EUGENE — In its first state appearance in program history, the Thurston softball team was taken down by the Ridgeview Ravens from Redmond in a 9-0 shutout at Jane Saunders Stadium Saturday night. The veteran Ravens, who sealed their season 27-1, added a second 5A title trophy to the case among the 2019 title.
“I look forward to the future,” head coach Jeff Litle said about earning state-runner up and recording their first appearance in the program.
“What a great group of kids. Obviously this is not the outcome we wanted today. We didn’t play our best game for sure. So that’s disappointing, but you know, you can’t win them all. We will regroup and be ready for next year,” he said.
It was a tough game for the Colts (26-6), who recorded their first runless game of the season. The Colts found trouble on the offense with Ravens starter Brezlyn Hagemeister, who allowed only three hits for the Colts and struck out 11.
“We just couldn’t get any solid contact,” said Litle. “And when we did, we couldn’t continue it. It’s unfortunate that it happened, but it is what it is.”
KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES / THE CHRONICLE
The Colts also struggled defensively with missed catches, errors and miscommunications. Five errors in the second inning led to the Ravens taking an early lead with an explosive 5-run rally.
There were still some memorable moments for the Colts, particularly for senior Gaby Montes.
The leadoff batter earned two of the team’s three hits. She also had the Thurston section roaring from the stands when she slid across the field for a soaring line drive for an out in the bottom of the fourth inning.
Senior Gaby Montes was named Co-Player of The Game. ALL PHOTOS BY KALLIE HANSEL-TENNES. 
Pitcher Kasey Ogan congratulates Gaby Montes on catching a soaring fly ball for an out in the bottom of the fourth inning. 
Senior Gaby Montes celebrating after taking second base when she doubled in the top of the third.
“I’m really disappointed for my seniors,” said Litle. “They’ve had a heck of a career.”
Among Montes, Thurston graduates pitcher Kasey Ogan, Kendall Miller, and Abby Fellows. The four have seen a successful high school featuring over 70 wins and led their team to its first state appearance.
Despite the disappointment and the fresh sting of all-state loss, Litle hopes that the momentum of this historic season will carry into next year by setting a new expectation.
Recording a state appearance for the first time in history changes the Thurston program for generations.
“It sets the expectations high,” he said. “The groups coming after this group can say, ‘Hey, that group got it done. We can get there too.’ It sets lofty expectations for everybody. Because now we’ve been here.
“Now we’ve got to try to get ourselves back here again and do our thing,” he said.
