Colton softball opens playoff run Saturday

Garth Meyer, Gazette Reporter | May 11, 20170

The playoffs begin for the defending state 1B softball champions Saturday with two games in Medical Lake, opening against Curlew at 2 p.m.

The team plays after that at 4 p.m. in a District 7 and 9 bracket in which four teams will advance on the road to state.

What does Colton coach Brad Nilson know about Curlew?

“Nothing,” he said with a smile. “I like not knowing.”

Colton (17-2, 8-1 in league) aims to defend its 2016 state championship; a playoff route that began with a win over Curlew.

This week, finishing out the 2017 regular season, Colton beat Lapwai 22-1 in a non-league game at home Monday. On May 4, the Wildcats dismissed Touchet 14-2 in a game in which Emma and Emily Schultheis both went 2-for-3 at bat.

The two also pitched in the five-inning game. Emma Schultheis went three innings for three strikeouts and no walks, allowing one hit. Emily Schultheis threw two innings with three strikeouts, three walks and two hits.

Against Lapwai, Colton amassed 12 hits, including Josie Schultheis' 3-for-5 afternoon. She is an eighth-grader starting at third base.

Emma Schultheis went 2-for-2, and Emily Schultheis went 2-for-4.

On the mound, it was Emily again to start, throwing three innings to allow one hit with six strikeouts and no walks. Josie Schultheis threw two innings, giving up two hits with two strikeouts and no walks.

Colton was scheduled to play Thursday in a non-league game against 2B Dayton to mark a full schedule of 20 games in the regular season.

Entering the playoffs, the team is injury-free.

“We're solid,” Nilson said.