GUNNISON—As the weather began warming up across Utah, there was nothing cold about the Lady Bulldogs last week.
Gunnison softball scored well into double digits in each of their three games as they took down three opponents in a homestand from Tuesday to Friday, beating South Sevier, 15-1, then Piute, 19-4, then North Sevier, 15-0. The Lady Bulldogs moved their overall record to 16-10, with a 12-1 record in the 2A Central Region.
With one region game left to play, the Lady Bulldogs are in prime position to share a region title with Duchesne this Monday.
“I’m proud of our girls for taking it to the region teams and playing Bulldog softball,” Coach Sara Ellsworth said. “We’re excited to go into the state tournament in good standing and can only hope our preparation and experiences this season can fuel us for a good outcome at state.”
Gunnison raced out to a big lead on South Sevier, going up 8-0 in the first inning en route to the big win. Senior Kennedi Knudsen finished with a team-high four RBI, pitched seven strikeouts and allowed only three hits in four innings. Freshman Maile Ha’o bombed her eighth home run of the season, leading all of 2A in that category.
The Lady Bulldogs again scored eight runs in the first inning against Piute and scored in each of the four innings before ending the game. This time, it was junior Bentlee King who led with four RBI, and the Gunnison bats were ablaze with six doubles and three home runs by Knudsen, junior Rilee Dyreng, and junior JaKelle Sorensen. Sophomore Robyn Christiansen pitched most of the game and notched three strikeouts with only one allowed hit.
After showcasing the hitting clinic prior, Gunnison capped off the week with an astounding 10 stolen bases in a rivalry rout of North Sevier, shutting out the Wolves for the second time this season. The Lady Bulldogs ended the game in three innings after putting up eight runs in the third.
Knudsen stole a base three times to lead the category, and she also tossed five strikeouts with only one allowed hit in a full game at the mound. Ha’o, Dyreng, junior Lexee Keisel and senior Raven Pickett each scored two RBI.
“My hope for the team is to play at our top level before entering the tournament,” Ellsworth said. “As long as we can keep our bats alive, and back up our pitching on defense, we will see good results.”
Gunnison will end the regular season having played North Summit for their final region game last Monday. Their final game will be the following Tuesday at home against North Sanpete.
