The Washington Demon softball team started their season 6-17.  There were mishaps, the lineup wasn’t producing and they couldn’t hold a lead.  But after a certain point, things started to change.

Defensive changes were made.  There were some shifts in the lineup.  And on top of that, Molly Sparks found her rhythm.

Looking at her overall numbers, Sparks doesn’t jump out at you.  But her statistics have no indication of how she played throughout the second half of the season.

After their 6-17 start, the Demons went 11-5 to finish out the season.  Sparks accounted for 11 of those games, going 8-3 from June 12 through the end of the season.  Three of those wins were shutouts, including a 3-0 victory against the defending class 2A champion Iowa City Regina.

Sparks was also great in the playoffs.  She gave up three runs in the second inning against Clear Creek Amana, but she allowed just one Clipper hit after that point.  She also pitched well against Newton, allowing three runs on six hits to an eventual state tournament team.

Sparks will look to continue her dominance next year in her senior season.