Bothell High shortstop Sammy Morris first snagged a line drive for one out and then threw to first to double up a runner on the go. On the next play, she scooped up a groundball and tossed the runner out to end the game and send the Cougars to the 4A state tournament.

With a three-run seventh inning and plenty of solid gloves, Bothell defeated Newport, 7-5, tonight at Hartman Park in Redmond to qualify for state May 25-26 at the Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane.

“Defense won us these games,” Morris said afterward. “This is a great time.”

Added catcher Arista Honey: “Oh my God, this is awesome. We haven’t been to state since 2000 — we were just talking about that today. We were so psyched to do it. We are a team, and that showed.”

Over the last three nights, Bothell defeated Eastlake (10-6), Inglemoor (8-3) and then Newport. At post time, the Cougars were playing Kingco champs Woodinville for seeding to state.

With the score tied 4-4 to start the seventh, Bothell got hits from Kelsie Morgan, Honey, Camille Weisenbach and Julia Warner to stake a 7-4 lead.

Newport started its half of the seventh with a home run and a single, but then Bothell closed the door.

Hurler Savannah Rose went the distance and earned the win for the Cougars.