Washington softball coach Doug Whitehead knew coming into the season that the team’s defense would be its strong suit. That’s why he’s been especially pleased with 48 runs scored through the first seven games of the season.

Even with that, the Lady Pack’s defense has been the most impressive part of this young campaign. Only East Carteret and Riverside — the team’s first opponents of the season — have scored more than two runs on the girls.

One of the biggest assets to Washington’s defense has been versatility. Most of the girls on the team can play multiple positions, giving them impressive depth.

“My biggest concern was hitting early on,” Washington coach Doug Whitehead said. “Defense was not a concern early on. We’ve got a bunch of girls that can play in different spots. I feel very confident. … I don’t feel any hesitance putting them out there.”

It came in handy Wednesday evening against Northern Nash. Junior Jordan Pierce, who usually starts at catcher, had to miss the game due to family reasons. Fellow junior Briley Waters filled in behind the plate and the Lady Pack never missed a beat. She did an exceptional job backstopping pitcher Hailey Harris, who also had a stellar outing.

Waters also went 1-for-2 and scored one of Washington’s five runs.

That ability to have players move positions and fill in where needed hasn’t disrupted the team’s chemistry. That was evident right off the bat on Wednesday when Washington abruptly ended the top of the first with a crisp 4-6-3 double play.

“I’ve been coaching travel softball for about 20 years. I’ve been here at the high school for about 10,” Whitehead said. “I’ve only seen maybe a handful turned — traditional double plays. That was absolutely beautiful, executed perfectly. The girls did a good job.”

The girls made another phenomenal play in the sixth. Harris fanned the first two batters she faced, but Lady Knight Katelyn Wood reached on an error at shortstop. Madison Lamprecht then singled to the outfield. The throw made it all the way to second base where Wood was tagged out after overrunning the base.

The routine plays were just as important. Washington was able to escape any and all danger, stranding three Lady Knights in scoring position over the course of the game.

“We got out of some situations,” Whitehead said. “… They did an excellent job. We’ve been emphasizing that. Coach Brad Horton has been peppering them with defense, defense, defense. It’s showing.”

Of course, it all starts with Harris. She, like the rest of her team, had an excellent defensive performance. It was highlighted by a fifth inning in which she struck out the side. On the few occasions she issued walks, she bounced back nicely, which allowed her to pitch a one-hit shutout.

Whitehead believes the defensive performance around her helps her settle in and reach another level.

“We are relying heavily on Hailey Harris and her pitching,” he said. “The more she can get for her, it really helps relax what pitches she can throw. … (The defense) is just a big plus.”