RICHLAND — The Royal Knights (20-8) fell to the Montesano Bulldogs 20-4 in the quarterfinals of the 1A state softball tournament Friday afternoon.  

The Knights started strong, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning behind Emerson Eilers and Aurora Santillan. However, Montesano responded with three runs in the bottom of the first.  

From there, the Bulldogs held Royal scoreless for two straight innings while they added 12 more runs to their lead to make it 15-2. 

Royal fought hard through five innings, with Avarie Hill and Sarah Bergeson getting home, but Montesano added five more runs to seal the win to advance to the semifinals.  

Despite the loss, the Knights have plenty left to play for. They move into the consolation bracket where they can battle their way to a third place finish by Saturday’s end. This next challenge begins at 7 p.m. Friday against College Place.  

Full coverage of Friday’s results will be available in a later edition of the Columbia Basin Herald.  

BOX SCORE:  

ROYL: 2-0-0-1-1: 4 

MNTS: 3-10-2-5-X: 20 

    Hali Christensen (14) cheers on Jill Allred, not pictured, in between pitches against Montesano on Friday.
  

    Sarah Bergeson (1) eyes the Montesano pitcher while at bat for the Royal Knights during the quarterfinals of the 1A state tournament.