It’s officially post game time for Sulphur softball, as the Lady Bulldogs will play in the regional tournament this week.
Sulphur (15-10) will be at Newcastle for regionals, joined by Anadarko and Mount St. Mary’s.
“I am very excited about this regional,” said Sulphur head coach Heath Gilbert. “Many times we’ve gone to a regional in the city area and are facing a state championship team. This year we feel that we have a legit chance to make it to the super regional.”
The Lady Dogs finished 3rd in district 4A-4 with a 9-5 record, behind champion Purcell and runner-up Plainview.
Sulphur’s first opponent on Thursday is Mount St. Mary’s. The Rockets (7-15, 2-10) were 6th out of seven teams in 4A-1 Newcastle (22-9, 10-2) was runner-up in 4A-3 as the host. Anadarko (10-16, 2-10) finished 6th out of seven teams in 4A-2.
Gilbert is hoping his team can continue the hot hitting, as well as the strong pitching from starter Kinsley Rochelle.
“Our bats have come alive late and pitching has gotten better as the year has gone on,” he said.
Rochelle has a 3.82 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP across 122 innings and 19 starts this year.
She has struck out 133 hitters and walked just 61.
Gilbert continued to praise his defense for being rock solid all year, but the long time head coach knows his team will have to find some runs to make it to supers.
“Our defense has always been our strength but we have to score more runs,” he said.
Gilbert knows this is a new experience for his team and hopes his girls are ready to embrace the experience “We are young and will grow through this experience,” he said. “Hopefully we can push our way into the supers.”
The back half of the Sulphur batting order will need to step up for the Lady Dogs and come through with some timely hits.
“The bottom of our batting order is going to have to get us to the championship,” Gilbert said. “They get on base, our top will drive them in.”
Gilbert and his team are excited about the opportunity that lies ahead, hoping to get back to play for the chance to go to another state tournament.
“This is going to be a great regional,” he said. “We are excited and feel like we have a great chance. Going into Newcastle and coming out as regional champs will be a tough task. But these girls believe in this team. We have great team chemistry and love to play the game in the dirt.”
Sulphur plays Mount St. Mary’s on Thursday at 2 p.m. in Newcastle.
With a win, Sulphur would face the winner of Newcastle vs. Anadarko at 6 p.m.
With a loss, Sulphur would have to win against the loser of Newcastle vs. Anadarko at 4 p.m.
The regional finals will take place on Friday at 4 p.m. with the if necessary game at 6 p.m.
