Bulldog softball team looking for encore performance in 2017

SANDPOINT — After posting the best season in more than a decade, the Bulldog softball team starts the 2017 season today looking for an encore performance, and then some.

Manager Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams, who has stewarded a program that ended a 13 year streak when the Bulldogs qualified for state last season, which ultimately was rained out.

All of the pieces are there for a repeat, from a shut-down ace pitcher, to speed atop the order, to power bats in the middle of the lineup, to one of the best catchers in the state.

“I’m very excited for this season. I’m looking forward to what this team will accomplish,” said Hawkins-Williams, whose team was practicing outdoors on Monday for the first time, on an asphalt parking lot at that. “They like to be with each other, and they love to practice. We want to get back to state and place at state.”

Leading the way will be junior ace left-hander Bri Baldree, a strikeout machine who not only can mow through lineups, but has one of the most dangerous bats in the league.

Last year she had seven double digit strikeout games, including a season-high 19 against 5A Lewiston, while also setting a new team record with a .514 batting average. As good as she was on the mound last season, Hawkins-Williams thinks her best is yet to come.

“She’s developed her pitch repertoire and has more poise. She has a lot more pitches,” she said of her ace, who also does damage from the No. 3 spot in a potent lineup. “She is a prolific power hitter all over the field.”

Setting the table will be sophomore shortstop Bri Barlow, who set team records last season for runs (33) and singles (29), beating records previously held by Hawkins-Williams and current assistant coach and former Bulldog Leah Free.

“Looking for her to do the same thing,” said Hawkins-Williams. “Be the spark that gets on base and gets us going.”

Behind Barlow is junior Kaitlan Ward, one of the team’s best bunters and a classic No. 2 hitter, able to make contact and move runners.

Anchoring the lineup from the clean up spot is senior catcher Sam Holland, a three-time All-Inland Empire League performer who smacked three home runs last year, including a couple of moon shots. Whatever offense she provides is a plus, as her true value is anchoring arguably the top defense in the league.

“She’s a three-time all-league catcher. She’s a rock. So much experience,” lauded Hawkins Williams. “She leads by example, and is able to control the game. She leads the team on defense and offense.”

In posting a 13-7 record last season, the Bulldogs hung their hat on defense, committing just two errors a game and making the pivotal routine outs behind Baldree.

Not much will change this year, as Holland is hoping for another trip to state and chance to contend for a trophy.

“Our defense is very good,” described Holland, a key piece of its. “We communicate, we have each other’s back.”

Junior third baseman Sierra Nicholson provides another power bat in the five spot, providing some huge hits and RBIs in key spots last year, and more importantly, punishing teams for pitching around Baldree and Holland.

Senior Kenzie Crabb provides leadership and solid defense in the outfield along with junior Zoe Speelmon, while sophomores Tanis Davis and Ember Dewey are part of an influx of new players ready to step into varsity roles. With a strong JV program, the defense doesn’t figure to miss a beat.

“Defense, by far, is our absolute strength. Our newcomers are strong defensively,” admitted Hawkins-Williams. “Lakeland and Moscow have seen Bri for two years, they’re going to be ready. We need to make the routine plays.”

The Bulldogs will be thrilled to hit the fields in Priest River today for the season opener. First pitch is at 3 p.m.