By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

WILSONVILLE, Ore.–  Dallas’ Chloe Zajac enters her final season as a Dragons softball player as the lone senior on the roster, with the bulk returning from last year’s 5A State Semifinal run entering this year, knowing that it’s a bittersweet moment as the squad opened the season with the Wilsonville jamboree Monday evening.

“It’s really exciting, obviously it’s pretty sad because I’m going to miss my team and everything.  But it’s really exciting to have the opportunity and everything to be an example to the younger girls.  It’ll help the younger girls with their following years.  Help them understand the game a little bit better and show them how things are run with our program,” Zajac said.  “I love this program and the coaches are amazing.   It’s always great to get back into it and having that first game in not knowing what to expect.  It’s always fun getting back out there and having the team out again.”

There was some rust that they were knocking off during their two, three-inning scrimmages with West Linn and host-Wilsonville.  It was the first time they’ve been out on an actual field together all season as weather kept them in the Dallas gym over the course of the past few days.  Battling through the wind, rain and cold on the turf fields at Wilsonville High School, they adjusted.  Having fun being back on the diamond and not in a gym setting.  The little things that helped them reach the State Semi’s last Spring before falling to eventual State Champions Pendleton/Griswold will come back around as they get some live reps in, out on the field.  

“(The Jamboree) showed us that we need a little more communication, which will come with more playing time and everyone working hard.  We saw a lot of teamwork, everyone working together.  Last year our communication, the bond that just our team have is really good.  Everyone works together and we all really love each other as a team.  The way we can duplicate that is keeping everyone involved, communication, always working hard in practices and going hard.  Working on those little things,I feel like little things we overcomplicate sometimes, so just focusing on the little things,” said Zajac.

The junior-heavy squad, which features Kadence Morrison, Jordan Creswell, Brook Dunkin, Kaelyn Golden and Clara Woosley to name a few, will return to action Tuesday for their first official game at Canby against the Cougars before hosting West Salem Thursday.  Both games are at 5pm.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald