Bottomley leads young Bulldogs in 2013

SANDPOINT — When the Sandpoint softball team takes the field today in the season opener, the pivotal 3-4-5 spots in the batting order will be filled by two freshman and a sophomore, both an anxious and promising sign.

Promising in that young players are entering the program with the skills to start at the varsity level, and anxious because they’re extremely young at key positions. While it bodes well for the future, there is sure to be a learning curve in the present.

Luckily for Bulldogs head coach Derek Dickinson, the ace of his pitching staff is senior Casey Bottomley, who figures to not only pitch a load of innings this season, but provide a much-needed veteran presence on a young squad intent on improving upon last year’s 3-16 season.

“Casey is going to be the workhorse deluxe. Our season is definitely resting on the shoulders of Casey,” said Dickinson of his tall ace, who features a rise ball and change up in her repertoire. “She throws a lot of strikes, and her control has gotten better every year.”

Catching the pitches from behind the plate will be senior Jessica Strickland, who has worked with Bottomley for the past two years. Strickland has a solid arm defensively, is capable with the bat and also provides returning varsity experience.

Freshman Bre Williams will start at shortstop and hit third, while also pitching in relief of Bottomley. Sophomore third baseman Morgan Bluemmer will bat cleanup, and freshman second baseman Cody Baldree, a transfer from Arizona, will bat fifth in the aforementioned middle of the order. Bluemmer bats fourth for a reason, providing a power presence for opposing pitchers to deal will.

“We have some young players at key positions, but they are solid up the middle defensively,” said Dickinson. “We’ll put the ball in play a lot better, more small ball with bunting and slashing. We’re going to have to manufacture runs.”

Setting the table will be senior outfielder Jordan Speelmon, who is playing in just her second season. Dickinson called Speelmon the fastest player he’s ever coached, and will present a threat when she gets on base.

Junior outfielder Jacey Lawson, an excellent defensive player, will look to build off a solid season last year, also providing some pop in the offense.

“Last year she came on big time at the end of the year, one of our strongest hitters,” said Dickinson. “I think she’ll carry that over.”

Autumn Smith, Sam Bates and Breanna Buchmiller round out a batting order that will try and play station to station baseball. Dickinson says the team can handle the bat from the top of the order down.

“Even though we don’t have the mashers, we can move some runners around,” said Dickinson , who thinks his young squad will be in the mix as both Lakeland and Moscow lost some key players. “We want to take that next step, possibly get to state.”

The Bulldogs host Bonners Ferry today on their brand new field at Sandpoint High School. First pitch is at 4 p.m.