The Thunderbirds faced a tough challenge on Saturday, as they took on the Bulldogs in a doubleheader game. Despite putting up a good fight, the Thunderbirds were unable to overcome the Bulldogs’ dominance, losing both games by a significant margin.

In the first game, the Thunderbirds fell 10-2. Abigail Wilkins was the standout player for Highline, hitting a home run and driving in two runs. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Bulldogs’ strong offense, and the Thunderbirds ultimately fell short.

The second game was even more difficult for the Thunderbirds, as they were shut out 22-0 by the Bulldogs. 

According to Corrina Cunningham, one of the Highline players, the team struggled with communication and fatigue during the game. “It was hot and we hadn’t played in that kind of weather before really,” she said. “We need to trust and rely on each other a lot more instead of relying on our coaching staff as much.”

Despite the losses, the Thunderbirds remain focused on their goals for the rest of the season. “I want us to end on a good and positive note because who knows how many of us will be here next year,” Cunningham said. 

The team hopes to win at least two more games and play as a cohesive unit as they finish out the season.

Additionally, in a rescheduled home game last Tuesday, The Thunderbirds played a doubleheader against the Pierce College Raiders. Unfortunately, the Thunderbirds lost 10-7 to the Raiders.

Pierce College’s hitters, led by Cydney Jarvis and Grace Spencer, took control of the game early on. Their batters managed to get on base and score runs, which Highline found difficult to answer. Baylee Blau, Elena Castanon, Kendall Lawson, Makayla Stockman, Sidnye Burger, and Olivia Watts also contributed to the Raiders’ impressive 13-hit performance. Jarvis hit two doubles; while Spencer, Blau, Castanon, Stockman, Burger, and Watts each hit a double. Castanon also hit a triple.

On the other hand, Highline’s batters struggled to keep up with Pierce College. Jazlyn Furuya, Trinity Marion, Corrina Cunningham, Abigail Wilkins, Haeley Diehl, Eeron Wong, Oriana Lahaina, and Madison Nicky Maafala tried to mount a comeback, but it was not enough. Furuya and Marion hit two doubles each, while Cunningham and Wilkins hit a double apiece. Marion also hit a homerun.

Neither Makayla Stockman nor Trinity Marion pitched a complete game, so they did not give up any earned runs. Highline’s batters faced only Stockman, while Pierce College’s batters faced only Marion.

The next game will be at home next Tuesday at 2 p.m. against Everett College. You can watch the game on the North West Athletic Conference live stream located here.