ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights (4-0) took care of business against the Zillah Leopards Saturday, winning back-to-back games 4-3 and 15-2 in a doubleheader matchup. Senior Jill Allred was proud of her team for improving from game one to game two.  

“We definitely improved defensively and offensively. The bottom of the lineup has really stepped it up this year, and that's been super helpful,” Allred said.  

The Knights took the first game in a much tighter competition between the two teams. Zillah took a 2-0 lead heading into the bottom of the third inning before the Knights scored four runs. From there, they held the Leopards to one run the rest of the game, which was enough to secure them the first win of the day. In game two, Zillah scored first with a run in the top of the first. However, Royal broke the game open after a nine-run inning in the bottom of the second. From there, they built their lead to 15-2, which earned them the win after just five innings.  

“It's early in the season. We're still learning and growing and got some things to work on,” Head Coach Lisa Lawrence said. “Game one was a little bit of a challenge because of that. We pulled it together and did some things right in game two. Looking to still grow and learn this season. We've got a full week of practice ahead of us.”  

After falling behind by two in the first game, the Knights rallied in the bottom of the third inning to swing the momentum in their favor. Avarie Hill, Paige Christensen, Emerson Eilers and Aurora Santillan all got home for a four-run inning, which gave them a 4-2 lead. From there, the Knights defense only allowed one more run by Zillah, which earned them the win. 

Hill and Christensen recorded a double play in their win. Allred pitched all seven innings, only allowing six hits, three runs and struck out 12 batters.  

After a short break, the two teams started game two. The first inning only saw one run scored, which was by the Leopards. The Knights defense held them scoreless in the top of the second before taking over on offense.  

Royal broke the game wide open in the bottom of the second inning, as the offense erupted for nine runs against Zillah. The Knights who got home were Sara Bergeson, Leah Christensen, Kylee Orth, Lizzie Jenks, Eilers, Allred, Hill and Hali Christensen, who scored twice in the same inning.  

“Our bats came alive,” Lawrence said. “We got some bunts down. Our base running improved, (and) our fielding improved. I think we just came out a little flat game one and made it more of a game than it probably should have (been).”  

Zillah responded with a run in the top of the third but was thrown out before they could score more. The Knights carried their momentum into the bottom of that inning for four more runs to increase their lead to 13-2. Royal held Zillah scoreless in the fourth and fifth innings, while adding two more scores of their own to secure a 15-2 win in five innings.  

Eilers finished the game with three runs, two RBI’s and two double plays. Hali and Bergeson each successfully stole a base. Allred pitched all five innings, striking out nine batters. She also recorded an RBI and a triple play. 

“Good pitching just makes a great difference in softball. And Jill, she's our senior, pitched all the innings the last couple years. We really rely on her, and she came through today and did a great job,” Lawrence said.  

Allred credited the rest of her team for their support during both games and helping her have a strong performance.  

“Having my defense be there for me, just knowing that they're behind me (helps),” Allred said.  

Lawrence was happy with how her team did not get complacent after a dominant second inning.  

“Came into game two knowing they need to bring a higher level of energy. That was seen in that second inning and just carried forward for the rest of the game,” she said.  

The Knights hit the road on March 28 for a doubleheader against Wapato, starting at 11 a.m. That kicks off a stretch of road games, where they will also compete against Cashmere, Montesano and College Place. Their next home game is slated for April 18 against Cedar Park Christian at 2 p.m.  

Lawrence is confident this team is capable of carrying their momentum into the rest of the season.  

“We've got a lot of good athletes and some depth and great attitudes, so I think we can go a long way," she said.  

BOX SCORES:  

Game One 

ZLLH: 0-1-1-0-0-1-0: 3
ROYL: 0-0-4-0-0-0-*: 4 

Game Two 

ZLLH: 1-0-1-0-0: 2
ROYL: 0-9-4-2-*: 15

    Lizzie Jenks (13) sprints toward third base during the Knights game against Zillah Saturday.
  

    The Knights’ Sarah Bergeson (1) sends the ball on a line drive to the outfield while at bat against Zillah Saturday.
  

    Paige Christensen (24) steps into her swing while at bat for the Knights game against Zillah Saturday.