It was another great week for Lincoln softball, as the Bulldogs won three of four games and continue to improve as the final stretch of the season nears.
Lincoln (10-11) won 9-1 at Commerce last Tuesday before winning two of three at the Haytown Classic in Inola.
Lincoln lost 10-0 on Thursday to NOAH, but rebounded with a 6-4 win later that day over Cleveland.
The Bulldogs closed out the week with a 14-9 win in eight innings on Friday in a game that took almost three hours.
"We are around .500 but I think we have been close in about six losses that could have easily been wins," said Lincoln first year head coach Greg Harmon. "I am proud of the girls for their improvement."
"They have had to navigate having a new coach and we are really young. We have five freshman that are regularly on the field most days, and we are leaving on Haylee (Delozier) most days in the circle, which is much larger role than she played last year."
The head coach thinks his team may be one of the tops in the district, even with a 4-7 record, and that Lincoln is going to be a difficult draw in the postseason for one of the higher seeds.
"I think we are the second-best team in the district despite the standings," said Harmon. "I think we will be a tough out and some teams may overlook us."
Overall, the program is building in the right direction under Harmon, as the group has a bright future and has continued to show resolve all season.
"I'm very proud of how coachable these girls have been, as well as their attitude and the fight they continue to show each day,"" said Harmon.
Lincoln plays at Adair on Monday before returning home in a rematch with NOAH on Tuesday.
The Bulldogs will be at Oologah on Thursday before hosting Booker T Washington in the final regular season game next Tuesday.
The regional tournament is next week on Oct. 1-2.
LINCOLN 9, COMMERCE 1
The Bulldogs took care of business last week in a win over Commerce, as Lincoln jumped out to an early lead and relied on a strong performance from Delozier on the mound.
Lincoln led 3-0 early before taking a 4-0 lead midway through the game.
The Bulldogs broke it open late, as Lincoln used a concentrated approach at the plate against a good opposing pitcher.
"Their lefty was a legitimate threat," said Harmon. "She had good velocity, changed speeds on us and had beaten some other teams by herself."
"We focused on swinging at good pitches, being smart on the base paths and putting pressure on the corner infielders and I was proud of the results."
Delozier led the way all-around, as the senior had 13 strikeouts and was one of the top hitters offensively for Lincoln.
LINCOLN 6, CLEVELAND 4
Lincoln jumped out to an early lead in last week's win over Cleveland and the Bulldogs were able to hold on.
Lincoln led 6-1 early after two runs in the 1st and four more in the top of the 3rd.
But Cleveland made things interesting late, answering the Bulldogs with three in the bottom of the 3rd to get within two runs.
"We had an opportunity to shut the door but we let them hang around and that's something we have to get better at," said Harmon.
Delozier had seven Ks and gave up just one earned run in the win, as she fanned the final batter to end the game.
"Our girls responded and I was proud of Haylee for battling," aid Harmon.
Braxli Brown, Braylon Wichman and Sally Pritchard all doubled in the win, while Delozier had two hits.
"We continue to learn lessons and be put in situations that can help us later in the year," said Harmon. "This one was about getting a lead, holding it and then closing the game out."
LINCOLN 14, INOLA 9 (8 INNINGS)
The Bulldogs outlasted Inola at the Haytown Festival last week, as the Bulldogs won a game shorthanded that took almost three hours to complete.
Lincoln trailed late but scored three runs in the 6th to lead 6-4.
Inola tied the game at 6-6 in the bottom half before neither team scored in the 7th.
With a runner on to start extras, Harmon and his team executed its bunt game perfectly, loading the bases before the floodgates opened.
Lincoln scored eight runs in the inning to take a commanding lead and hold on in the bottom half.
"We were without our starting catcher Sophie Ellis, as she was injured after getting hit in the face with a foul ball," said Harmon. "And we had at least six girls battling an illness going around, plus you add in how hot it was and it being our fourth game of the week —we had some odds against us."
"But I am really proud of us for persevering and finding a way. Earlier in the year, this game is probably a loss. So it shows me the girls are growing."
Photos by Lee Talley
