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Katelyn Sonnichsen allowed only two hits and struck out 14 to help lead Kamiak to its first league victory of the season.

Teammate Kelci Carroll drove in three runs as the Knights defeated district rival Mariner 6-0 in a Wesco 4A softball game Monday, April 1, at Mariner High School.

“Katelyn was hitting all her spots,” Kamiak coach Ann Bradley said.

Kamiak (1-2 in the league, 6-3 overall) also executed on the offensive end with key bunts that led to runs.

“Bunting was great,” Bradley said. “It was something we lacked last year and both Katelyn Sonnichsen and Lindsey Greenfield laid down great bunts moving the runners into scoring position.”

The Knights have battled injuries and illnesses since the start of the season. The team only had nine players eligible in its first six nonconference contests. Bradley has been forced to bring up some junior varsity players.

Kamiak isn’t expected to have all nine starters back until after spring break.

“We need to continue to hit the ball like we know we are capable and find some continuity with our defense,” Bradley said. “I keep telling my girls it’s not how you start but how you finish. We need to keep working and continue to build as the season progresses.”

Mariner coach Nathan Beachy said that the Marauders (0-3, 1-8) made more plays than they have been lately.

“Our pitching has been powering through and trying to keep us in games,” Beachy said.

“Alexis Slater has been pitching well for us all season and today was no exception.”

Mariner’s defense misplayed three routine balls in the air that led to four of Kamiak’s six runs. Beachy also said the Marauders need to have better at-bats.

“I felt like our approach has been getting better but today was a huge step backwards with all the strikeouts,” Beachy said. “We have to make routine plays … but we aren’t doing that and the scores are showing how blatantly important those plays are.”