Hunger Games

Maggie Hungerford lives by five simple words — school, practice, homework, sleep, repeat.

Whether she’s hitting softballs, making baskets, spiking volleyballs or taking tests, the Washougal High School junior gives her all for the orange and black.

“I’m honored to play three different sports,” Hungerford said. “It’s really fun. I’ve gained so many friends. I’m always going. It keeps me busy.”

On April 26, Hungerford had a memorable day on the diamond. She doubled, tripled and drove in four runs to help the Washougal softball team defeat Mark Morris 14-5, in Longview.

“It was just a really good day. I felt it even in the warm ups,” she said. “We were all connecting, seeing the ball well, executing our plays; it was just a good day.”

Pitcher Kayla Lagerquist struck out 11 Monarchs in seven innings. She also had two hits and an RBI at the plate. The Panthers combined for 18 hits in the game. Madison Gehrke delivered three hits and an RBI, Ryenn Soule knocked in two runs on two singles, and Baliee Forsberg, Hailey Foeber and Keana Macrae-Smith each had two hits and an RBI.

The next day, Washougal hung tough with Columbia River for five innings. Then, the Chieftains pulled away for a 7-1 victory after the Panthers committed three errors in the bottom of the sixth.

After the game, Lagerquist had a heart-to-heart with her teammates. She’s a quiet captain. When she speaks up, they listen.

“Remember what happened the last time, be more heads-up and think a play ahead. Going above is what makes a great ballplayer on your team,” she said. “Play every second of every minute of every game like it’s your last. For us seniors, it is.”

Hungerford takes Lagerquist’s words to heart. Although her ankle hasn’t fully healed from basketball season, it’s hard to take Hungerford out of the game.

“I’m a three-sport athlete,” she said. “I’ve been playing since I was little. I wouldn’t even think about taking time off.”

Hungerford has been to the state basketball tournament, and helped the Panthers finish in fourth place in 2016. The Washougal softball team reached the district tournament last season, and settled for fourth place. Hungerford hopes this is the year these girls finally breakthrough the glass ceiling.

“Getting to play basketball at the state tournament was the best experience. I absolutely loved it,” she said. “Hopefully, we make it this year in softball and it will be even better.”

Although she’s only 5’5, Hungerford said her favorite sport is volleyball.

“I’m not that tall,” she admits. “It’s all heart and determination.”

Hungerford thrives off the energy on the volleyball court. She was a productive outside hitter, but stepped up to play libero after a teammate suffered a season-ending injury.

Senior year is just around the corner, but Hungerford still has a lot to play for this spring.

The Washougal softball team hosts Ridgefield Friday, Columbia River Wednesday, May 10, and Mark Morris Friday, May 12. All three games begin at 4 p.m.