Bulldogs primed to make some noise at 4A state softball tournament
—Photo by JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY Sandpoint freshman Bri Barlow not only brings strong defense at shortstop, but a strong presence atop the batting order as well. Speed and hustle are two things that don’t slump, and the Bulldogs have plenty of both.
—Photo by ERIC PLUMMER The Baldree sister, senior Cody, right, and sophomore Bri, have been instrumental in getting the Bulldogs to state. Having an ace pitcher, like Bri, is paramount at state, where every offense can hit.
Bulldogs hungry after 13 year state absence
By ERIC PLUMMER
Sports editor
SANDPOINT — Ace? Check.
Speed atop the order? Check.
Power in the middle of the lineup? Check.
Solid defense? Check.
It’s no coincidence that the Sandpoint softball team earned a trip to state for the first time in 13 years, and now that they’re finally down there, they’re ready to make some long-overdue noise.
One of the first criteria for making any kind of deep run at state is an ace pitcher, and the Bulldogs (13-7) have one in Bri Baldree. Mixing a plus fastball with strong secondary stuff, the sophomore lefty has mowed through some lineups this season, hitting double figures in strikeouts seven times, including a season-high 19 in nine innings against Lewiston.
Sandpoint head coach Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams, who has pulled the right strings for one of the best softball seasons in recent memory, said Baldree will need every pitch in her repertoire, starting Friday morning against host Twin Falls.
“She has had a milestone year in her performance and growth as a player and a teammate,” said Hawkins-Williams of Baldree. “This is what she has worked toward, and I am looking forward to watching her growth continue this weekend.”
The Bulldogs want to jump out early and be aggressive in the batter’s box, starting with leadoff hitter Bri Barlow and No. 2 hitter Alison Calvert, each of whom gets on base often and makes stuff happen while there.
Behind them are three power bats in Cody Baldree, Bri Baldree and Sam Holland, each with extra base power. Holland smacked three home runs this year and Cody Baldree two, and having base runners on the paths will be huge.
One of things that sticks out most about the Bulldogs’ offense is the depth, proven in the district championship when Cheri-lyn Darrah and Kenzie Crabb produced huge bases-clearing doubles from the bottom of the order.
“It’s really important that we stay with the game plan that we have been working on all season with our batters: Being patient and picking the right pitch to hit in the batter’s box,” explained Hawkins. “We have to expect pitchers at this level to throw strikes, and we have to be ready to hit them. We have to play our game at state. It’s what got us here, so it’s what we want to stick with.”
Defense is crucial at state, where games are often decided by a key mistake or two in a big moment. The Bulldogs feature a strong defensive outfield in Laurali Barnes, Kaitlan Ward and Crabb, and they’ll no doubt see some action as lineups at state will have some pop.
“Our outfield has been rock solid all year, and I expect them to continue to perform at a high level at state,” said Hawkins-Williams. “The defense has to be ready to play the ball every pitch of every game.”
There is no substitute for state experience, and the Bulldogs don’t have any yet. But there is also something to be said for a team that is on a nice run, and the Bulldogs are. Five straight wins over Lakeland and a rare win over 5A Lewiston proved that, and come Friday morning, they’ll be looking to keep the ride going and go about gaining said experience.
“This will be an exciting learning experience for them,” said Hawkins-Williams, an all-state third baseman who has played at state. “There’s nothing like going to state in a high school sport, and I am so happy that this group gets to have that experience. We had a great season, and it is rewarding to see these players accomplish all they have this year.”
The Bulldogs open the 4A state softball tournament on Friday, at 10 a.m. against host Twin Falls, who will no doubt draw a large crowd for the opener. Preface