OTHELLO — The Othello 12u Little League All-Star softball team claimed the District 5 championship June 15 and are headed to the Washington State Tournament next weekend. The team has shown strong initiative this summer as they work towards player tough opponents on the west. 

“I thought that all the girls played really well together for their first tournament as an All-Star team,” said Head Coach Cynthia Ochoa Garza. “They’re a really fun group of girls who I’m excited to see what their future holds. I know they’re only 12, but it kind of gives us glimpses.” 

This team has been playing together since they were in 10u where they found some success over the years but had always come up short to Asotin in the districts, said Garza. To overcome Asotin this year and become district champions was a major accomplishment to highlight the growth of the players.

“It’s kind of the same team up against the other team, now as 12-year-olds,” said the Othello coach. 

Over the course of the last few seasons, Garza said she has seen the players’ skills grow significantly. This season, the players are all experienced enough that she can place them in any position, and they will adjust accordingly. 

“They’ve grown so much that now they’re getting more into like the travel ball and stuff,” she said. “They’re exposed a little bit more than they were when they were younger and now they have the itch for softball and the competitiveness of it.” 

As they got this season started, the coach said she wanted the team to focus on building their basics. Working on the fundamentals and making sure that they don’t lose track on what wins games is something she felt would bring them further success this year. 

Going into the district tournament itself, Othello’s All-Star team’s game plan was to play together and win their two games they needed to make state.  

“They all kept each other up and that’s always nice for a coach is if you look in your dugout and they’re meshing well together,” said Garza. “They don’t give up and continue that intensity throughout the game.” 

Their first game of the district tournament was scheduled on the last day of school, which the coach said had her concerned that their minds would be focused on other activities rather than the game at hand. Fortunately, the girls’ love for the game came out strong and they overcame their opponent 9-0. 

“We got there, and they showed up, and their parents showed up,” she said. “That’s always nice to see too, all the support that each kid has and brings to the table.” 

The Othello team went on to claim a closer victory against Asotin where they won 4-3. This game against a familiar foe was something the coach said was a reminder of how hard you have to play to find success. 

As Othello heads west to compete in the state tournament, Garza said that she wants the team to be mentally prepared for the games ahead. As long as the girls stay focused and play with the same intensity they showed at districts, she feels they will find success. 

“Going to the west side, there’s some really tough teams, and I just hope the girls don’t ever get discouraged,” said the coach. “They’re a good group of girls and I hope they realize that they can do it.” 

The coach said she is very proud of what this team has accomplished in their time together and is looking forward to working with them in this state tournament and beyond. 

“It’s a pleasure to coach them and see all the work they put in from their travel teams to the little league team, and it comes together in the games,” said Garza. “They mesh well on and off the field and it shows. They are great at picking each other up, staying focused and pushing until the last inning.” 

The Othello 12u softball team will be competing in Chehalis with their first game taking place July 5 and tournament play running through July 11.

ROSTER: 

Name, Jersey

Lucia Garza, 3

Alaina Madera, 7

Mayelah Suarez, 14

Haiven Zuidema, 11

Vievony Gomez, 8

Taylor Gomez, 2

Kimara Salazar, 24

Dionne Laugh, 1

Amari Garza, 21

Tirzah Garza, 4

Coaches

Cynthia Ochoa Garza

Nieves Gomez

Bobby Suarez

    Othello Head Coach Cynthia Ochoa Garza runs up to high five her players on home plate during the District 5 tourney.
  

    Players and coaches from Othello 12u softball celebrate their victory around home plate.