Transitioning and Triumphing: Extended softball campaign in '21 continues overlap of Lady Hornets' s

Posted Date: 05/18/2021

BONHAM -- Dodd City junior Tori Dotson on May 14 took the circle to close out a Region II-1A semifinals softball sweep, in relief of sophomore Lindsey Mauppin.

Dotson shouldered the whole pitching load in 2019 when the Lady Hornets made their previous deep run into the softball postseason: a second trip to the Class 1A State semifinals in a three-year span.

She hasn't minded having company this season on Dodd City's pitching staff.

"Yes, it's been less stressful," said Dotson. "I know I can come out [of a game] and we are still good."

"It's been the way we've done it all year," said Dodd City softball manager Bruce Mauppin. "We've alternated: one would start; the other would close.

"It's nice to have two pitchers," he said. "I feel they complement each other."

Lindsey Mauppin moved to shortstop for the remainder of the game, as Dodson does when the sophomore is in the circle.

It's transitioning on the field during a game -- and what happens seasonally at small schools where many of the athletes play more than one sport.

Reaching the regional finals in volleyball for the first time since 2001, winning a girls basketball State title for the first time and now reaching at least the regional finals (as of May 14) in softball: it's made quick changes even more necessary this athletic year at Dodd City.

"We have definitely progressed a lot since just coming off basketball," said senior second baseman Dulaney Chapman. "It's been a big change. Our fielding and hitting have been getting better."

Overlapping seasons she watched from the stands previously have become reality during
Addyson Chaney's freshman year of athletics. She played libero during varsity volleyball, came off the bench during the championship basketball season and starts at third base in softball.

"It's been tough, but sometimes you have to do what it takes and take the roles you are given" said Chaney. "Be a team player and do what the team needs."

Said Bruce Mauppin of the Lady Hornets: "They are good athletes that can make fast transitions."

Note: Dodd City will in the Region II-1A Final play Graford, an 11-0 winner over Blum.