The sun starts setting over Westlake High School as the players warming up on the softball field mentally and physically prepare for another round of playoffs. Promptly at 7 p.m. the game starts and the Bowie Girls Softball team faces off against Buda Johnson to determine who moves on to the fourth round.
The third round of playoffs is also known as the regional semi-finals, meaning whoever moves on will get their chance in round four, or the regional finals. According to sophomore Ellie Lauer, she thought they have a good chance of winning if they stay energized throughout the game.
“We played them earlier in the season, and lost, but we’ve gotten a lot better since then,” Lauer said. “I think it could honestly go either way, it’s super fifty-fifty, but if we keep up the energy and focus the whole game, we definitely have a chance of beating them.”
The Lady Dawgs made it to round three by defeating SA Brennan in a game series, winning the first game 8-7 and the second game 9-8. Both close games, but the Bowie softball team ultimately ended up on top, securing their place in round three against Buda Johnson.
“I really feel these girls are connected and want to win and be successful,”
Lady ‘Dawgs Softball coach Elizabeth Wissel said. “They figure out how to get the job done and they’ve done it together, which I think is what led us to a big win against SA Brennan.”
Apart from Wissel, Lauer also dedicates the team’s recent wins to their ability to work well with one another. She says being able to have a deep bond with a team not only makes the games more enjoyable but also gives them an advantage over other teams who might not know each other as well.
“I think making it this far in playoffs is definitely because of our connection as a team,” Lauer said. “We’re really good at lifting each other up when we need to, plus everyone on the team is a good player and gets their jobs done.”
After a hard fought game against Buda Johnson, the Lady Dawgs ended up losing 5-4 in a nail-biter in the 10th inning. To seniors like outfielder Bella Nungaray, the loss was even more devastating because it marks their last time playing for the Bowie softball team.
“Being on this team has brought me so much joy, and I’m definitely sad our playoff run ended the way it did,” Nungaray said. “But at the same time I’m really proud of us and of what we’ve accomplished.”
Last year, the team only made it to the first round of playoffs, so for the others who aren’t graduating, making it to the regional semi-finals gives them the motivation to work even harder and get further next season.
“We’ve had a different experience with playoffs this year and it feels so good to see our progress as a team,” Lauer said. “Making it to semi-finals has given us the motivation to strive and keep building these memories with each other and a chance to say goodbye to the seniors in a way they deserve.”
Despite not making it to the fourth round, the Lady ‘Dawgs had a solid district season, with more than double the wins over losses. According to Wissel, the team had a super promising season, and their loss to Buda didn’t reflect how thoroughly they played all game.
“This group played really well together,” Wissel said. “And although we didn’t end up making it to the fourth round, they had a great game and gave it their all.”
According to Wissel, the team stepped out on the field every game wanting to win and proved that they could through their most memorable wins of the season. They were able to beat Lake Travis and Westlake two times each in district season, two of Bowie’s biggest sports competitors.
“The environment of this team is honestly like no other that I’ve been on,” Nungaray said. “We always have high energy and give one hundred percent every game.”
Both Lauer and Nungaray expressed their love for the Lady ‘Dawgs softball team, not only because of their connection on the field, but how friendly they were with each other off of it as well.
“I love how much fun we have and how the girls make the most out of every practice and game,” Wissel said. “This is a really special group, and they deserve the world.”
