Baldree, Ward come up big for Bulldogs in opener

PRIEST RIVER — Bri Baldree was sharp on the mound, tossing a one-hitter and striking out eight to lead the Bulldogs to a 21-1 win over Priest River in a nonleague softball season opener on Tuesday in Priest River.

Kaitlan Ward had a monster day at the plate, going 4-4 with four runs and three RBIs, and Sam Holland had three hits and drove in four runs for the Bulldogs (1-0), who took a grass field for the first time all season.

“Great defensive effort by the whole team. It was a great showing for our first day on the field, let alone our first game,” praised Bulldogs head coach Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams. “I am very proud of the adjustments they made to be successful at the plate.”

Seirra Nicholson had two hits and drove in two, and Tanis Davis had two hits and scored twice as the Bulldogs banged out 16 hits. Ward and Holland were especially hot.

“Kaitlan was unstoppable at the plate. She used all of her tools to get on base today,” said Hawkins-Williams. “Sam hit hard, timely shots with runners in scoring position, including a line drive to the centerfield fence for a double.”

The Bulldogs are in Bonners Ferry on Saturday for a doubleheader.

Priest River 001 00 — 1 1 2

Sandpoint 140 34 — 12 16 1

Rachel Akre and Jesi Huntley; Bri Baldree and Sam Holland. W — Baldree (1-0). L — Akre.