Key role: Dumas, Pampa softball use experience of 4-4A play for extended playoff runs

There was rarely an easy game for softball teams in District 4-4A this season, and the district’s depth has shown in the playoffs.

Every playoff qualifier, Dumas, West Plains, Pampa and Randall, reached the Region I quarterfinals to face each other. Dumas and Pampa are the two left standing in the Region I semifinals as the Demonettes defeated Randall and the Harvesters topped West Plains. Dumas faces Sanger this week, and Pampa takes on Burkburnett this weekend.

The tough roads hardened Dumas and Pampa for the postseason, and now both have their eyes on the 4A state tournament.

“I think (District 4-4A) has helped us every year,” said Pampa coach Dottie Hawthorne. “I think it really plays a key role in how strong we have become for the playoffs.”

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Tough district games

Dumas was the district champion, finishing one game above West Plains. It took the Demonettes until their final regular season game against Pampa to clinch the outright district title, doing so with a 7-4 victory. Dumas started district play 1-2 with losses to West Plains and Randall, but hasn’t lost since its 13-2 defeat to the Raiders on March 14.

The Demonettes grinded out a 6-4 victory in Game 1 of their regional quarterfinal series against Randall last Thursday, but comfortably won 14-4 in Game 2 the next day. Dumas’ district foe is the only team not to lose both games by double-digits this postseason.

“It’s tough when you get that deep into playoffs and you play a team you're so familiar with,” said Dumas coach Carlyn Tolleson. “They knew everything about us, and we know everything about them.”

Dumas has mostly rolled its way through the playoffs, outscoring its first two opponents in Seminole and Bowie by a combined 82-10 over four games. Star Cortes has pitched 20 scoreless innings in five starts and recorded 11 RBIs and four home runs at the plate, while infielder Madi Zubia has also provided four postseason home runs of her own.

Tolleson is looking for them and their teammates to step up against Sanger.

“From one to nine, we’re very competitive,” Tolleson said. “We really depend on everyone to be big in the field and in the box.”

Sharpened determination

Pampa also saw district success this season. The Lady Harvesters won its first three district games, including a 29-4 win over Perryton. Despite losing its final two district games against Canyon and Dumas to finish third, Pampa’s had a successful postseason. It took down Monahans in three games and coasted by San Elizario by a combined score of 35-2 in a sweep before meeting West Plains in the regional quarterfinals.

The Lady Harvesters earned a sweep, but were tested by the Lady Wolves in 4-1 and 6-1 victories.

“They were just such a strong team,” Hawthorne said. “They had strong hitters and strong batters and gave us a really tough series.”

Hawthorne said she thinks District 4-4A helped sharpen Pampa’s determination, which showed against West Plains. Pitcher Kynleigh Kirby struck out 14 total batters in the series and hit a crucial solo home run in Game 1. Infielder Kassie Arnsen was the hero in Game 2, providing a clutch three-run double in the third inning.

After falling to Burkburnett in the regional semifinals last year, Hawthorne hopes Pampa’s determination avenges its loss.

“They’re just very confident,” Hawthorne said. “We’re going to take care of business and improve ourselves.”

After surviving a tough district, both teams now hope it translates to continued playoff success.

“It’s given us confidence and motivation to keep going farther,” Tolleson said. “What we’ve faced this season helps a ton. We’re all in, and we’re very excited for more.”

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Dumas, Pampa softball use experience of 4-4A for extended playoff runs