Mt. Spokane's Senior Stars, Led by Addison Jay, Eye Elusive 3A State Fastpitch Softball Championship

The dream of a Washington State fastpitch softball championship burns brighter than ever for the Mt. Spokane Wildcats, especially for a seasoned senior class determined to leave an indelible mark. Led by pitching ace and hitting phenom Addison Jay, this resilient group, boasting a stellar 22-1 record and the No. 2 seed, is ready to battle at the WIAA 3A State Tournament in Lacey. After coming agonizingly close in previous years, placing fourth twice, these Wildcats believe this is their moment to claim the ultimate prize that has eluded Greater Spokane League teams for decades.

A Force in the Circle, A Leader at the Plate

Addison Jay's legacy at Mt. Spokane High School is already etched in stone. As the school's all-time leader in wins with 57 and an astonishing 650-plus strikeouts, Jay has earned Greater Spokane League, GSL, all-league first-team honors every single season. Her catcher, Quincy Schuerman, has a simple yet powerful message for her star hurler: "I just tell her that there is nobody better," Schuerman states. This unwavering confidence, built over years of shared success, fuels the Wildcats' formidable presence on the field. This senior class, including standout Kaydin Bradeen, has experienced the highs and lows of the state tournament. They have secured fourth place in two of the past three WIAA 3A State tournaments. Last year, a shocking opening-round loss to 18th-seeded Inglemoor could have derailed their aspirations, but the Wildcats fought back heroically to claim a trophy, a testament to their grit. "To lose that game and still fight back to earn a trophy showed us how resilient this group was," Jay reflects. "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."

Unity and Unwavering Trust

While Addison Jay commands much of the spotlight, Coach Carl Adams and Jay herself are quick to credit the entire roster. Adams praises Jay's consistent laser focus since freshman year, but also her immediate willingness to deflect credit to her teammates, embodying the team's selfless spirit. This collective strength was on full display in the recent District 6 title game against Kennewick. In extra innings, with a top-four state seed hanging in the balance, it was Quincy Schuerman who stepped up, knocking in Jay for the game-winning run. Schuerman, in her second season as starting catcher, emphasizes the deep trust within the squad. "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," she explains. "So it feels easy and lighthearted, yet super competitive at the same time." This belief system allows the Wildcats to play with both intensity and freedom, a crucial combination as they face the pressure of the WIAA 3A State Tournament. The second-seeded Wildcats, entering the tournament with a target on their backs, will kick off their quest for the state crown on Friday at 9 a.m. in Lacey, facing either 18th-seeded Southridge or 15th-seeded Gig Harbor. For Addison Jay and her eight fellow seniors, this is the moment to showcase years of dedication and teamwork. The Mt. Spokane Wildcats are poised, united, and ready to prove that this is their year to bring the WIAA 3A Fastpitch Softball State Championship trophy home.

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