Mt. Spokane's Stellar Senior Class, Led by Addison Jay, Sets Sights on Elusive 3A State Fastpitch Title

Lacey, WA - The scent of fresh-cut grass and the crack of the bat will fill the air at the Region Athletic Complex this weekend, but for the Mt. Spokane Wildcats, it's the taste of a long-sought championship they're after. Led by their dominant senior hurler and hitter Addison Jay, alongside fellow seniors Kaydin Bradeen, Quincy Schuerman, and eight other determined classmates, the Wildcats are poised for a deep run at the WIAA 3A State Fastpitch Softball Tournament, aiming to cap their stellar prep careers with the ultimate prize: a state championship.

As the number two seed with an impressive 22-1 record, the Wildcats carry high expectations. They open their quest Friday at 9 a.m. against either 18th-seeded Southridge or 15th-seeded Gig Harbor. For this seasoned Mt. Spokane squad, especially their formidable senior class, this isn't just another tournament; it's the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a burning desire to make history for Greater Spokane League fastpitch.

Jay's Dominance Fuels Championship Hopes

Addison Jay has been nothing short of a phenomenon in the GSL over the past four years, earning first-team all-league honors in every season. Her prowess in the circle and at the plate has made her a cornerstone of the Wildcats' success. Teammate and catcher, Quincy Schuerman, rarely needs to offer more than simple, powerful encouragement. "I just tell her that there is nobody better," Schuerman reveals, a statement backed by Jay's school records, including an astounding 57 wins and over 650 strikeouts. Jay herself acknowledges the weight of the moment, yet embraces it. "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," Jay said. "I’m excited for it to show and see if we can be the group that gets it done."

Resilience Forged in Past Tournaments

The Wildcats are no strangers to the bright lights of the state tournament, having finished fourth in two of the past three 3A state tournaments. This experience, including a surprising opening-round loss to 18th-seeded Inglemoor last year, has forged an unshakeable resilience within the 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."

Coach Carl Adams commends Jay's unwavering focus since her freshman year but is quick to emphasize the collective strength of his roster. The team's deep trust in one another was perfectly showcased in their District 6 title game against Kennewick, where Schuerman delivered the game-winning run in extra innings, knocking in Jay. Schuerman, in her second season as starting catcher, encapsulates the team's belief, saying, "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. So it feels easy and lighthearted, yet super competitive at the same time." This blend of talent, experience, and mutual trust positions Mt. Spokane perfectly to chase the state trophy that has eluded them.

With their eyes fixed on the top spot, this remarkable senior class, including leaders like Addison Jay and Kaydin Bradeen, is ready to leave an indelible mark on Washington State fastpitch history this weekend.

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