PATRIOT NATION . . . What an emotionally draining day.  In the championship game our boys fought hard until the last out.  The score tied 3-3 through, seven our game went into extra innings.  Bellevue scored in the 8th inning to take the lead, as we came up short losing 4-3.  Duing the loss we got outstanding pitching from Connor Sjolander, who returned to his early season form, Keegan Bennett, who returned to the moound in dominant fashion following his knee injury two weeks ago, and Dan Eck, who has been dominant all season long. The loss put us in the 7PM loser-out game against Sammamish HS.  Yes, the same team we beat Friday night.  We put so much emotional energy into defeating Bellevue that we felt as if we were mourning a lost loved one.  During our 3 hour break between games our boys found the energy and will to compete.  We dominated Sammamish 6-1, scoring at least one run in every inning.  This marked the fifth time we played and defeated Sammamish.
 
The team's effort is testament to the character and determination inside all of our players.  Reaching deep inside for the will to win after an obvious moment of bitter despair was not easy.  Our victory gives us an opportunity to play a game Tuesday, May 19th against West Seattle.  If we win then we play in the State Regional Tournament Saturday, May 23rd.  Interestingly enough, West Seattle is the team that knocked us out last season.  We have a lot to play for and I know our boys will respond with tremendous energy, strength and confidence, as we set a new course on our road to a state title.