An impromptu postgame celebration ensued on the field following the Eastlake Wolves’ triumphant 7-4 victory against the Woodinville Falcons in the Class 4A KingCo softball championship game on May 15 at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore.

Members of the Eastlake softball squad posed for pictures in the outfield near the scoreboard while a multitude of parents, fans and Eastlake High School students made their way onto the field commemorating one of the most monumental victories in a decade for the program. The Wolves clinched a berth in the Class 4A state tournament, which will take place from May 25-26 at Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane. It will be the Wolves’ first appearance in the state tournament since the 2011 season.

Eastlake starting pitcher Camryn Snyder, who pitched all seven innings against Woodinville, was jovial following the game.

“It is overwhelmingly awesome that we are going to state. I’m so excited and I know we are going to get after it. It is such a team effort that we’re here,” Snyder said.

Snyder allowed 12 hits and four earned runs in the contest but got the crucial outs when it mattered most. The Wolves offense scored four runs in the top of third inning, taking a 4-0 lead. Georgia Robinson had a two-RBI double in the inning. Sophia Robinson and Emma Bickford each had one RBI apiece as well to give the Wolves a commanding four-run advantage.

In the bottom of the third, Snyder allowed four consecutive hits to start the inning but allowed just two runs. The Wolves infield turned a key double play to prevent Woodinville from getting momentum. Wolves’ outfielder Josie Charles made a crucial catch in the bottom of the fifth, preventing a run. In the bottom of the sixth, senior outfielder Ryan Vogel made a difficult catch to prevent extra bases.

“My defense was busting their butt all over the field. They are much of the reason why we won this game. I’m incredibly proud of them,” Snyder said.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the sixth, Eastlake sophomore Ashlyn Roberts connected on a bloop single between Woodinville’s third baseman and left fielder, scoring two runs to extend Eastlake’s lead to 7-3. In the bottom of the seventh, Woodinville junior Megan Taketa connected on a solo home-run to leadoff the inning.

Snyder wasn’t fazed in the least bit.

After surrendering a single to the next Woodinville batter, Snyder struck out three consecutive Woodinville hitters, preserving a 7-4 victory.

“Cam did so great today. She is really good at handling herself under pressure. I was just super proud of her,” Georgia Robinson said.

Eastlake head coach Stephanie Fox said her team didn’t exude any nervous energy going into the showdown against a formidable Woodinville program.

“I told the girls that I just wanted them to play within themselves and play their game. I didn’t want them to do anything different. Yeah, it was a high-pressure game but we wanted to just continue to do what we’ve been doing,” Fox said. “The defense made plays and Cam pitched a heck of a game. She is such a fighter and has had such a great season. That is a great ballclub (Woodinville) over there. For us to come out and beat them, it is huge.”

Back in March, Fox said the Wolves’ goal was to win the Class 4A state championship this May. The Wolves now will get their chance to bring home a first-place trophy from Spokane.

“It’s our time. I really believe we are one of the best teams in the state, if not the best team in the state,” Fox said.