DECATUR -- For four years, Cameron Shaffer dreamed of leading her team to the state softball playoffs. On May 5, that dream became reality when the Lady Bulldog softball team won the first round of the 1A-1 Regional Tournament in Harrison, defeating the Lead Hill Tigers, 9-5.
The Lady Bulldogs were up against adversity in several forms from the beginning of the season, losing all but one of their home games due to rain. Adding to the Lady Bulldogs' woes was the inability to utilize their home field at Edmiston Park for practice, also due to the relentless rains.
Determined to do their best, Decatur players buckled down and practiced hard, even though most of their sessions were done behind Bulldog stadium or in Peterson Gym. They pressed on toward their goal of making the state tournament.
After losing in the first round of the district tournament in Harrison to Jasper April 27, the Lady Bulldogs came home and regrouped, catching a few good days of practice at Edmiston Park before the first round of the regional tournament.
The Lady Tigers kept it close throughout the full seven-inning contest, but eventually the Lady Bulldogs gained the upper hand and pulled off a stunning victory over Lead Hill, securing a berth in the first round of the state playoffs.
For coaches Jeff Melton and Anna Wilkins, this will be their first state playoff as well. For Melton, the Decatur program is his first coaching position.
The Lady Bulldogs lost to Omaha, 21-10, in the second round of regional play on May 6 but beat Rural Special, 12-7, in the consolation round on Monday.
The Decatur girls will play in the first round of the state playoffs May 10 at the Pine Bluff Regional Park.
Sports on 05/10/2017