(Oakland, IA) – Riverside softball carries on in postseason play after capturing a 2-1 win over #14 Woodbine on Wednesday night. The Bulldogs were not only aggressive on the bases but were able to earn a few key hits to put those baserunners into key positions. Head Coach Lacie Patterson says the girls took advantage of every opportunity presented as they’ve won four straight games.
The main aspect of Riverside’s success against the Tigers came from defense. While allowing just one run in the first inning of action, the Bulldogs didn’t back down with Peyton Schafer who pitched a phenomenal game for Riverside. She utilized her defense on the field to help keep her team in the ballgame.
One piece of advice going into postseason play was to make Riverside’s name well-known. The Bulldogs were seeded toward the middle to bottom of the pack in their bracket as they continue to upset some of the top opponents in the state, especially with their win over a state-ranked Woodbine team.
Riverside continues to roll with what they have this season while keeping up with the same tempo. This year, the team averages .309 at the plate with top hitters Elly Henderson, Kayden Schnack, and Sophia Fenner who are all hitting over .400 this season. The Bulldogs also have been very successful on the bases with 130 stolen bases as a team while Elly Henderson leads the team with almost a third of the bases stolen with 40. If the Bulldogs continue to replicate the stat sheet to the ballfield, Riverside will see success at the end of the Fort Dodge tunnel.
The goal for Riverside at this point is to trust in one another through thick and thin. Coach Patterson’s success as a coach comes from her connection to her players on the field.
In semifinal action, the Bulldogs will be taking on Earlham, who was ranked #11 in the state by the IGHSAU. The Cardinals are going to be a tough opponent to push past in postseason action as they lead Class 1A in runs scored (309), rank third in hits (345) and total bases (497), fourth in walks (134), and fifth in batting average (.570), home runs (22), and in on-base percentage (.454). Riverside will have to play to the top of their level to get past Earlham and advance to the regional final.
Riverside travels to Earlham on Friday, July 11th to take on the Cardinals in postseason play with the opening pitch at 7:00 p.m.
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