Grays Harbor News Group
PREP SOFTBALL
Ocosta’s Barnum signs with Lower Columbia
In an auditorium filled with family and friends, Ocosta multi-sport standout Kaylee Barnum took the next step of her softball career, signing a National Letter of Intent to play at Lower Columbia College.
In three years of varsity softball, Barnum batted .671, hit 52 homers and driven 210 runs. She won the 2B All-League MVP honors for her performance on a Wildcats team that went on a run to the state tournament.
Barnum said she has liked the area since playing a softball tournament in Longview when she was younger and is grateful that her efforts were recognized.
“It’s just nice knowing that all my hard work in the summer is paying off and other people have noticed,” she said. “Even though it’s a couple of hours away, it’ll still feel like home and Lower Columbia will definitely help me move on to the next step.”
PREP SOCCER
Raffelson named 2B Central Defesive MVP
Ocosta goalkeeper Kristi Raffelson was named the 2B Central league’s Defensive Most Valuable Player after the all-league teams were announced on Friday.
Raffelson had a league-best nine shutouts on the season and allowed one goal or less in 16 of the Wilcats’ 18 games this season.
Raffelson was joined on the first team by Ocosta senior midfielder Teal Mitby and senior defender Piper Furford.
Wildcats forward Katelynn Denny was named to the second team and sophomore defender Maia Soderlund was selected as an honorable mention.
Several Ocosta athletes earned All-Academic Team honors. Mitby, Kennedy Merino, Kendal Wilson, Mercedes Denny, Keara Wingate, Katelynn Denny and Soderlund were all acknowledged for their academic efforts.
Central 2B Soccer All League Team
Offensive MVP: Payton Aselton, Adna, Midfielder, Jr.
Defensive MVP: Kristi Raffelson, Ocosta, Goalkeeper, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Christopher Van Clifford, Onalaska
1st Team
Cierra Swenson, F, Adna, Jr.; Melanie Martinez, F, Kalama, So.; Ryann Bailey, F, Kalama, Sr.; Teal Mitby, M, Ocosta, Sr.; Rachel Burke, M, Adna, Sr.; Lily Given, M, Kalama, Jr.; Halee Williams, M, Napavine, Jr.; Piper Furford, D, Ocosta, Sr.; Brynn Arrinton, D, Adna, Jr.; Jenna Burnell, D, Kalama, Sr.; Makaela Meister, GK, Adna, Jr.; Cheleena Squibb, GK, Winlock, Sr.
2nd Team
Katelynn Denny, F, Ocosta, Jr.; Sydney Burdick, F, Napavine, Jr.; Alexa Barragan, F, Winlock, Fr.; Chloe Gould, M, Kalama, Sr.; Luna Moran-Fagan, M, Onalaska, Sr.; Hannah Cameron, M, Onalaska, Jr.; Becca Griel, M, Onalaska, Jr.; Jordyn Swenson, D, Adna, Jr.; Madeline Norton, D, Kalama, Sr.; Xoee Pope, D, Napavine, Sr.; Kaylee Veigel, GK, Toledo, Jr.
Honorable Mention
Maia Soderlund, D, Ocosta, So.; Maryssa Peters, F, Toledo, So.; Paige Mershon, F, Toutle Lake, Sr.; Olivia Rodriguez, D, Adna, Sr.; Payton Anderson, D, Onalaska, So.; Caitlin Olson, D, Toledo, Jr.
Central 2B Soccer All Academic Team (Ocosta only)
Teal Mitby, Sr.; Kennedy Merino, Sr.; Kendal Wilson, Sr.; Mercedes Denny, Sr.; Keara Wingate, Sr.; Katelynn Denny, Jr.; Maia Soderlund, So.
