In 2023, The Dalles slugged their way to their first Softball title since 1994, toting a “murders row” lineup that broke the state record for HRs in a season. In the State Championship Game, the Riverhawks blew out Henley, 16-0, in one of the most dominant performances we’ve ever seen. While they enter 2024 as our favorites to repeat, there was a lot of young talent last season that could give them a run for their money.
Teams to look out for in 2024
The Dalles / Dufur – As we mentioned above, the Riverhawks enter the 2024 season as our favorites to hoist the State Championship. However, the route to glory will be harder than before. The biggest shock of the offseason was when we were notified that the reigning 4A Player of the Year, Madelynn Sagapouletele (who was only a Freshman), transferred to Gresham. While we’ve heard rumors of her potential return in the future, she won’t play for the Crimson and Gold this season, which changes a lot. Head Coach Lindy Macnab will also have to replace Kennedy Abbas (Pitcher of the Year), but there is a plethora of talent coming back. The returning studs include Zoe LeBreton (1st Team All-State Infielder), Despina Seufalemua (1st Team All-State Utility Player), Jeilane Stewart (1st Team All-State Catcher), Keiliani Crichton-Tunai (2nd Team All-State Infielder) and Kaleyah Crichton-Tunai (2nd Team All-State Outfielder).
Scappoose – This young Lady Indians squad gave The Dalles quite a battle last season when the two sides met in the 4A State Semifinals. The Riverhawks would ultimately prevail, but only with a narrow 3-1 decision. The leader in the circle for this bunch returns in Saige Casey. Casey was only a freshman in 2023 and earned herself a spot on the 2nd Team All-State list. With a year of experience under her belt and all but two players returning, there’s no reason why this Scappoose squad can’t compete for their first Softball State Championship since 1995. Two other players to keep an eye on will be Sophia Bloyd and Madison White.
Henley – After a heartbreaking loss in the 2023 State Championship Game, the Henley Hornets will be out for revenge in 2024. The bulk of this squad also plays basketball, and coming off of their recent triumph in that respective title game, they’ll be hungry for more. Led by Annie Campos (1st Team All-State Pitcher), Anna Harper (1st Team All-State Outfielder), and Natalie Hudson (Honorable Mention All-State Outfielder), expect the Hornets to be back amongst the favorites this season.
Astoria – The Lady Fisherman comes into the 2024 Softball season with a similar villain origin story to Henley. On March 9th, they fell to the Hornets in the 4A Girls Basketball State Championship Game which will light a fire under this group. The sky is the limit for this Clatsop County bunch with a wealth of talent returning to the starting lineup. Maddie Wilkin (2nd Team All-State Pitcher), Kya Lindell (2nd Team All-State Infielder), Naomi Holmstead (Honorable Mention All-State Infielder), and Shelby Bruney (Honorable Mention All-State First Baseman) all highlight what should be a Semifinal team at the very least this year.
La Grande – It was an impressive 2023 campaign for this Lady Tiger squad before an epic collapse in the State Quarterfinals. After splitting the season series with Pendleton at two games a piece, the Lady Bucks routed La Grande 14-0 en route to the 4A Semifinals. With this being the case, and with how much talent LG brings back, there is going to be a HUGE chip on this group’s shoulder. Marti Anderson (1st Team All-State Catcher), Maddie Seavert (2nd Team All-State Infielder), and Carlee Strand (2nd Team All-State Utility) will lead this group in 2024.
Other players worth keeping an eye on this season include:
Amyah Miranda (Cascade)
Cassidy Crabtree (Cascade)
Malia Scanlan (Cascade)
Chloe McKenzie (Crook County)
Danner Hemphill (Crook County)
Jaycee Villastrigo (Crook County)
Kaylyn Fildes (Crook County)
Tylee Cossitt (Crook County)
Libby Juker (Estacada)
Aubrey Schmidt (Hidden Valley)
Sam Leshler (Hidden Valley)
Parker Doerr (Marist Catholic)
Daphne Heckel (Marist Catholic)
Makenna Johnson (Marshfield)
Paige Macduff (Marshfield)
Tatum Montiel (Marshfield)
Lily Kennel (Mazama)
Maggie Pizano (Mazama)
Emma Spalding (North Bend)
McKenzii Breakfield (North Bend)
Brie Kemble (Ontario)
Avery Krigbaum (Pendleton)
Avery Quaempts (Pendleton)
Kendall Murphy (Pendleton)
Madeline Schumaker (Pendleton)
Melanie Boatman (Pendleton)
Jayden Vos (Phoenix)
Brooke Morley (Stayton)
Christine McCants (Stayton)
Kenzie Hollenback (Stayton)
Andie Brooks (St. Helens)
Makinley Nielsen (Tillamook)
Preseason Top-10
- The Dalles / Dufur
- Scappoose
- Henley
- Astoria
- La Grande
- Pendleton
- Crook County
- Cascade
- St. Helens
- Stayton
Considered: Marshfield, Marist Catholic, Hidden Valley, North Bend, Mazama, Estacada, Cottage Grove
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