Winslow’s softball team lost their final regular season game on April 23 and with it they dropped a chance for an east region title.
Visiting Show Low came in to Winslow and defeated the Lady Bulldogs 6-5 to claim the region crown leaving Winslow as the runner-up. The Cougars put Winslow on their heels early with three runs in the top of the first. Winslow answered with two in their half of the opening inning. The Bulldogs tied the game at 3-3 with a run in the fourth then went on top 4-3 with a run in the sixth. That lead didn’t hold long. Show Low scored three runs in the top of the seventh taking a 6-4 lead. Winslow tried to mount a comeback but their rally fell short after scoring just once to lose the game 6-5.
Justine Butterfield took the loss in the circle despite another strong pitching performance. She pitched all seven innings giving up the six runs on only seven hits with six strikeouts and walked none. Winslow committed six fielding errors, which really benefited the Cougars.
At the plate Harleigh Scott went 2 for 4; Brooke Williams, 2 for 3, with a double; Morgan Thomas, 1 for 4, with a home run; Jordyn Johnson, 1 for 4; Chloe Wilcox, 1 for 3; and Butterfield, 1 for 3.
Despite the loss the Bulldogs easily remained in the top eight in the final 3A rankings and will await the results of Wednesday’s state play-in games to see who their first round opponent will be.
Holbrook, Show Low and Payson also each finished in the top eight. Snowflake finished ranked 10th and will host No. 23 North Pointe Prep on Wednesday afternoon. No. 20 Blue Ridge had to travel to Tucson to face No. 13 Sabino.
The first round of the state tournament was played on Saturday at the Rose Mofford Complex in Phoenix. If the Bulldogs won on Saturday, they return to Phoenix on Friday for the second round of the tournament.
