The Zephyrhills High School girls’ softball season came to an end Tuesday in a hard-fought 5-2 loss to rival Pasco in the Class 4A District 9 semifinals at ZHS.
It marked the end of an era for the senior-laden Lady Bulldogs as coach Kristen Dumont bid farewell to six seniors who anchored the lineup and provided leadership to the underclassmen who will take their place next season.
“It’s a sad end to our season, but it was on hell of a fight we played,” Dumont said. “We didn’t stop fighting until the very last pitch.
“This is a great group of girls. Some of our underclassmen addressed our seniors after the game and told them what an honor it has been to play with them and get to know them.”
Dumont will have three players moving on to play college softball with Bella Rivera (Jackson State), Hope Tackett (Wesleyan) and Laila Woolfolk (Gaston) preparing for the next level.
“We improved a lot from the beginning of the season. I’m proved of them all,” Dumont said. “We have our seniors, but we’ve had some freshmen step up to the plate and help us out. It’s a good vision of what’s to come over the next three years.”
Against the Pirates, Tackett went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI. Junior third baseman Mel Moreno added a pair of hits. Also getting hits for the Lady Bulldogs were Cali Sisto, Emily Mohler, Dakota Deck, Rylee Moss and Rivera.
Hannah Wadyka wrapped up her pitching career at ZHS getting five strikeouts while allowing four walks in 4 2/3 innings. Briana Vega came on in relief allowing one hit.