Burnet softball loses to Salado, Jarrell

CAPTION: Senior Journey Denton is performing as a veteran, according to her coach, by leading by example. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

The Burnet High School softball team lost to Salado 10-0 March 5 and to Jarrell 9-5 March 3 to begin District 24-4A play.

“I thought we competed well and showed a lot of fight throughout the week,” head coach Jayci Craig said. “Our effort and energy were consistent, and the girls continued to support each other in the dugout. Defensively, we had some solid moments, and that’s something we can continue to build on as we move deeper into district play.”

Jarrell took a 4-0 lead after scoring a run in the first inning and three in the second.

But the Lady Dawgs (10-8-2, 0-2) came roaring back. Peyton Allen reached on an infield single, while Kendall Winkley doubled to center field. Layton Powell hit a sacrifice bunt to score Allen and Avaiyah Perkins hit a RBI single to right field to score Winkley. Journey Denton hit a RBI double to score Perkins and trim the deficit to 4-3.

But the Lady Cougars scored two runs in the fourth, a run in the fifth, and two in the seventh for a 7-3 lead.

Burnet scored two in the seventh when Denton earned a walk, Hannah Brooks hit a double to left field and Carlee Williams hit a 2 RBI double to center-right field.

Pitcher Williams was credited with the loss by allowing four earned runs off 14 hits and three strikeouts.

“I thought we had some good at bats and made solid contact at times, but we need to do a better job of being consistent throughout the lineup,” Craig said. “We had opportunities to put more pressure on them, and that’s something we’ll keep working on, stringing hits together and capitalizing when runners get on base.”

In the fifth inning, Denton led off with a single to center field, Lacie Lewis singled to right field and Williams reached on an infield single to load the bases with one out. But the next batter hit a grounder to the second baseman, who tagged the runner then threw to first for the double play to end the threat. Burnet stranded one runner in the first, second, third and seventh innings for a total of six runners.

Craig noted the Lady Cougars took advantage of their opportunities when they came.

“Jarrell did a good job of executing in key moments,” she said. “They were able to put the ball in play when they needed to and took advantage of some opportunities offensively. They also limited our chances and made the routine plays defensively, which helped them maintain momentum.”

The coach summed up the Salado (13-7-1, 2-0) contest.

“Salado is a solid team,” she said. “I was proud of the way our girls continued to battle and didn’t quit. We saw some things we did well on the defensive side of things and some areas we need to clean up, but those are things we’ll take into practice and continue improving as the district schedule moves forward.”

While the coach was pleased with the overall effort of her players, she noted that Denton, a four-year letterman, is serving as a true veteran in numerous ways.

“I’d like to highlight the effort of our girls overall, but I thought Journey Denton really stood out with the way she competed and led by example,” Craig said. “She continues to work hard and gives us a great effort every time she steps on the field.”

Burnet has a bye Friday, March 13, then travels to play at Marble Falls Tuesday, March 17, with the junior varsity playing at 1 p.m. and the varsity at 3 p.m. The Lady Dawgs welcome Taylor in a noon varsity-only contest Thursday, March 19.

CAPTION: Carlee Williams prepares to swing. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography