The Sulphur softball team started off its season with a 6-2 win on Monday evening, beating Wynnewood to get off to a fast start in 2024.
Sulphur got the win behind the stellar pitching of Kinsley Rochelle, who pitched a complete game, allowing just one hit and striking out 11.
“She was on fire tonight,” said Sulphur head coach Heath Gilbert.
The Dogs were able to get going offensively despite a solid pitching effort from Wynnewood thanks to putting the ball in play.
“They had a very good pitcher that kept us kind of guessing but we hit it hard and made them make mistakes,” Gilbert said.
Zoli May was 3-for-4 at the plate with three steals, three runs and an RBI.
Rylee Norman was also 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored.
Destry Muck was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored, while Savannah Patrick was also 2-for-4.
Gilbert and his team will lean on pitching and defense this fall, as well as continuing the same approach from the season-opener at the plate.
“Pitching and defense should be our strengths but by the end we should be pounding the ball,” he said.
The Lady Dogs are still a young team, as second baseman Gracie Ratchford is the lone senior for Sulphur.
“We are a very young team and have some young girls in certain positions that may take us a couple of weeks to really gel,” he said.
The junior class provides a strong core, led by Patrick, who plays outfield, Norman, who will occupy first base, third baseman Paige Collins, catcher Landri Oxley and outfielders Sydney Rollin, Paige Collins, Lilly Brooks and Chloe Drawbaugh.
Rochelle will share the pitching rotation with fellow sophomore Cheyenne Ruth, providing Sulphur with two arms that return in 2024.
The Lady Dogs will also start three freshmen in May at shortstop, Muck at DP and Jordyn Johnston in centerfield.
Gilbert thinks this is a group that will improve throughout the season and have a chance to compete for a state tournament berth in October.
“By the end of the year we should be competing to get into the state tournament,” he said. “They have the confidence and just need to put it all together.”
The Lady Dogs hosted Pauls Valley on Tuesday in the home opener.
Sulphur will be at Dickson on Thursday for a 5 p.m. start, followed by a return trip to Wynnewood on Friday for a 4:30 p.m. first pitch.
The Lady Dogs are at home next Monday to host Purcell at 5 p.m.
Sulphur will host Madill next Tuesday for a double header, with the first contest starting at 4:30 p.m.
The Lady Dogs will host the Murray County Bash next Thursday- Saturday.
PHOTO BY BLAKE SEALE
