Pendleton softball has sights set on state title this season
By Joe Hathaway on Thursday, March 14th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – After falling one game short of the state championship game in 2023, Pendleton High varsity softball coach says there’s a fire in his team to go all the way this year.
“There’s a fire burning from last year,” said Head Coach Tim Cary. “I feel like there’s no reason why we can’t make a big push this year.”
Cary, who’s now in his 20th season coaching the Buckaroos, says while he lost some starters from last year’s semi final squad, that his team this year remains dangerous
“If we can keep everyone healthy, we can make some noise down the backstretch of the season,” says Cary. “Every year we go right back to the fundamentals and the basics of the game and make sure that we are sound fundamentally and doing things correctly. It’s always about hustle, work ethic, and attitude all the time.”
That attitude has paid off to start the season, with the Bucks blasting Walla Walla 10-0 in the season opener on March 12.
Cary says with his program’s recent success and being the reigning Greater Oregon league champions, means that there’s a target on their backs.
“We know a lot of teams are out to get us and that’s how it should be anyway,” says Cary “We’re always up for a challenge, and I know most of the other teams seem to always play their best game when they play us. That’s good for us, though. Puts the pressure on us.”
Pendleton has its fair share of challenging opponents this season, including playing 3A Burns on March 14th, a team that hasn’t lost in two years. The Buckaroos will also face the defending state champions The Dalles, as well as league rival La Grande, which is also expected to be a playoff contender.
“We have a tough schedule this year, but we’re ready to play and ready to have some fun.”
