Bulldogs ousted in Oregon, place fourth in tourney

Photograph by Amy Leong

The Bulldogs softball team traveled down to Delta Park, Oregon where they ended their season placing fourth in NWAACC championships. It is the second year in a row that the Bulldogs have brought home the fourth place trophy and they are only one of two teams to place in the top four the past two seasons.

With high expectations, anything short of a championship would be a disappointment for coach Leah Francis and her Bulldogs team.  “The seeding really did not matter to us as every year we have a goal of winning an NWAACC title,” said Francis. But when reflecting on the season Francis said, “We had an amazing season and accomplished quite a bit.” Ending the season with a record of 44-5 and taking home a North Region title, the team should be proud of what they have been able to accomplish.

While watching her team play, Francis realized and learned one thing: “Our team has a lot of heart.” The team battled back through the loser’s bracket on Saturday and fought to earn a fourth place trophy. “I was so proud to watch the way they played as a team and how they represented Bellevue College both on and off the field.”

Overall the team had a very good tournament and played some very good softball, but just came up a little short to the expectations they were held to. “It is always hard for a season to come to an end, but we had an outstanding run!”

Coach Francis had to say goodbye to the sophomore players as they move onto new things, whether that will be softball at a future college or not. “I thanked the sophomores for all the work and effort they put into the program and let them all know they should hold their heads high for what they did over the two years they were here.” The sophomore’s get a well-deserved thank you from the coach because of what they’ve been able to accomplish in their two years. They have a record of 48-0 in league, 82-8 overall, winning two North Region titles and two fourth place NWAACC trophies.

With a fourth place tourney finish still fresh in her memory, Francis has to shake off the results of last season and look forward to the next. “This was an amazing season and I want our players and fans to be proud of everything they accomplished as a group this year.  It was fun to be a part of it and while I am sad to see this season end, I am excited to see what next year has in store!” With a lot of players returning Francis told them “we need to build on what we accomplished this year and continue to work hard towards the goal of a NWAACC title.” With a strong core of returning players and a good incoming recruiting class, Francis believes that next year’s team will be in the race for a NWAACC championship title, and that will continue to be their goal throughout the season.

So what’s in store for the Bulldogs next year? They have high expectations again striving for a NWAACC title, and with several returning players and a good group of incoming freshman, a championship is hopefully in their future.