Improved Bulldogs looking for better things in 2012
<p>Sandpoint senior softball players, from left to right: Kayanna Quigley, Laurel Presser, Maggie Kirscher, Carlie Hoerth and Chloe Logan. Not pictured: Paula Hendrickson. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)</p>
SANDPOINT — Featuring a solid one-two punch at the top of the pitching rotation and an offense that figures to be much improved from last season, the Bulldogs open the 2012 season looking for a bit of redemption.
Last year was tough from start to finish, as the Bulldogs suffered through a very wet and ultimately winless season. Sandpoint head coach Derek Dickinson is hoping a deeper pitching staff and more balanced offense will result in a few more wins.
Moscow and Lakeland are also improved, at least on paper, so the fight for the lone 4A North state berth figures to be tougher than ever.
“We’ve gotten a lot better from last year, and I like the direction our hitting has been going,” said Dickinson, who has 36 players out this year. “We’ve got kids out here that want to work, get better and compete.”
As senior Maggie Kirscher goes, so will the team, as the three-sport standout will anchor the lineup offensively and also eat a lot of innings on the mound. The three-year starter has a live bat, and has pitched in plenty of varsity games.
“She brings a level of experience that you need,” said Dickinson, noting she’ll be the big run producer in the batting order. “She’s been smashing the ball in the cage. We’ll rely on her big bat.”
Senior second baseman Laurel Presser will bat leadoff, and the contact hitter has made a lot of progress in the off-season. Also setting the table from the No. 2 spot is fiery third baseman Kayanna Quigley, a senior captain and one of the team’s fastest players.
“She brings a high level of intensity to the team,” said Dickinson of Quigley. “She wants to win, and we’ll need her to get on base.”
Senior Chloe Logan will hit cleanup, and senior Paula Hendrickson will hit fifth, providing protection in the lineup behind Kirscher.
The ace of the deepest pitching staff Dickinson has had in years is junior Casey Bottomley, a hard thrower with a the right pitcher’s mentality.
“She wants the ball and wants to compete. Her first love is pitching,” said Dickinson. “She throws a good fastball and can hit her spots.”
Kirscher, senior Carlie Hoerth and Quigley will all be called upon to eat some innings, especially against the 5A IEL teams, which are always among the best in the state. Handling the catching duties is junior Jessica Strickland, a solid defensive backstop.
Kirscher, who recently made an official basketball visit to Rocky Mountain College, is hoping to end her high school career on a high note.
“I want to finish high school strong,” she said, lauding the team’s chemistry. “I’m excited to play with this group of girls. We’re just really hard workers.”
The Bulldogs open the season on Saturday at the Libby Tournament, eager to finally get outside and play some actual softball.