PREP SOFTBALL

Montesano 2, Woodland 0

In a final tune-up match ahead of the 1A State Tournament, Matti Ekerson’s two-run blast turned out to be the difference as the Montesano Bulldogs defeated the Woodland Beavers 2-0 on Tuesday at Montesano High School.

With Montesano ace Lindsay Pace and Woodland starter Olivia Grey locked in a pitcher’s duel through five innings, the Bulldogs (18-5 overall) got things started when Lexi Lovell led off the bottom of the sixth with a double.

After Katie Granstrom grounded out to advance Lovell to third, Ekerson stepped to the plate and drove relief pitcher Leanna Russell’s first pitch over the center field fence for the only runs of the game.

Pace earned the win, throwing six shutout innings while allowing four hits with seven strikeouts.

Grace Geer relieved Pace and earned the save by pitching a scoreless seventh.

Grey took a no decision, allowing one hit and striking out 11 Bulldogs over five innings.

Emma Jensen got half of Montesano’s hits on Tuesday, going 2-for-3 in the game.

Monte opens play in the 1A State Tournament at 10 a.m. on Friday in Richland.

Woodland 000 000 0 — 0 6 0

Montesano 000 002 x — 2 4 0

WP — pace (6 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 7 K, 3 BB); LP — Russell (IP, 2 ER, 3 H); SV — Geer (IP, 0 R, 2 H, K)

Top Players: Montesano — Jensen (2-3), Ekerson (1-3, 2R HR, R, 2 RBI); Lovell (1-1, 2B, R). Woodland — Kelly Sweyer (2-4, RBI).