DECATUR -- The Decatur softball team started its 2016 season with a big win against Eureka Springs but struggled against a strong JC Westside Rebel team.
The girls' softball team began its season at Edmiston softball field in Decatur April 4. On the mound for the Bulldogs was veteran pitcher Cameron Shaffer with Celine Prelle at the catcher's position. Decatur quickly took the lead in the bottom of the first inning. By the end of the third, they commanded an 18-1 lead against a struggling Highlander team. At the end of the fourth, the 10-run rule ended the game, with the Decatur Bulldogs taking their first victory, 18 to 1. Shaffer was credited with the win for the Bulldogs.
It was a much different story April 6 when the JC Westside Rebels came to Edmiston Park. Shaffer was again at the mound for the Bulldogs. This time the Rebels gained the lead in the first inning. The Bulldogs struggled on the field with several errors, leading to the Rebels winning the game again by the 10-run rule in the fourth, 19 to 2.
In spite of the loss, the Bulldogs softball team, coached by Anna Wilkins and assisted by Jeff Melton, has one of the best starts in several years. The softball team is now 0 and 1 in conference and 1 and 1 overall.
The Decatur Bulldogs softball team was in action April 11 at home against the Magazine Rattlers and will play away April 14 against the Hackett Hornets.
For a complete schedule of the remaining softball games, go to decatursd.com/athletics/softball schedule.
Sports on 04/13/2016