Seniors spark Arlington softball wins

LAKE STEVENS — A first-inning double by Arlington senior Christina Rayner gave the Eagles all the offense they’d need to win at Lake Stevens.

Rayner gave a 3-for-4 batting performance, swinging in Kalie Basher and Amanda Lyon for the first of their two runs each. Arlington won the April 21 game, 6-0.

In addition to leading the team at bat, Rayner threw 11 strikeouts in a complete game pitching effort, improving her team to 7-1 in conference play.

Arlington coach Dan Eng attributed the team’s success to the leadership and maturity of his four seniors.

After showing a lot of promise in previous seasons, Rayner has emerged as a force in the league, throwing a no-hitter the week before for another 6-0 win, at Snohomish. The right-hander attributed her success to setting high standards for herself. She allowed three hits against Lake Stevens.

“We try to take it one game at a time,” Rayner said afterward. “We try to focus on winning every inning.”

The girls took advantage of Lake Stevens’ mistakes. With two outs, Basher and Lyon scored again for a 4-0 lead in the top of the third inning on an overthrow in the Viking infield, while batter Lisa Allen got a base instead of an out.

In the fourth inning, Arlington added their final two runs as Heather Hamilton and Allie Milless got on base to lead off the inning. Senior Kristen Allen batted in Hamilton with a base hit and Lyon flew out to left field, allowing Milless to score the Eagles’ sixth run.

“We lead by example, by making plays,” said Allen, a senior at shortstop. “We’re the spark plugs.”

“They do a great job,” Eng added.

Contact Arlington Times Sports Reporter Danielle Szulczewski at dszulczewski@marysvilleglobe.com or 360-659-1300.

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