By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

DALLAS, Ore.–  The Dallas Dragon softball team came out strongly and soundly against West Albany in their Mid-Willamette Conference opener Monday afternoon.

Their 10-1 win also snapped their three-game skid that closed out probably their toughest non-league slate under Head Coach Brandi Jackson.  The last two games coming way of one-run games against Barlow and Tigard before they kicked off their MWC-league schedule this week.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Jackson starts.  “That was probably the toughest competition (with our) preseason schedule since I’ve been here and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I told the girls that it’s only going to make us better.  Offensively, defensively, mentally and all of the things…we’re a very young team.  So we’re playing those tough 6A schools is ultimately going to make us better.”

The Dragons came out clicking against the Bulldogs Monday afternoon that felt more like mid-March than mid-April, scoring three first inning runs.  Two runs coming off a Chole Zajac one-out single, the other came way of a Kaelyn Golden double with two outs.

Golden had the two doubles for Dallas while driving in 2RBI’s.  Zajac and Emma Moore also contributed 2RBI’s and Brook Dunkin led the offense with three hits.

Defensively, Kadence Morrison struck out ten while the sophomore and her defense only surrendered three hits and the one run.

“We got the lead early, so that was nice and it gives us a lot of momentum for the rest of the game.  We played like we knew what we were doing,” Dunkin said.  “It gave us some confidence.  We just got to keep working hard and I think we’ll be ready.”

Photos By Jeremy McDonald