Last year, Redmond’s fastpitch team did not make it easy on itself in getting to the Class 4A state tournament in Tacoma.

After an early loss in the Kingco tournament, the hard-nosed ‘Stangs needed to win three straight loser-out games to earn a state spot.

This year, however, was quite the opposite, as the Mustangs won the 4A Kingco Crest Division and then beat Woodinville 5-2 in the league championship game to earn an automatic state berth.

Many of this season’s players were involved in last year’s magical third-place run, and now this May, the Mustangs are ready to prove that they are the team to beat this time around.

“With all the kids who are coming back, they bring a lot of savvy and experience to the table,” said Redmond head coach Pat Frable. “They worked extremely hard as they have all year.”

The Mustangs open the state tournament Friday against Thomas Jefferson at 1 p.m. at South End Recreation Area (SERA) in Tacoma.

“Our only focus right now is that we play Thomas Jefferson in the first round on Friday, and then we’ll take it as it comes.”

PRESSURE PERFORMANCES

Having been to state in years past as an assistant coach, Frable knows the key to success this weekend will be able to make plays and stay focused on the task at hand.

“We need to try to win every inning and go out with a focus where they eliminate all distractions, and play like they’ve been playing for the last two weeks,” he said. “And be able to perform under pressure. We try to put them in game-like situations as often as we can.”

Senior starting pitcher Erika Hendron, slated to start every game for the Mustangs, looks to match the start she had at SERA Fields last year, where she gave up just one run in the first two games.

“Erika’s going to come out and have a great tournament,” Frable said.

The Mustangs also have several talented sophomores making their debut at state, including Lindsay Cristobal, a speedy outfielder who will contribute both offensively and defensively.

“I’m so excited for the state tournament and to get this opportunity,” Cristobal said. “My goals are just to help out the team in any way I can, whether’s its laying down a bunt, or getting a baserunner on… I’ll do it.”

DEADLY BATTERY

Without a doubt, the Mustangs’ battery of Hendron and catcher Paige Mullins is one of the most formidable in the state, as both have fed off of each other and learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses over the years.

“We just mesh well together,” Mullins said of her relationship with Hendron. “I’ll keep calling the same pitches, and she’s been awesome. That’s all we can hope for.”

The only way for the Mustangs to better last year’s finish is to make it all the way to the championship game, which the players believe will happen.

“Our goal is to take first,” Mullins said confidently. “We need to keep our intensity up and keep playing like we’ve been playing.”