Red-hot Bulldogs take down Broncos, Knights

Resurgent program now two wins away from state title

By ERIC PLUMMER

Sports editor

POST FALLS — After a rain-soaked season, the Bulldog softball team finally had its day in the sun and they made sure to make it count, playing brilliant softball on Friday in a pair of huge wins during day one of the 4A state softball tournament at Post Falls High School.

The Bulldogs (12-3) showed the rest of the state that they’re for real, notching a 5-4 win over Blackfoot in the opener, then handling their business with an 8-5 dispatching of Bishop Kelly in the second round, capping one of the best days in the program’s history, and certainly the last 20 years.

The first game showed the grit and mental toughness that’s come to define this team, as they bounced back from a 4-0 fourth inning deficit to notch their second straight come-from-behind win.

“That’s what they do. I don’t know what they’d ever do if they were ahead in the game,” said a happy Bulldog head coach Elizabeth Hawkins-Williams after the game. “There was pressure they haven’t felt before. They were so positive, so encouraging, keeping people up.”

Leading the way was ace Bri Baldree, who spun a five-hitter and struck out eight in the first of two rock-solid outings.

“She pitched ahead a lot more,” described Hawkins-Williams. “She kept the ball lower, that was key.”

The Broncos (15-10) capitalized on a pair of errors to plate three runs on one bunt attempt in the third, then added another run in the top of the fourth for a 4-0 lead and all of the momentum.

Kaitlan Ward had an RBI groundout to cut the lead to 4-1, then the Bulldogs cut the lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single from Sierra Nicholson and an RBI double by Baldree.

The Bulldogs took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth, when Zoe Speelmon smoked a ball that hit off the top foot of the centerfield fence for a loud single. Barlow added an RBI single on a bunt before advancing to third, and Baldree added an RBI triple for the game winning run.

Hawkins-Williams had high praise for the bottom of her order, led by Speelmon, Naomi Bradley and Audrey Matilla, who combined for four hits in the first game. Matilla finished the day with four hits from the No. 8 spot in the order, a huge benefit for any team.

“Audrey kind of got the first rally started early,” praised Hawkins-Williams, lauding the back end of the lineup. “They’re keeping us in the game. They’re going to produce, and that’s crucial for us.”

With a 5-4 lead in the top of the seventh, Baldree walked the lead-off hitter to put the tying run on base. On the next pitch, one of the best defensive plays of the season was turned in at the most opportune time, as Ward speared a hard grounder, fired a perfect back-handed flip to Barlow at short, whose turn was quick and perfect, nailing a fast Broncos baserunner by half a step for a 4-6-3 double play.

The defensive gem, executed similar to the old Tigers’ Lou Whitaker to Alan Tramell DP combo, was the final big play in a game full of them.

“I knew they were going to get it,” admitted Hawkins-Williams, who has built the program into a state-title contender. “I have about as good an infield as you’re going to see.”

Against Bishop Kelly in the semis of the main draw, it was the Bulldogs who finally jumped out early, claiming a 7-2 lead after three innings and riding the arm of their ace once again. Baldree struck out just four, but Hawkins Williams said it was the best she’s ever seen her throw, and baldree added another pair of hits from the middle of the order.

“Bri probably pitched the best game of the year. She was hitting her spots,” described Hawkins-Williams. “She’s becoming one of the best players ever from this program.”

The Bulldogs played loose, displaying none of the nerves that led to some mistakes in the first game. Sam Holland ripped two doubles, breaking the SHS school record for 12 despite a rain-shortened season, and Bri Barlow had two runs and two RBIs.

First baseman Matilla made a couple of over-the-shoulder catches in foul territory, and outfielder Kenzie Crabb had a nice assist at second base with a strong throw defensively. Holland was able to shut down the running game of Bishop Kelly (19-8), which won 13-0 over Canyon Ridge in their opener.

The Bulldogs now turn their attention to Ridgevue (21-7) in a meeting of the only two teams yet to lose in the true double-elimination tourney. Hawkins-Williams said the team will focus on their short game, about all they didn’t do well in a strong showing Friday.

“The first thing they said after the game was ‘BK wasn’t that good.’ I said ‘no, you guys are good,’” she said. “They have a target on their back right now. They’re playing so well.”

First pitch against Ridgevue is 10 a.m. at Post Falls High School.

Game 1

Blackfoot 003 100 0 — 4 5 4

Sandpoint 000 122 x — 5 9 2

Bri Baldree and Sam Holland. W — Baldree (9-1).

HITS: Spt — Barlow 2, Nicholson, Baldree 2, Speelmon, Bradley, Matilla 2. 2B — Baldree. 3B — Baldree.

Game 2

Sandpoint 133 001 0 — 8 8 2

Bishop Kelly 011 002 1 — 5 8 4

Baldree and Holland. W — Baldree (10-1).

HITS: Spt — Barlow 2, Baldree 2, Holland 2, Matilla 2. 2B — Barlow, Holland 2.