It's time to cast your vote for The News Tribune's Softball Athlete of the Week, honoring the top performers from games played between May 4 and May 9. Voting remains open until noon Thursday, so don't miss your chance to support your favorite standout player.
Below, you'll find the poll and a rundown of this week's impressive candidates. If the poll doesn't appear at the bottom of the page, try switching to a different browser like Chrome or Safari—email votes will not be counted. For future nominations of South Sound high school athletes, email reporter Jon Manley or Tyler Wicke, or send a direct message on Twitter/X with the athlete's name, school, year, position, and stats from the past week. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sunday.
This week's lineup features a mix of power hitters, dominant pitchers, and clutch performers. Lucy Allen, a sophomore left fielder from Eatonville, launched a home run in Friday's 15-13 win over Orting, going 2-for-3 with two walks, two runs, and five RBI. Jesabella Arceo, Thomas Jefferson's leadoff shortstop, put on a show with a 4-for-4 performance that included a home run, two triples, and a double, driving in four runs and scoring three in Monday's win over Kent-Meridian.
On the mound, Raylie Birklid of River Ridge threw a complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts and only four hits allowed, while also going 3-for-4 with a triple and four RBI at the plate in Tuesday's win over Lakes. Freshman Sarah Cody of Gig Harbor drove in seven runs in Tuesday's victory over Mount Tahoma, finishing 2-for-2 with a home run, triple, and three runs scored.
Laken Elvig of White River had a week to remember. The sophomore threw two shutout innings as part of a combined no-hitter, then went 2-for-3 with a double, four runs, and three RBI in Monday's 22-0 win. She followed that up with a three-run homer and a complete-game victory with 10 strikeouts in Wednesday's 7-1 win over Kentlake. Sara Estudillo of Bellarmine Prep delivered a walk-off single in the seventh inning to lift the Lions over Gig Harbor 8-7, finishing 3-for-4 with three RBI. Ellie Figgins of Decatur, a leadoff catcher, smashed three doubles in a 4-for-5 showing with a walk on Monday.
These athletes have shown incredible skill and determination on the diamond. Make your voice heard and vote now for your Softball Athlete of the Week!