Silverton softball routs Ridgeview to open 5A postseason play; other Salem-area results
Almost a year ago to the day, Silverton softball's season came to a sudden, surprising end in an upset loss at the hands of Putnam.
Throughout the offseason, the Foxes used that early exit as motivation that has propelled them to one of the most successful regular seasons in recent program history.
On Tuesday, they saw proof of concept as they steamrolled their way to a big win to open postseason play.
No. 3 Silverton topped No. 14 Ridgeview, 13-3, in the first round of the OSAA 5A playoffs to advance to the state quarterfinals.
"We got booted out of the first round last year and we've talked a lot about making sure we don't let that happen again," Silverton coach Ralph Cortez said. "But we're a better team than last year; we're more experienced. We've grown. We've been hitting the ball all season long. McKenzee Petersen has been so solid in the circle for us; she keeps us in games. Our defense holds up, and then our bats just come alive."
Silverton softball's McKenzee Petersen leads Foxes
Petersen, the Foxes junior ace, struck out three and limited the Ravens to three runs on seven hits while tossing a complete game. She also went 2-for-4 at the plate with an RBI. Kate Kofstad was 3-for-4 with four RBI, and Madalynn Ehrens was 2-for-3 with three RBI.
Ridgeview's Brezlyn Hagemeister ambushed Petersen for a solo homer in the top of the first to give the Ravens an early advantage that brought their dugout to life.
But the Foxes promptly responded with a five-run bottom of the first that was capitalized by two-run hits from Kofstad and Braezen Henderson.
"Just getting insurance runs is the biggest part," Petersen said. "I have so much confidence in this team; I know how well they can hit the ball. It gives me the boost I need."
Silverton never looked back from there.
The only time Ridgeview threatened to stage a comeback came in the top of the fifth, with the Foxes leading 10-2. Ravens cleanup hitter Brooklyn Lick ripped an RBI single to make it a seven-run game and put two runners on with one out.
But Silverton extinguished any hopes of a rally when Ehrens snagged a hard-hit grounder to third base, tagged her bag, and then made a tremendous throw to first for the final out of the inning.
"I have so much confidence in the defense behind me," Petersen said. "I know they can make those plays. I'm so happy with what they did today."
While Tuesday's win served as Silverton's postseason opener, it's a pair of regular season showdowns with rival Dallas — the No. 1-ranked team in 5A — that have inspired belief among the program's players. The Foxes scored a big 9-7 home win over the Dragons on April 24.
Then, to close out the Mid-Willamette Conference play, they captured a 3-1 road win at Dallas last Wednesday.
"It was a playoff atmosphere, all the way," Cortez said. "(Dallas) was really focused. ... We went in there and were focused, too. Everything was against us going in there. We just had to play ball. It was a good way to start the playoffs in that kind of an atmosphere. Then, to come here and have a game at home right away, the kids are excited."
Silverton will host No. 6 Crater (19-8, 16-2 Midwestern League) on Friday after the Comets topped No. 11 Canby, 4-1, on Tuesday. The game time between Silverton and Crater has yet to be determined.
Salem-area softball first-round results
6A
No. 9 North Medford 4, No. 24 South Salem 0
No. 25 McNary 12, No. 8 McMinnville 9
No. 10 West Salem 7, No. 23 Aloha 4
5A
No. 1 Dallas 5, No. 16 Putnam 0
No. 2 Bend 6, No. 15 Central 1
4A
No. 9 Crook County 8, No. 8 Cascade 4
3A
No. 16 Glide 12, No. 17 Amity 2
2A/1A
No. 12 Toledo 15, No. 21 Gervais 0
No. 13 Umpqua Valley Christian 15, No. 20 Regis 4
No. 14 St. Paul 12, No. 19 Glendale 2
No. 15 Blanchet Catholic 3, Echo/Stanfield 2
Jarrid Denney covers high school sports and Oregon State for the Statesman Journal. He can be reached at JDenney@salem.gannett.com or on X @jarrid_denney
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Silverton softball cruises to OSAA 5A first-round win over Ridgeview
