Mill Creek Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Jackson is ready to defend its state softball title.

The Timberwolves secured its ticket to the 4A tournament with a 5-3 victory over Wesco rival Lake Stevens in a winner-to-state Wes-King District semifinal game Wednesday, May 15, at Phil Johnson Fields in Everett.

The Timberwolves advance to the district title game where they will face Eastlake at 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 17, at Phil Johnson Fields. The Wolves defeated Glacier Peak 11-6 in the other semifinal contest. The Grizzlies can still earn a berth to the state tournament with a victory over either Redmond or Woodinville in a winner-to-state game at 4:30 p.m. May 17, at Phil Johnson Fields. The loser will take on either Lake Stevens or Bothell in a winner-to-state/loser-out game at 6:30 p.m.

Senior pitcher Iylana De Jesus allowed four hits and struck out 15 to lead the Timberwolves (21-2). The Vikings took a 1-0 lead on a home run in the first inning before the Wolfpack responded with two runs in the fourth.

The Timberwolves opened district play with a 4-0 victory over North Creek and a 9-6 win over Newport Friday, May 10, at Phil Johnson Fields.

This will be Jackson’s fifth straight appearance at the state tournament.

Glacier Peak outslugged Bothell 14-10 in a quarterfinal contest on Friday, May 10 but then lost to Eastlake in the semifinals. The Grizzlies are looking to make their third trip to state and their first since 2016.

WILDCATS OUSTED: Archbishop Murphy was eliminated from the postseason following a 17-6 loss to Sedro-Woolley in a loser-out 2A District softball tournament game Wednesday, May 15, at Janicki Fields in Sedro-Woolley. The Wildcats opened district play with a 10-6 win over Liberty but then lost 12-2 to top seed Anacortes.