Ask almost any athlete how hard it is to come out on top of that winner-to-state game and you’re probably going to get an epic tale, but it’s not likely to be like this.

The Highland Christian softball team trailed 9-0 after the first inning of a loser-out, winner-to-state game in the tri-district tournament May 15.

That was before the Knights’ Esther Brown blasted a grand slam and a three-run homer and the Knights stormed back to win.

“Everybody was just kind of nervous with it being their first (postseason) game,” said Knights coach Butch Steamer.

Most people — and by most people, I mean just me — would have given up after being down nine runs in any inning.

Instead, not only did the Knights win that game 23-22, but they then scored 18 later on that day to defeat Lake Quinault and become tri-district champions.

Savannah Deimer was the picture of persistence, pitching the entire first game.

“She just battled back,” Steamer said. “Most kids would have called it quits, but she just settled in and held them off after that first inning.”

What’s more, Deimer also had a pair of stand-up triples in the first game.

The Knights will look forward to making the trip to Yakima May 28 and 29, but would appreciate any support they can get. To help out, contact Susan Knutson at Highland Christian School.