Photo: Former Roughrider Zoe Smithson had a great sophomore season at PLU

By Oly Archibald

PORT ANGELES — There are several former Port Angeles and Sequim high school fastpitch and baseball players who played college ball this spring.

Wyatt Hall, a 2021 Port Angeles graduate, just finished his junior season at Cal State San Bernardino following two years at Skagit Valley CC. Hall played in 27 games for the Coyotes and started 5 games. Hall hit .333 with 9 hits, 14 runs scored, and 2 doubles. He is working on his communications degree.

Former Roughrider Wyatt Hall had a solid season the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes

Hall’s mother, Amy Pederson Hall, was a standout first baseman for Forks in the early ’80s.

Former Roughrider catcher Zoe Smithson, to no one’s surprise, had a great sophomore season at PLU. Smithson started all 42 games for the Lutes, hitting .282 with 35 hits, 23 runs scored, 16 RBIs, 3 HRs, and 11 doubles. The Lutes went 24-19 and made the NWC playoffs.

Former Roughrider pitcher Teagen Clark finished her freshman year at Skagit Valley CC and made the All-NWAC Northern Conference team. Clark made 21 appearances, started 14 games, and had 49 strikeouts in 81 innings pitched.

Former Sequim Wolf Laney Vig is also on the Cardinals pitching staff.

Former Sequim catcher Christina Grubb started 27 games for Arizona Christian University in Glendale, Arizona. Grubb scored 6 runs on 4 hits and had 1 HR. She is studying to be a third-grade teacher.

Former Sequim Wolf Christy Grubb is the starting Catcher for Arizona Christian University

Former Roughrider John Vara finished his redshirt freshman season for Edmonds CC. Vara, who had arm surgery last year, finally earned some time on the mound and was solid in 5 appearances. He had 1 save and an ERA of 2.70. Vara will be pitching for the Port Angeles Lefties this summer.

Former Roughrider basketball star and pitcher John Vara finished his freshman year at Edmonds CC and will play for the Port Angeles Lefties this summer

Also pitching for the Lefties this summer will be former Roughrider Kole Acker.

In Peninsula Pirate basketball news, former Roughrider point guard Xander Maestas has signed with the Pirates. Maestas helped lead the Roughriders to the 2022 state tournament where the Roughriders brought home a trophy, going 2-2. Maestas was named second-team All-State and has spent the last two years as a student at CWU.