The Central Kitsap High School fastpitch team defeated Bainbridge High School 5-4 at home Wednesday behind the pitching of senior Kim Chase.

It was the third meeting of the season for the two teams from different leagues, with the Lady Cougars taking the second two after losing 1-0 in the first meeting in April. Bainbridge is the defending 3A state champion.

“It was nice, but the victory wasn’t what we were looking for,” Cougars coach Bruce Welling said, adding he envisioned the game as a final tune up before the playoffs. “We were looking to play well, mentally and physically, and we did both.”

The Lady Cougars open the Class 4A West Central District III tournament against Tahoma High School at 10 a.m. Friday at Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma, beginning their quest for a fourth consecutive berth to the 4A state tournament.

A win over Tahoma would put Central Kitsap in a winner-to-state contest against Puyallup or Gig Harbor High School at 2 p.m. Friday at Sprinker. A loss would drop the team to the consolation bracket and a loser-out game at 4 p.m. Friday, also at Sprinker.

Welling’s squad secured its first state-tournmament victory since 2000 with a win over Kamiakin High School in the first round last year before losing two in a row.

“I’m very pleased with where we are at,” Welling said.