The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON - After getting rained out of its first scheduled games, the Lady Bulldogs opened their season last Saturday with two wins against Tri Cities Prep.

The Bulldogs claimed victory in game one last Sat- urday, 11-10, and in game two, 24-6.

"It was nice to get outside and face some live pitching," said the Bulldogs' assistant coach Desirae Jones. "It took the girls a little bit to get their jitters out."

And it was clear that the more the Lady Bulldogs played on Saturday, the more they warmed up and their talent really started to shine.

In game one, Colleen Delp, who plays third base, managed to get six RBIs. Pitcher Samantha Harting struck out 13 batters in the first game as well and had no walks. She certainly is filling the shoes of 2011 lead pitcher Kayla Turner.

"I know she's capable," Jones said of Harting.

As the girls became more comfortable, their batting skills really started to shine later in the day.

In game two, McKayla Bickelhaupt, the team's starting catcher, hit a home run. Malia frame also had six RBIs in the second game.

"The girls just hit a lot better in the second game," Jones said. "They finally relaxed a little bit. They played ball."

Jones said TCP had a pitcher who threw well for the Jaguars and proved to be the team's strongest batter, too.

But, because of Dayton's bat skills, the Dogs still took home the victories for the day.

"We were able to hit the ball better," Jones said. "The girls relaxed a bit."

Relaxing and easing into the season was a main goal of head coach Terry Robbins and obviously his strategy paid off last Saturday. Also, the Dogs benefit from four strong returning seniors who are expected to make great strides this year.

The Lady Dogs play next on Wednesday, March 28 against Pomeroy in Dayton at 4 p.m.