On May 13, the Lady Bulldogs were escorted through town with a honk-out led by the Winslow fire department, police department, ambulance and a Guardian Air helicopter and fans as they headed to Arizona State University’s Farrington Field in Tempe to face the Sabino Lady Sabercats for the softball state finals.
In the bottom of the first inning the leadoff hitter for the Lady Sabercats would hit a double and then in the bottom of the fourth inning Sabino’s Gianna Pancost would hit a solo home run, to give Sabino a 2-0 lead.
Throughout the game the Lady Bulldogs would demonstrate outstanding defense in the infield and outfield with many great plays including a double play.
In the bottom of the sixth inning Sabino, with the help of two Winslow errors, would score six runs including a home run.
In the top of the seventh inning Winslow would get their first hit of the game by Rylie Sharp to take away the perfect game that Sabino pitcher Riley Nielson had going having had 10 strikeouts prior to then. The game would end on a double play by Sabino, making the final score Sabino 8, Winslow 0.
State runner-up was not the only honor that the Lady Bulldogs received this season. The following players received these awards for the 3A All Conference Awards: Mykenzie Flores earned Offense Player of the Year, Brynlee Barris was named on the second conference team, with honorable mentions to Mikell Branson.
Players named to the All Regional First Team include Brinleigh Arredondo, Flores, Barris and Branson. Second team was Jaylynn Sharp and Alexis Smith. Honorable mention went to Andrea Guzman, Sasha Medina and Kristara Tso. Regional Player of the Year also went to Flores. Megan Lymer was named Regional Coach of the Year. Graduating players include Andrea Guzman, Mykenzie Flores, Leia-Rae Kalk and Kristara Tso.
