Mt. Spokane Seniors, Led by Ace Addison Jay, Set Sights on Elusive 3A State Softball Title

Lacey, WA - The pinnacle of Washington high school fastpitch softball is upon us, and the Mt. Spokane Wildcats are storming into the 3A state tournament with one goal: to bring home a championship. For a dominant senior class, spearheaded by record-setting pitcher and hitter Addison Jay, this weekend represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of greatness. After two decades without a Greater Spokane League team hoisting the state trophy, this Wildcat squad, boasting a formidable 22-1 record, believes it has the mettle to make history.

A Legacy of Dominance and Resilience

Addison Jay's career in the Greater Spokane League has been nothing short of legendary. She's earned first-team all-league honors every single season, a testament to her consistent brilliance both in the circle and at the plate. Mt. Spokane coach Carl Adams confirms her laser-like focus has been present since day one. "You know, Addi hasn’t really changed much in her time here," Adams said. "She came in as a freshman laser focused and that has continued to today." Jay has etched her name into the school record books, becoming Mt. Spokane's all-time leader in wins with 57 and eclipsing the 650-strikeout mark earlier this season. Catcher Quincy Schuerman, who has the best seat in the house for Jay's mastery, keeps her messages to her ace simple: "I just tell her that there is nobody better."

Yet, individual accolades aside, this team's journey to the No. 2 seed in the WIAA 3A tournament has been marked by collective resilience. They've taken fourth place in two of the past three state tournaments, learning tough lessons along the way. Last year's opening-round shocker against 18th-seeded Inglemoor could have derailed their season, but instead, it forged a stronger team. "To lose that game and still fight back to earn a trophy showed us how resilient this group was," Jay explained. "There are times when we are going to get punched in the face, but we showed that we fight back. That has carried over into this year and I think it has allowed us to have a better mindset going into this weekend."

More Than Just One Star: The Power of Team Chemistry

While Jay's talent is undeniable, both she and Coach Adams are quick to credit the depth and unity of the entire roster. The Wildcats are a true team, where every player's contribution is valued. A perfect example came in the District 6 title game against Kennewick, a high-stakes extra-inning affair with a top-four state seed on the line. It was Quincy Schuerman, catching for Jay, who stepped up and knocked in Jay for the game-winning run. Schuerman, in her second season as the team's starting catcher, embodies the squad's belief in one another. "We have a ton of confidence in one another, that if you have a terrible game a girl behind you is gonna have a great game and pick you up," Schuerman said. "So it feels easy and lighthearted, yet super competitive at the same time." Senior Kaydin Bradeen and the other eight seniors also play pivotal roles, contributing to a program built on mutual trust and competitive spirit.

The Wildcats arrive at the Region Athletic Complex in Lacey as the No. 2 seed, ready to face either 18th-seeded Southridge or 15th-seeded Gig Harbor on Friday at 9 a.m. With a target on their backs, but a loose, confident mindset, this Mt. Spokane team, led by their exceptional seniors, is poised to cap their storied prep careers with the ultimate prize, a state championship.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.