RICHLAND - After finishing second in 1A SCAC East league play with a 10-2 record and second at the district tournament, Warden looked to be one of the better teams heading into the State Softball Tournament at the Columbia Playfield in Richland May 24 and 25.

But a first round 19-6 loss to Lakeside Friday knocked the Cougars out of contention for a state championship and into the consolation bracket for a loser out game against Elma.

Unfortunately, the Eagles got the best of Warden, 10-5, and sent the Cougars home wondering what might of been?

"We ran into some hot teams that hit the ball very well," coach Wes Richins said. "Our pitching was a little flat. We started out well both games, but by the middle innings we got blasted."

Despite the early exit, Richins said there were a few bright moments for the Cougars.

"Freshman Allycia Gonzales hit her first home run of the year against Lakeside. And Iris Rodriguez was 4-for-5 with two 2-run home runs and four intentional walks in the two games," he said. "We scored enough to win these games, but we could not hold down the Lakeside and Elma bats. We had a great year, being one of the smallest school's in the 1A classification, finishing 20-5 overall."