Spring sports preview: Revamped SHS fastpitch squad looks to newcomers for diamond wins

By Michael Dashiell • March 13, 2024 1:30 am
Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell Sequim second baseman Taylee Rome, pictured here throwing out a Port Angeles batter in a 2023 league contest, was named a first team all-Olympic League infielder and is one of just two seniors on the 2024 squad.
Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell Sequim second baseman Taylee Rome, pictured here throwing out a Port Angeles batter in a 2023 league contest, was named a first team all-Olympic League infielder and is one of just two seniors on the 2024 squad.

After missing out on a state tourney berth by one game in 2023, Sequim’s fastpitch squad is facing another numbers problem.

Mike McFarlen, now in his 10th season overall as head coach of the Wolves, has 13 players in the program and won’t have enough to field a junior varsity team for the first time in any recent history.

Sequim lost seven starters from the squad that went 9-5 in Olympic League play and 11-10 overall, including a 2-1 record at the West Central District tourney.

“We’ve got some kids who can play [but] we’re pretty raw,” McFarlen said.

Sequim lost four of their five all-Olympic League first-teamers to graduation, including stalwarts Lainy Vig, Hannah Bates and Mia Pozernick.

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Sequim catcher Mikki Green, pictured here in a 2023 game against Port Angeles, was named to the all-Olympic League second team.

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Sequim catcher Mikki Green, pictured here in a 2023 game against Port Angeles, was named to the all-Olympic League second team.

This year’s Wolves, however, do bring back first-team all-league infielder Taylee Rome, second team catcher Michaela Green and key contributors Charley Sturm and Mia Kirner.

Experience may be an issue the Sequim coach said, with two seniors, five juniors and six underclassmen on the squad. McFarlen will turn to a pair of sophomores — Neveah Owens and Rilynn Whitehead — to split time on the mound. Rome can pitch as well, he said, but he hopes the 10th graders can carry SHS’s pitching duties.

“We’ll beat the teams we should beat,” McFarlen said.

Sequim opened the season at home against 1A Forks on March 12 (results were not available at press time) and host 3A Bainbridge on March 19.

Spring sports preview: Fastpitch

Head coach: Mike McFarlen (10th season overall)

2023 record: 9-5 in Olympic League, 11-10 overall (2-1 at districts)

Top returners: Taylee Rome (sr.), Charley Sturm (sr.), Michaela Green (jr.), Mia Kirner (jr.)

Newcomers: Riley Doig (jr.), Grace Gardner (jr.), Hannah Giddings (jr.), Kiley Winter (jr.), Neveah Owens (so.), Ava Ritter (so.), Rilynn Whitehead (so.), Gracie Chartraw (fr.), Laila Sanderson (fr.)

2024 Sequim High fastpitch schedule

Date Opponent Time

March 12 Forks 4:15 p.m.

March 19 Bainbridge 4:15 p.m.

March 20 at Gig Harbor 5 p.m.

March 21 at Bremerton 4:15 p.m.

March 26 North Kitsap 4:15 p.m.

March 28 at North Mason 4:15 p.m.

April 9 Kingston 4:15 p.m.

April 11 at Olympic 4:15 p.m.

April 16 at Port Angeles 4:15 p.m.

April 18 at Bainbridge 4:15 p.m.

April 20 Klahowya 4:15 p.m.

April 23 Bremerton 4:15 p.m.

April 25 at North Kitsap 4:15 p.m.

April 30 North Mason 4:15 p.m.

May 2 at Kingston 4:15 p.m.

May 7 Olympic 4:15 p.m.

May 10 Port Angeles 4:15 p.m.

May 16-18 Bi-district tournament, Lacey TBA

May 24-25 State 2A tournament, Selah TBA