The Mount Baker softball team jumped out to an early lead and defeated Bellingham 21-0 in five innings in a Northwest Conference game Friday, March 22, at Mount Baker High School.

"Bellingham is young but I thought our girls showed good patience and swung at good pitches," Mount Baker coach Ron Lepper said in a phone interview. "They did the most with what was out there. It was a nice win. Even when Bellingham put the ball in play, we were able to get the out and didn't have any errors."

Bellingham (0-1 NWC, 0-4) was led by Julia Latimer, who batted 1 for 2.

The Mountaineers (1-0 NWC, 3-0) were led by Emma Lallas, who batted 4 for 4 with four RBI and a triple, Emily Yost, who batted 3 for 5 with four RBI and two triples, and Heidi Chambers, who batted 4 for 4 with four RBI.

Aleks Toivola earned the win for Mount Baker.

Mount Baker hosts Anacortes on Monday, March 25, in a non-conference game, while Bellingham hosts Lynden on Tuesday, March 26, in a Northwest conference game.

MOUNT BAKER 21, BELLINGHAM 0 (5)

Bellingham 000 00 - 0 1 4

Mount Baker 579 0x - 21 20 0

WP: Aleks Toivola (2-0). LP: Katie Hinkley (n/a). Highlights: Bellingham: Julia Latimer 1-2. Mount Baker: Emma Lallas 4-4, 4 RBI, 3B; Emily Yost 3-5, 4 RBI, 2 3B; Heidi Chambers 4-4, 4 RBI