The Clarkston Bantams proved that good things come to those who wait—and battle through wind, rain, and a determined opponent. In a 2A Greater Spokane League softball district tournament semifinal that stretched across two days, the third-seeded Bantams defeated second-seeded Pullman 23-12 via mercy rule after five innings at Pullman High School.
What started as a Wednesday showdown was suspended due to unplayable field conditions, with the teams finishing under clearer skies on Thursday. But the delay didn't cool off Clarkston's bats. Senior shortstop Aneysa Judy was the star of the show, going 4-for-6 with a double and three RBIs while also turning a key double play in the fourth inning and making the game-ending catch in the fifth.
"We just peaked at the right time," said Clarkston coach Kristin Wilson, whose team had lost two of three regular-season meetings against Pullman. "We came ready to go. We had some tough practices, and we came ready to battle. We wanted this; we want this."
The Bantams (14-8) came out swinging from the first pitch, exploding for 11 runs in the opening inning. The wet conditions made life tough for Pullman's defense, with balls slipping out of gloves and blowing just out of reach. Clarkston pitcher Olivia Tannahill kept the momentum going by striking out three straight batters to close the first inning.
By the top of the second, Clarkston had built a commanding 15-0 lead. But the Greyhounds (15-7) showed their fight, rallying for six runs and loading the bases before weather halted play Wednesday. When action resumed Thursday, Pullman continued clawing back, with Izzy Dahmen smacking an RBI triple to cut the deficit to 15-9.
"Just the belief that they can do it," Pullman coach Haylee Fishback said of her team's response. "It doesn't matter about the conditions; they have to trust themselves and trust their ability to go and fight."
In the end, Clarkston's early surge proved too much to overcome. The victory secured the Bantams a spot in the state tournament and a district final matchup against top-seeded Deer Park. For Pullman, the season came to a close, but not without a memorable battle against both the elements and a red-hot opponent.
As any softball player knows, sometimes it's not just about talent—it's about peaking at the perfect moment. For the Bantams, that moment arrived just in time.