Throughout the season, the softball team was working hard toward being a winning team, but mostly having fun. The team played 17 games this season, with a finishing record of 4-12-1. The team also had a new coaching staff for the 2023 season, with head coach Ron May and assistant coach Harry Ferrell. The team had 15 players this year, with five of those being seniors, each senior leaving a lasting impression on their teammates. The seniors were Julia Young, Hannah Goins, Kiertsen Ferrell, Brandi Bonzo and Leyasa Young.
“This season was a special one to me because it was my last, even though we didn’t win very much, it was still a lot of fun. I will never forget the memories and all the fun we had as a team together one last time,” Young said.
After going through more cancellations at the beginning of May, the team got to finish out their season by playing three games. Two of their games were away, and one was their final home game, which was celebrated as senior night. On May 8, the Bulldogs took on the Aliquippa Quips in Quip territory. The Bulldogs ended up on top by the mercy rule in the third inning, winning 15-0. This was the final win for the Bulldogs’ 2023 season. The next day, on May 9, the softball team traveled to Shenango for their final away game of the season. The Wildcats ended up on top, winning the game 15-1. Even though this loss took the team down, they had one more game to look forward to. Finally, on Wednesday, the team hosted number one seed Neshannock at the high school field. This was when the team celebrated senior night for their seniors as well. Even though the game did not end in the Bulldogs’ favor, with Neshannock beating the Bulldogs 20-0, the team still loved being together on home territory one last time. During the senior night ceremonies, the seniors were introduced alongside their parents, and then all of the seniors got to collect dirt from the field.
Even though the seniors did not get to finish the season the way they wanted to, they still got to spend time with the teammates they love and are hoping to leave an impact on them.
“I hope to leave a big impact on the future teams to come. Not only to preserve but to always push yourself to do your best, always try no matter what the circumstances whether it’s a winning streak or a losing streak always push to be the best player that you can be. Just like we did, we may have had a rough year but we always did our best and had fun,” Goins said.
The team next year will be made of at least 10 returners, and the team will hopefully get new teammates from the upcoming 8th graders for the 2024 season.