When Erin Scott thinks about this week’s 3A state softball tournament, she can’t hide her emotions.
The Interlake senior knows this is her last run on the diamond and after playing with this group since Little League, on summer teams and with the Saints during the most successful stretch in program history, the moment is bittersweet.
Even more so considering one of those teammates she has grown with in the game and away from it is her younger sister Ashley.
Little sister would tag along to practices just to watch when Erin began playing as a nine-year-old. Ashley signed up two years later and in the years since, the two have formed a bond through softball that will last well beyond their prep years and has their team in the 3A state tournament for the first time in school history.
“Softball has always been our getaway,” Erin said. “Playing with her has kept me going.”
The Scott sisters have taken care of the work in the pitcher’s circle all year, tossing nearly 160 innings combined to propel their team through the KingCo tournament and to a third-place finish at the Sea-King District tournament last week.
Erin sports a 2.36 ERA and has struck out 87 batters on the year and allowed only 17 extra base hits. Sophomore Ashley has been just as impressive, winning eight games against only three losses and surrendering only 42 runs in 61 innings.
“To see her be so successful is so exciting for both of us,” Erin said. “She has really come through in clutch situations and shown she is a great asset to the team. It has been awesome to watch her develop.”
That development has taken place at the plate as well as in the circle.
The Scotts have been in the middle of a balanced, productive Interlake offense throughout the year, combining for 22 doubles and 47 RBI.
Sophomore Carly Pim leads the team with a .442 batting average, while junior Victoria George has knocked in 23 runs.
After making the first state tournament appearance in any classification last year in 2A, coaches Jesse and Sarah Brown knew the challenge would be much greater this time around, with state powers from the Metro League and a rising tide throughout KingCo standing in their way.
But with a bonafide leader in Erin Scott, a roster rife with playoff experience and a group of talented underclassmen led by Ashley Scott, Interlake is on the precipice of even more.
“Every year is a growing experience,” Jesse Brown said. “This might not be the most talented team we’ve ever had, but that experience says a lot.”
While Erin said her younger sister has kept her motivated on the diamond, Ashley said watching big sister for so many years has helped shape her identity in the game.
“I watch her and the way she plays, and I aspire to be the kind of player she is,” Ashley said. “She has always been a role model.”
The two know the tournament will provide their final opportunity to take the field together and that task begins Friday with a game against Enumclaw at Lacey’s Regional Athletic Complex with a noon first pitch.
While perennial powers like Holy Names and Kelso stand in their way, Interlake is conceding nothing and both Scott sisters said they have a little extra motivation for keeping the season alive as long as possible.
“When we come together, we’re a great team,” Erin said. “Everyone is so motivated and ready.”
