Lady Bulldogs’ season ends at home against Wolves in 18-6 final

By Kelsie Hoitomt

BOYCEVILLE – The Lady Bulldogs’ softball team finished their season at home last Wednesday, May 28 after losing to the Elmwood/Plum City Wolves 18-6 in the Regional Semi-Final.

 The Wolves quickly shot up to a seven point lead by pushing in the runs right away in the first inning after having 12 batters take to the plate.

The Bulldogs went three up three down in the first two innings and the Wolves pushed in another run in the second for a 8-0 score.

Marki Lagerstrom was the first run scored for the Bulldogs after she was hit home on an RBI by Brooklynn Blaser in the third inning.

The Bulldogs had four batters up in the fourth inning, but no runs scored, however the Wolves went on a bit of a running spree again and put five across the plate.

With the score at 14-1 going into the bottom of the fifth inning, the Bulldogs had to rally back or the game would end on the ten-run rule.

The inning started with Kendall Wold up to bat first and she knocked one into the outfield for a double. Lexi Peterson hit her home, which also advanced Lagerstrom around the bases after she singled herself to first.

Then Blaser took to the plate to start the top of the batting order. Her patience at the plate led to a walk and also a change in pitcher for the Wolves after Hall appeared to be flustered by the hot bats of the Bulldogs.

With Blaser and Jenna Beyrer on base, Kennedy Hellmann singled to the outfield for a two run RBI. Hellmann herself reached home on an RBI by Maddy Bygd, which was their last score of the game.

The inning ended with the score at 14-6, which was enough to keep the game going for the full seven innings. However, the Bulldogs were unable to generate any further hits against Fredrickson who stepped in as relief pitcher for Hall.

The game ended when the Wolves scored their one run in the fifth and then four in the seventh for an 18-6 final.

“We had a nice season. Our goals were not accomplished, but I’m proud of the work ethic and dedication the girls put in,” said coach Jamie Olson.

In her last high school game of softball, Hellmann threw a total of 126 pitches with 83 strikes and 43 balls. She allowed the 18 runs on 14 hits and had two walks and three strikeouts.

Hellmann was the center point of the team this season with each game started on the mound. She was a 1st team All-Conference player with nine wins on the mound and she hit a .387 average, which included at least two home runs this season.

“I will miss my two seniors and I wish them the best of luck in the future. They both played a huge role in the success we have had in the last four seasons,” expressed Olson.

Hellmann and Melissa Stuart were the two seniors on the team this season that will be gone to graduation.