By Declan O’Malley
Journal contributor
Friday Harbor’s baseball and softball teams delivered standout performances this past week in the District tournaments held at Skagit Valley College and Skagit Play Fields. The baseball team went undefeated to claim the District Championship and punch their ticket to the state tournament, while the softball squad opened strong before falling in Game 2. Both teams showcased grit, talent, and teamwork as they represented their school with pride in postseason play.
Baseball
Districts Game 1: Friday Harbor 8, Orcas Island 3, Skagit Valley College
In Game 1 of the Districts tournament, Friday Harbor secured a commanding 8–3 victory over Orcas Island at Skagit Valley College. The Wolverines came out strong, delivering consistent offense and solid defense to take control early and maintain their lead. Key hits and timely plays allowed Friday Harbor to build momentum, while their pitching staff held Orcas Island to just three runs.
Floyd Holman turned in a strong performance on the mound, pitching 5 2/3 innings and striking out 10 batters. He also contributed at the plate with an RBI single. Henry Pope provided solid relief, striking out four over 1 1/3 innings. Harrison Edge added to the offensive push with a two-run single and also scored once.
Districts Game 2: Friday Harbor 6, Mount Vernon Christian 2, Skagit Valley College
In Game 2, Friday Harbor continued its dominant postseason run with a 6–2 win over Mount Vernon Christian, clinching the District Championship. Building on their momentum from Game 1, the Wolverines combined effective pitching, sharp defense, and timely hitting to control the pace and secure the win.
Jackson Feliz was electric on the mound, striking out 15 over seven innings. He also delivered a clutch bases-loaded single in the top of the eighth inning to drive in two runs—on his birthday, no less. Will Youngsman scored the team’s first two runs after reaching base with a pair of walks. Harrison Edge, Floyd Holman, and Marcos Soto each had key hits, with Edge and Holman driving in one run apiece.
Mount Vernon Christian kept the game close through regulation, but Friday Harbor broke it open in extra innings, scoring five runs in the top of the eighth. Triston Bremer took the mound in the rain and closed out the game with three strikeouts, including the final out, sparking a celebration on the field.
“It was a wonderfully rainy day to exact our revenge for our two conference losses, and we now advance to the state tournament,” said head coach Jon Smith. “It was the boys’ belief in themselves and their teammates that made this all possible. Even when we faced adversity during these games, there was never a single doubt in our dugout that we weren’t going to win. And win, we did.”
The win advances Friday Harbor to the state tournament on May 24.
“We won’t know who or where we play until next week after the other district tournaments wrap up and the seeding committee makes its decisions,” Smith said. “This team is playing so well together, and I can’t wait to see how far we can take this season.”
Softball
Districts Game 1: Friday Harbor 9, Orcas Island 1, Skagit Play Fields
In their tournament opener, Friday Harbor’s softball team earned a dominant 9–1 victory over Orcas Island at Skagit Play Fields. The Wolverines set the tone early with strong offensive production and solid defense. Smart baserunning and timely hitting helped Friday Harbor maintain control, while their pitching limited Orcas Island’s scoring chances.
Districts Game 2: Coupeville 15, Friday Harbor 5, Skagit Play Fields
In Game 2, Coupeville’s offense proved too powerful as they defeated Friday Harbor 15–5. Despite solid effort from the Wolverines, Coupeville came out swinging and built an early lead that Friday Harbor struggled to contain. The Wolverines managed to produce runs but couldn’t slow Coupeville’s offensive momentum.
