It seems like everything has been leading to this year for the Bowie girls' softball team. The Bulldawgs lost to Garland in the Class 5A state semifinals two years ago. They moved one step closer last spring losing this time to Alvin in the state title game. But the gang is back nearly intact this season with one last chance to go all the way. Senior pitcher Blaire Luna is one of many impact players on this year's squad. The Texas signee is the reigning Austin American Statesman Player of the Year after posting an ERA of 0.06 last season to go with 246 strike outs in 123 innings. Luna's battery mate is also back in senior catcher Whitney Bailey. Bowie's outfield returned in full with senior Andrea Porter in center field, senior Sam Beason in right and sophomore Kendall Wiley in left. That trio doubles as the heart of the Bulldawgs lineup with Porter hitting second, Beason third and Wiley in the cleanup spot. All three hit better than .300 last season, with Beason leading the way at .389. Bowie lost its first baseman, second baseman and third baseman to graduation, but Brittany Moreno does return to hold things down at shortstop. With a pitcher like Luna in the circle, a talented lineup surrounding her and two different season-ending losses to use as motivation, it wouldn't be wise to doubt the Bulldawgs come playoff time this spring.
story copied from April 09 ESPN Rise ..Recognition S.A./Austin..Teams that demand attention
