After a losing season last year, the softball team has started off the season strong. Despite a disappointing season opener against Sherwood and a loss to Gaithersburg, the team put together a three game win streak, beating Magruder 7-3, Rockville 23-1 and Northwest 3-2. 

The team has focused mostly on hitting, which has been one of its glaring weaknesses in the past.  This was demonstrated in its game against Rockville March 29, in which the Bulldogs outscored their opponent by 22 runs.  Sophomore starter Katie Jenkins has led the way with a total of 9 RBIs.

“We’re hitting the ball better than last year,” head coach James Collins said. “Half of our practice is batting drills.”

Jenkins also has the team’s second highest batting average, and leadoff hitter junior Sarah Adams has contributed with an on base percentage of over .500.

According to returning senior captain Maddie Ulanow, this is the best team that she has played on in her four years. 

After the tough loss to Sherwood, Ulanow’s experience and focus kept her and the team motivated for the upcoming games, and enabled them to achieve victory. 

“We played them tight the whole time,” Ulanow said.  “It shows we can play with anyone.”
One of the players’ other goals is to keep their focus and give their all throughout the entirety of each of their games.

“We have the talent to win if we focus,” Collins said.  “The attitude is improving.  Players know that if they’re not playing 100 percent at practice, they won’t play.”

The girls lost a tough one April 4 against Gaithersburg after rallying back from being down 7-3.  Senior outfielder Anna Kimelblatt started off the rally with a triple, driving in one run.  They ended up losing 7-6 due to a few costly errors, but the lady Bulldogs put together a solid offensive game.

The girls looked to improve their record against Walter Johnson April 6, and April 8 against Richard Montgomery.