The state champion Arlington softball team is The Herald’s Team of the Year

Eds. note: The Team of the Year was selected by Herald staff based on first-hand observations and voting by fans.

For high school softball teams this spring, looking over and seeing the Eagles in the dugout across from you was a sign that the next seven innings were going to be rough.

The Eagles shot out to a 7-2 record to start the season. Then Arlington got star pitcher Ronnie Ladines back and the Eagles became even more difficult to beat.

Ladines, who missed the early part of the season with an injured finger, went 16-1 with an earned-run average of 0.17 as she helped stymie Arlington’s opponents on its way to a 4A state championship. The Kent State-bound senior faced 317 batters and struck out 154 of them. She had 55 more strikeouts at the state tournament, where she didn’t allow a single run until the championship game.

Meanwhile, the Eagles really hit their stride offensively. Arlington outscored its opponents 24-1 at the state tournament.

In just half a season Ladines batted .552 with 10 home runs and a slugging percentage of 1.259. She had a 16-game hitting streak and despite missing the first month of the season still put together a season impressive enough to be named The Herald’s Softball Player of the Year.

The dangerous Arlington team was bolstered by Ladines, but was still a force before she was able to return. Senior Hayley Fields stepped up on the mound, going 10-2 for the Eagles and also batting .522 with a 19-game hitting streak over the course of the season.

Arlington’s last loss of the season came on April 26 against Cascade. The Eagles won 11 straight games to close out their season with a state championship.

And it should be pointed out that Arlington didn’t just beat teams, it beat teams with authority. The Eagles had 11 games in which they outscored their opponents by 10 runs or more, including Arlington’s first game at the state tournament in Spokane against Todd Beamer.

Hayden Fields, Hayley’s sister, drove in six of the Eagles’ 12 runs in that game, including what Arlington head coach Dan Eng called “two monster home runs,” as Arlington gave a glimpse of what was to come in the state tournament with a 12-0 win.

Dominant, almost doesn’t feel like a strong enough word.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.