted 111–118 to place 24th. The OC women matched the men with a 6th-place team finish, again proving their potential against a strong cross-division field.
Next up: Spring league play begins April 21 as the Rangers head north to Skagit Valley College and Avalon Golf Course. This marks the first of three consecutive league matches that will determine whether the Rangers qualify for the NWAC Championships in May at Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima. With confidence growing and the stakes rising, the Rangers are ready to make their move.