Pasco Punch: Storm Bats Awaken Despite Tough Crossover Start

PASCO, Wash. — The NWAC Crossover Tournament is always a litmus test for grit, and the Chemeketa Storm certainly had theirs tested on Friday at the Pasco Sports Complex. Facing a gauntlet of Spokane and Everett, the Storm (4-15) experienced the highs and lows of tournament play: a sluggish morning start followed by a late-afternoon power surge that nearly pulled off an improbable comeback.

Game 1: Spokane's Power Surge Silences Storm

Final: Spokane 9, Chemeketa 1 (5 Innings)

The tournament opener was a tough pill to swallow as Spokane utilized the long ball to dictate the tempo early. Spokane's Addyson Stewart put on a clinic, driving in six of the Sasquatch's nine runs, including a home run that helped trigger the five-inning run rule.

Despite the lopsided score, the Storm saw a brilliant individual performance from Kylie Caraphina. Caraphina was a perfect 3-for-3 at the dish, accounting for half of the team's total hits. Layni Noonkester managed to drive in Hadlee Nicholson for the Storm's lone run, but Spokane's defense prevented any further damage.

• The Bright Spot: Caraphina's 1.000 batting average in Game 1 showed she saw the ball clearly even when the rest of the lineup struggled to find their timing.

• The Struggle: The Storm staff issued four walks and hit several batters, providing Spokane with the extra baserunners they needed to turn solo shots into multi-run rallies.

Game 2: The Late-Inning Lightning

Final: Everett 9, Chemeketa 7

If the morning was a whisper, the afternoon was a roar. Returning to the dirt to face Everett, Chemeketa looked like a completely different ball club. While Everett pounded out 15 hits to take an early lead, the Storm refused to roll over.

The middle of the order finally flexed its muscle. Zoe Moore and Layni Noonkester both launched home runs, igniting a dugout that had been quiet just hours before. Moore was a force, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Caraphina continued her torrid day with two doubles and two more RBIs.

The Resilience Factor:

Trailing 9-2 heading into the late innings, the Storm mounted a furious rally:

• 6th Inning: A three-run outburst cut the deficit to 9-5.

• 7th Inning: Chemeketa plated two more, bringing the tying run to the plate before Everett managed to escape with the final out.

Crossover Standouts: By the Numbers

The Takeaway

The Storm learned a lot about their offensive identity in Pasco. While the pitching staff dealt with some "tough luck" outings—specifically Addison Bennett, who allowed 8 runs against Everett with zero of them being earned—the bats proved they can trade blows with the best in the NWAC.

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