The Lady Dragons advanced their 2024 season record to 11-0 as they put up six wins over the last seven days.  Over that week they hosted conference opponent Bear Lake, competed in the annual Glenns Ferry tournament against some of the top ranked teams in the state, and then traveled to Marsh Valley for their second face off of the season.  Nearly half way through their schedule, the MHS team continues to prove that they only play to win.

It only took five innings for the Lady Dragons to defeat the Bear Lake Bears as they hosted them Wednesday, April 10, largely due to the six runs scored in the fourth inning.  Malad put their first two runs on the scoreboard in the second inning, followed by another run in the third.  But with a well placed bunt by Brylee Oglesbee, a grounder by slap hitter Hadley Summers, a double by Kaitlyn Pickett, another single from Bostyn Combs, and home run hits by Riglee Peterson and Hallie Horsley, the Lady Dragons put some significant distance between themselves and the Bears on the scoreboard.  

Peterson led from the plate against Bear Lake as she had 1 run on 3 hits off 4 at bats, punching in 3 teammates as she hit a homerun with the bases loaded.  Seniors Pickett and Horsley both added 2 runs on 2 hits on 3 plate appearances.

Defensively, the team didn’t give up any runs in their 10-0 victory.  Between pitchers Peterson and Liddia Gonzalez, Bear Lake only managed 2 hits, 1 walk and suffered 9 strikeouts.   

Competing in the two day tournament in Glenns Ferry, the Lady Dragons came home undefeated against some of the top teams in the state.  Going into the weekend, they anticipated some very competitive games, but in reality, there was no one to match Malad’s game.  

Warming up for their opening game against Cole Valley, ranked second in the state, Head Coach Bri Adams could sense the anxious energy of her team.  She gathered them around and asked,”Why are we here?” Giving them a moment to think about it she said, “We are here to play softball and have fun.  Just play the game you are so good at and everything will be ok.”  Coach Adams proved to be spot on as she watched her team easily settle into their game and dominate every team they came up against.

The tournament was filled with impressive plays, strong hits, and stellar field play.  In the bottom of the first in their opening game, catcher Logan Maroney orchestrated a beautiful out as the Chargers attempted to steal home.  After the third pitch, the Cole Valley runner attempted a delayed steal, lengthening her lead off the third base in hope that the catcher would throw the ball in hopes she would have time enough to
advance home.  

However, Maroney noticed what was happening and after giving her a long look, threw the ball to Pickett on third.  The runner immediately took off towards home but not faster than it took Pickett to send the ball back to Maroney who was rushing up on the runner.  With the quick throw and easy catch, Maroney tagged the runner out for the third out of the inning.

The Lady Dragon defense was well led by pitchers Peterson and Gonzalez who split games on the mound.  In their game against the tough Cole Valley, Peterson allowed only 2 runs on 3 hits over 6 innings, striking out 7.  She went another 5+ innings against Wendell where she allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, striking out 11 batters.  

Her counterpart pitched two shutout games against Nampa Christian and Orofino.  Gonzalez went 3+ innings against Nampa Christian, allowing zero runs and hits, walking 5 and striking out 10.  Against Orofino, the freshman allowed only 1 hit, without walking any batters while striking out 7.

Coach Adams is proud of her team’s strong pitching game.  She shared, “Not many 2A schools have not just one, but two great pitchers.  I have full confidence in both of our pitchers.  Right now we are working to build their stamina and hone in their pitches to make them even more difficult to hit on.  We are going to have several great years of softball with them at the mound.”

Couple with the strong pitching was the Lady Dragon’s powerful hitting.  Taking the lead in each of their games early in the first inning, the MHS team couldn’t be stopped from behind the plate.  Horsley led the team over the weekend with 7 runs on 6 hits with 7 RBIs from 12 appearances at the plate.  The slugger racked up 1 home run, 1 triple, 1 double and 3 single hits.

Pickett and Peterson had 5 hits a piece, each adding 3 runs, with Pickett tallying up 9 RBIs over the four games.  Aubrey Shulz managed 5 runs for the Lady Dragons with Maroney and Combs contributing 4 each.

“They just can’t be stopped,” commented Coach Adams.  “They have learned how to read the pitch and know how to hit the ball.  A lot of it is their own work and dedication outside of practice.”  Game after game, the team continues to impress their coaches, fans and even opponents as they bring dynamic hits that are carefully placed to get them on base, around third and finally back to home.

Following their weekend tournament, Malad took on the Eagles at Marsh Valley in their second game of the season on Monday, April 15.  Knowing that Marsh Valley always plays tough on their home field, the Lady Dragons were ready for a challenge.  The Eagles put together a strong defense, nearly always making the catch and covering the bases well.  Slowly but surely, Malad put up runs, often just a single score in each inning.  Going a full seven innings, the Lady Dragons claimed the win 10-3.

The Lady Dragons look to have a packed schedule again as they first host Soda Springs on Wednesday, April 17 before their annual Scott Ray Invitational Tournament on Friday and Saturday.  On Monday they will travel to Declo to take on the Hornets, the 2023 2A runner up.