The White River Hornets have built a reputation for success in Class 2A softball circles, earning appearances in the state tournament nine consecutive years.

But previous accomplishments don’t count once teams step between the white lines at Carlon Park in Selah.

The Hornet girls found that to be painfully true in this year’s 2A opening round. Paired against Ephrata High, White River suffered a 9-3 loss and was quickly relegated to the loser’s bracket.

The second-round opponent, the Lakewood Cougars, plated a lone run in the bottom of the fourth inning. That was enough to seal the Hornets’ doom as the White River offense was whitewashed for just the second time this season.

The 1-0 loss brought an end to a 20019 campaign that saw the Hornets finish 14-14 overall.