WIAA 1A softball: Schedule, matchups, players to watch — and which team will win it all

Undefeated reigning 1A champion Montesano, led by legendary 600-win coach Pat Pace, is state tournament's top seed

Sophomore Violet Prince and reigning Class 1A champion Montesano are the heavy favorites when the WIAA tournament opens Thursday in Richland. (Lauren Smith / VarsityWA)

There is no more qualifying — the 12 teams prepared to pursue the WIAA Class 1A softball championship are ready for action this week in Richland.

Led by Montesano, the top seed, the tournament opens Thursday at Columbia Playfields — and finishes up with a 3 p.m. championship game Saturday.