Bulldog Softball Finishes Up Regular Season Looking to Make a Postseason Run

The Hampton-Dumont-CAL Bulldog softball team finished up their final week of the regular season with some formidable NCC opponents, as they prepared to begin the postseason regional tournament.  The Bulldog softball team will have a nice little break and time to prepare before they begin tournament play.  It was a solid season for a young team that grew and developed throughout.

The Bulldog softball team began the week with a conference game against the St. Edmond Gaels.  The Gaels showed why they are a highly ranked team in 1A with a 10-0 victory in 6 innings.  The Bulldogs split the pitching duties between Malie Ott and Trinity Swart.  Ott gave up 4 earned runs in 4 innings, while striking out 3.  Swart gave up 1 earned run in two innings pitched.  Malie Ott and Karli Hansen each had two hits for the Bulldogs.

Wednesday had the Bulldogs hosting the Clear Lake Lions with a Military Appreciation night and youth softball night.  The team had a ceremony prior to the game celebrating those who served in the military, and then had the youth players stand on the field for the national anthem with high school players.  The Lions jumped out to an early 7-0 lead after 2 innings, but the Bulldogs rallied and scored 4 in the bottom of the third inning.  The Lions continued to pull away and ultimately won the game 15-4.  Ott pitched the complete game, giving up 7 earned runs while striking out 4.  Teaghan Bird, Ott, Aspen Harlan, Charlee Morton, and Emma Ott all got a hit for the Bulldogs.

Friday was the final regular season game with the Bulldogs traveling to Webster City.  The Lynx jumped out to an early lead before winning the game in 5 innings 11-1.  The Bulldog softball team finished the season 7-16 overall and 5-9 in the North Central Conference.  The Bulldogs finished 6th in the conference.  Junior Aspen Harlan led the Bulldogs in batting average at .339, and in RBI’s with 10.  Charlee Morton led the Bulldogs in home runs with 2.  Teaghan Bird led the team in runs scored with 12, and in steals with 12.  Malie Ott led the Bulldogs with 89 strikeouts and a respectable 5.49 ERA.

The Bulldogs will host Garner-Hayfield/Ventura in the Region 5 Quarterfinal match-up.  The Cardinals will head into the contest with a 6-17 record.  On the mound the Cardinals have a freshman pitcher with an 8.95 ERA and 30 strikeouts.  The winner will travel to Williamsburg on Saturday to most likely take on the top seeded Williamsburg Raiders.