Bonney Lake Softball 2024 Preview: A Final Flourish in the PCL Before the Leap to 4A

2022-2023 Bonney Lake Panthers Softball

As the Bonney Lake Panthers gear up for the 2023-2024 softball season, the echoes of their undefeated streak in the previous season still resonate. The Panthers closed out the 2022-2023 campaign with a stellar 13-0 record in the league and an impressive 24-9 overall, securing their place at the summit of the PCL. Led by the powerful bat of senior Kyla Cross, who topped the PCL in home runs with an astonishing 16, and pitching ace Bella Carazo, who claimed the league's best ERA and strikeouts, the Panthers were a formidable force.

However, the dream of a state championship was halted in the quarterfinals, succumbing to Roosevelt in a hard-fought 3-7 battle. Coach Kate Zender, a linchpin of the Panthers' success, reflected on the departure of five seniors but expressed confidence in the leadership trio of Ayrianna Pollard, Jess Eaton, and Jadyn Johnson to guide the team forward.

Looking to the upcoming season, the Panthers are aiming to leave an indelible mark on the PCL before their impending move to the 4A division in the SPSL next year. With the departure of key seniors, the spotlight shifts to junior standout Laina Baker, who led the team with an impressive .468 batting average last season. Seniors Jadyn Johnson and Jess Eaton are expected to continue their solid performances, providing offensive firepower to the lineup.

Pitching remains a question mark after the departure of seniors Bella Carazo and Alissa Hermansen. However, Coach Zender exudes confidence in the abilities of junior Aspyn Evanson, who will inherit the starting pitching spot this season. Evanson's versatility and experience make her a promising prospect to watch.

In a league where competition is fierce, Lincoln, last season's runner-up, faces the challenge of replacing seven graduating seniors, including their pitcher. Meanwhile, Silas retains their star pitcher, sophomore Natalie Medalia, who had an impressive 11 wins and 144 strikeouts in the previous season.

Coach Zender, in an interview, highlighted offensive leaders Baker, Johnson, and Eaton, while also tipping her hat to junior outfielder Lauryn Lee as an upcoming offensive force. As for freshmen prospects, Coach Zender remains coy, leaving the excitement to unfold on the field.

With the Panthers' dominance in the PCL for the past six years, Coach Zender sets the bar high for the team's final season in the league, expressing a clear goal of clinching the PCL title to bolster their postseason prospects. The departure of four starting seniors means a new-look team, but Coach Zender embraces the challenge, eager to witness the achievements the Panthers can carve out in this transitional season. As they embark on this journey, all eyes will be on Bonney Lake, a team poised to make their mark before venturing into the competitive landscape of 4A softball.