Lady Highlanders overwhelm Lady Bulldogs in softball at home

Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Talor Thompson reaches high for an overthrown ball during the second inning of the Decatur-Eureka Springs fast-pitch softball game at Edmiston Park in Decatur March 12. Thompson's efforts paid off as she was able to pull down the ball in time to get the runner out at first base.
Westside Eagle Observer/MIKE ECKELS Talor Thompson reaches high for an overthrown ball during the second inning of the Decatur-Eureka Springs fast-pitch softball game at Edmiston Park in Decatur March 12. Thompson's efforts paid off as she was able to pull down the ball in time to get the runner out at first base.

DECATUR -- The Decatur Lady Bulldog fast-pitch softball team was in action March 12 at Edmiston Park for its first home contest and a non-conference game with the Eureka Springs Lady Highlanders. Unfortunately for Decatur, the Lady Highlanders were on their A-game and took the victory by 20 points.

For new coach Jayme Burden, the Lady Bulldog team, made up mostly of freshmen and sophomores, suffered two pre-season losses thus far, one of which was to the Lady Highlanders two weeks earlier.

Many of Burden's players have never played softball in a game setting before. With the help of her most experienced players, Mathline Jesse, Savanna Dodson and Talor Thompson, Burden was able to teach the fundamentals of the game to the young players and prepared for the tough game schedule ahead.

On the mound for Decatur was Paige Barrett, who took over the position from long-time pitcher Cameron Shaffer, who graduated last year. She struggled in the first two innings, filling up the bases and walking several runners for a 20-0 deficit.

But the Lady Bulldogs got their second wind late in the fourth inning, bringing home six runners. Six more runs by Eureka Springs would end the contest with a 26-6 win for the Lady Highlanders.

The Decatur Lady Bulldogs will be back in action March 26 when they travel to Harrison to take on the Deer Antlers in the first conference game of the season. Check decatursd.com for game time.

Sports on 03/21/2018