OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (8-11) had an exciting end to the regular season Friday where they earned a pair of victories over Toppenish during their senior night. The Huskies were dominant in both their matchups, winning 6-0 in the first game and 13-3 in the second. 

“I know it definitely felt a little rocky. We always start off kind of rough, but then toward the end of the game we’re always strong and hype each other up,” said Huskies senior Alizay Pruneda. 

In game one, the Huskies went up three in the bottom of the first with a double by Alizay Pruneda, a dropped third strike and a double by Jena DeLeon. Othello extended their lead in the bottom of the third when Alexa Prochet stole home.

The Huskies went on to hold Toppenish scoreless throughout the game and with two more runs in the bottom of the sixth, won 6-0.  

Prochet pitched all seven innings of game one where she struck out 13 batters and allowed just 3 hits. 

Othello carried their momentum into game two scoring three runs off a single from Jena DeLeon and a double from Maria Tapia. The Huskies then extended their lead in the bottom of the fourth, scoring a single run. 

Toppenish worked to close the gap in the top of the fifth as they scored three runs to put the game 4-3. Othello regained their momentum in the bottom of the inning after a home run from Pruneda that added four points onto the board. 

“Honestly, I was just like, ‘I need to get on base, I’ve either struck out or I got out after I hit, I just need something whether it’s a base hit or anything,’” said Pruneda. “It was finally like a relief, because I’ve been thinking lately that I’ve been in a slump, but then that just gave me the confidence that I needed.” 

The Huskies scored nine total runs in the bottom of the fifth, ending the game on the 10-run rule. 

Once again pitching the whole game, Prochet threw 13 strikeouts with zero hits. 

“I think it went good,” said Huskies senior Maylen Valdez. “The energy was up in both games, so it was good (with) everyone cheering for each other.” 

Huskies Head Coach Dominique Martinez said she was proud of the team fighting hard to come out on top in both games, despite having a slower start than anticipated. One key aspect that she said the team can take away from Friday’s doubleheader as they head into the district tournament is to start hitting earlier in the game. 

“We always wait towards the middle, towards the end and sometimes it works for us and sometimes it doesn’t,” said Martinez. “That’s what I’ve been telling them so hopefully now that we are entering postseason, they do start more on top.” 

As the team prepares for postseason play, Valdez said it will be important for Othello to improve their communication on the diamond and coming into games with high energy. 

Some of the struggles that Othello has faced this season have come from how young the team is, but the coach said that she expects things to still come together with time. The efforts of the two seniors, Pruneda and Valdez, taking charge on the field have helped lead the team toward success this season. 

“They’re very good at helping us bring our bats back to life, and they’re very vocal and help whip everyone back into shape,” said Martinez. “I feel like a lot of our girls look up to those seniors so they’re helping take charge on the field.” 

For the two Huskies seniors, the day was very special for them as they were honored for all the efforts they’ve given for the team over the years. They were given a chance to reminisce on their time with the sport and how far they’ve come. 

“I’m just overjoyed, like, I can’t even speak, I’m about to cry, but I love this team,” said Pruneda. “I’ve been playing since I was two years old. Coming out and playing my last CWAC game with these girls, it just really meant a lot to me.” 

“It’s emotional, I mean, our last year together with the whole team and obviously as seniors, but it was good to go out with a bang,” said Valdez. 

The Huskies begin postseason play Wednesday when they host Toppenish at 4:30 p.m. 

BOX SCORE 

Game one: 

TPPN: 0-0-0-0-0-0-0: 0 

OTHL: 3-0-1-0-0-2-x: 6 

Game two: 

TPPN: 0-0-0-0-3-x-x: 3 

OTHL: 3-0-0-1-9-x-x: 13 

    Huskies senior Maylen Valdez stands ready to catch a potential hit near second base during Friday’s game against Toppenish.
  

    Alexa Prochet from Othello delivers the pitch to the Toppenish batter during Friday’s doubleheader.
  

    Maria Tapia from the Huskies steps up to bat during Friday’s game against Toppenish.
  

    Othello’s Chita Lara takes a swing – and connects, allowing her teammate to advance to second base during Friday’s doubleheader.
  

    Bethany Zamora from Othello gets safe on first base after making a hit Friday evening.