The Tioga Lady Bulldogs softball team secured their second win of the season with an 11-7 win over the Nocona Lady Indians on Feb. 13.
The Lady Bulldogs relied on their offense to power their way to victory during their last matchup at a softball tournament hosted by the Valley View Lady Eagles.
“We’re developing into the team that we want to be,” Tioga head softball coach Halie Martin said. “We have a lot of girls coming off injuries and a lot of girls in brand new positions this year, but every game we find ways to continue getting better and better, and we’re definitely [improving].”
Nocona got on the scoreboard first, scoring 2 runs in the top of the first inning and taking a 2-0 lead.
Tioga answered by scoring 4 runs in the bottom of the first inning, sparked by Kenzie Powers, who drove in 2 runs with a double.
Aly Salinas and Sadie Bates closed the run with a single and a triple that drove in one run apiece, putting the Lady Bulldogs up 4-2.
Nocona tied the game with 2 runs in the top of the second inning, with one run being driven in with a walk while the bases were loaded and another coming from a baserunner stealing home.
Abbey Urich put Tioga back on top, 5-4, in the bottom of the second inning, with a single that allowed Lizzie Cobb to cross home plate.
The Lady Bulldogs added two more runs, taking a 7-4 lead at the end of the second inning.
Powers, Salinas and Kennedy Slay helped Tioga outscore Nocona 4-3 over the remaining innings to take the win 11-7.
Bella Dennis, who moved to pitcher this season, spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs’ defense from the pitcher’s circle, allowing 2 hits and collecting 4 strikeouts.
“I’ve always played middle infield, but this year I had to step up and pitch because our pitcher and catcher from last season graduated,” she said. “It’s been a big change for me, but all I have to do is throw strikes, not walk as many people, and trust that my defense is going to have my back.”
Bates, who is new to varsity softball at Tioga, said team chemistry is going to be important for the Lady Bulldogs this season.
“I hope we all have fun because when we have fun, we play well, and when we play well, we win,” she said. “When all those things come together, we’ll be able to play our best ball.”
Sitting at 2-3 on the season after a 17-7 loss to the Lindsay Lady Knights on Tuesday night, Martin said the Lady Bulldogs plan to continue playing their brand of ball no matter who their opponent is.
“We’re a different team this year, so our goal is to be scrappy everywhere we can be and play lockdown defense,” she said. “We have a lot of fast girls who play aggressively, and we plan to find the gaps, play tough defense and win some games.”
The Lady Bulldogs will hit the road Thursday-Saturday to take part in a tournament hosted in Era.
