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Northwest Sports Update: MLB playoffs begin, Riq Woolen trade rumors, WWU volleyball surges and more

Northwest Sports Update: MLB playoffs begin, Riq Woolen trade rumors, WWU volleyball surges and more

Photo courtesy of WWU Athletics Photo: Contributed


Mariners News

The Mariners are one step closer to finding out who they’ll face in the playoffs this weekend.

The Detroit Tigers opened the MLB Playoffs with a tight 2-1 win over Cleveland this morning. Tigers ace Tarik Skubal struck out 14 to tie a franchise postseason record.

Detroit now has a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series that will determine who the Mariners will host this weekend in the first two games of the ALDS. Coverage for Game 2 begins at 9:30 am tomorrow and first pitch is at 10:08 on KPUG.

The Chicago Cubs followed the Tigers with a 3-1 win over the San Diego Padres this afternoon.

Over on the other side of the American League bracket, the Yankees and Red Sox are in the midst of their series-opener in the Bronx. That game’s also being aired on KPUG.

Seahawks News

One of the Seahawks’ former Pro Bowlers could be on the trading block.

The NFL Network reports that teams are monitoring Riq Woolen as a possible trade target by the Nov. 4 deadline. The outlet added that Woolen’s playing time is expected to drop now that Devon Witherspoon is healthy.

Woolen made a Pro Bowl in his rookie season in 2022 and tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions. But he hasn’t reached the same heights since then and faced heavy criticism after allowing a pair of key catches to the 49ers in their comeback win to open the season.

The NFL Network did not specify whether the Seahawks are interested in trading Woolen, who’s in the final year of his rookie deal.

Storm News

The Storm’s standout rookie is being recognized for her impressive season.

No. 2 overall pick Dominique Malonga has been named to the WNBA All-Rookie team. She joined Paige Bueckers, who was the near unanimous Rookie of the Year.

Malonga averaged nearly 8 points and 5 rebounds per game while playing about 14 minutes per game off the bench in the regular season. But she saw more playing time in the playoffs, averaging nearly 2 blocks per game while playing 25 minutes per game, good for fifth-most on the team.

She’s the fifth Storm player ever to earn All-Rookie honors.

WWU Vikings News

The Vikings’ volleyball team is moving up the national rankings. Western Washington University came in at #19 in the latest D-II coach’s poll yesterday.

After losing their first game of the season, the Viks have gone on to win their last 10 matches. Their resume already includes a pair of wins over top five nationally-ranked opponents.

They’ll look to extend their streak this Thursday when they hit the road to play Western Oregon.

Bells News

A brand-new softball competition is coming to Bellingham this spring.

The Bellingham Bells have announced that they’re hosting a multi-day adult slow-pitch softball tournament in May called “All Night Ball.” The tournament will include 36 teams each made up of roughly 15 players.

The games will be played at the Civic Sports Complex and Bellingham School District Athletic Fields, with later games being played under the lights at Joe Martin Field.

“This is an exciting moment for Bellingham and the adult softball community,” said Stephanie Morrell, Bellingham Bells President and GM. “As our first-ever tournament, All Night Ball promises nonstop action, competition, and fun for all participants and fans.”

The weekend-long tournament will feature $10,000 in cash prizes. It will run from Friday, May 1, through Sunday the 3rd.

For registration, updates, and more information, visit AllNightBall.com or reach out to Kelsey Hackem (kelsey@bellinghambells.com).

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