Mt. Spokane's Addison Jay, Wildcats Seniors Eye Elusive 3A State Fastpitch Title

The Mount Spokane Wildcats are on a mission, and leading the charge is a senior class determined to etch their names in Washington State fastpitch softball history. Spearheaded by formidable pitcher and hitter Addison Jay, along with fellow seniors like Kaydin Bradeen and Quincy Schuerman, the second-seeded Wildcats, with a stellar 22-1 record, are heading to the WIAA 3A State Tournament with one goal: claiming the championship that has eluded Greater Spokane League teams for over two decades. Their journey begins Friday morning at the Region Athletic Complex in Lacey, and these athletes are ready to leave it all on the field.

Jay's Dominance and Team-First Mentality

Addison Jay’s career has been nothing short of spectacular. As a four-time GSL all-league first-team honoree, she has consistently dominated both in the circle and at the plate. Her coach, Carl Adams, praises her unwavering focus, noting, "She came in as a freshman laser focused and that has continued to today." Jay is the school’s all-time leader in wins with 57 and has eclipsed the 650-strikeout mark, statistics that speak volumes of her individual prowess. Yet, as Adams points out, Jay is "the first person to deflect credit to her teammates," a testament to the collective spirit driving this Mount Spokane squad. Catcher Quincy Schuerman, who has the best seat in the house, simplifies Jay's greatness, telling her, "there is nobody better," and the results certainly back that up.

Senior Drive for State Glory

This year's senior class, comprising ten dedicated athletes including Jay, Schuerman, and Bradeen, is acutely aware of the challenge ahead. Having finished fourth in two of the past three 3A state tournaments, they know the taste of being close but not quite there. Jay reflects on their journey, saying, "We’ve worked so hard over our careers and this year, and no one else at state knows how much work we have put in except for us." Last year, the Wildcats faced a shocking first-round upset by 18th-seeded Inglemoor, but their resilience shone through as they battled back to earn a trophy. That experience, Jay believes, has forged a stronger, more adaptable mindset. "There are times when we are going to get punched in the face, but we showed that we fight back," she explained, highlighting a mental toughness that now allows them to play with a vital sense of looseness and confidence.

The team's belief in each other was brilliantly showcased in their recent District 6 title game against Kennewick. In extra innings, with a top-four state seed on the line, it was Schuerman who delivered the game-winning hit, driving in Jay. Schuerman emphasizes the profound trust within the team: "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." This deep-seated belief fosters an environment that is "easy and lighthearted, yet super competitive at the same time," a potent combination for a championship contender. The Mount Spokane Wildcats, under the guidance of Coach Adams and the leadership of their exceptional senior class, are poised to make a memorable run at the 3A state title, determined to end their prep careers on the highest note.

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