The Juneau‑Douglas High School softball team edged out Ketchikan 24‑23 on May 22, 2026 in a game that swung back and forth like a pendulum. Alayna Echiverri, Sadie Lockhart and Blythe Lockhart paced the Crimson Bears with multiple hits, while Kiki Galletes‑Swofford delivered a key RBI. Lily Hayes, June Troxel and Keira Payne added single hits to keep the scoreboard ticking.
A Mid‑Game Surge
A double play in the top of the second inning halted a Ketchikan rally, and the Bears answered with a 17‑run burst across the next three frames, turning a 16‑5 deficit into a 22‑17 lead. Taylor Williams and Ari Ma’ake delivered clutch hits during the surge, shifting momentum firmly in JDHS’s favor.
Starter Brynn Wheeler struggled early, allowing seven hits and 13 runs before being replaced by senior Gwen Nizich, who settled the mound with a mixed performance of three hits and 10 runs over 4.2 innings. Across the diamond, Ketchikan pitcher Willow Vierra‑Sonnenschein surrendered 22 hits and 24 runs in six innings, underscoring the high‑scoring nature of the contest.
Offensively, Alayna Echiverri, Sadie Lockhart and Blythe Lockhart each drove in multiple runs, while Ari Ma’ake and Blythe Lockhart each collected three hits. The Bears also saw RBIs from Lily Hayes, June Troxel and Keira Payne, and a trio of RBIs from Sadie Lockhart, Lily Hayes and Keira Payne helped seal the lead. Cereniti Buendia led the Lady Kings with three hits and three RBI, while Ashlyn Hanchey and Ashlyn Harold each scored four runs. Brianna Gilson, Peyton Nickich, Ashlyn Harold and Aleigha Currall each added two RBI for Ketchikan, highlighting a balanced attack from both sides.
The two squads meet again Saturday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with JDHS planning to honor its Crimson Bears seniors at 3 p.m. between the games, a tribute that will spotlight Alayna Echiverri, Sadie Lockhart, Blythe Lockhart and the rest of the graduating class as they close out their high school careers.