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By Paige Nash

It has been about a decade since Gibsland-Coleman High School has had a softball team. That changed this year.

“We came to the decision to reinstate the program because we were looking for something for the girls that don’t play basketball or track something else to do,” said Head softball coach Andrew Haulcy,

The newly reinstated Lady Bulldogs softball team lost quite a few games in the beginning of the season, but it seems they have found their stride.

The Lady Bulldogs earned their first win against Kilbourne last Tuesday, March 21. High on their first win, they added two more against the Ringgold Ladyskins the following Thursday, then another against Lincoln Prep this past Tuesday, March 28. The Lady Bulldogs almost shut them out, winning 21-1.

“The team consists of 8th and 9th graders with 3 sophomores and 3 juniors, so we are a relatively young team. Out of the 18 girls that I have on the team, only two of them have any real experience playing softball,” said Haulcy. “Maybe 1 or 2 have played little league years ago in Minden but that’s it.”

A few of the players were a part of the Lady Bulldog state runner-up basketball team and state champion track team.

“This group of young ladies already knows what it takes to win. They just have to learn the game of softball and bring that winners mentality with them and they should be one of the top teams in the next few years,” he said. “The best part is that they are all eager to learn the game and are excited about playing.”

This team may be new and inexperienced, but they are making it known that they are a force to be reckoned with and Coach Haulcy has high expectations for this group.

He said, “My hopes and expectations are for them to continue to work hard and learn the game and to get better each practice and game and to have fun while doing it. Our goal is to get better each season and hopefully get to compete for a championship before this group graduates.”

The Lady Bulldogs will attempt to continue their winning streak against the Arcadia Lady Hornets on Tuesday, April 3 at 5 p.m.

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