Lava Bear coach hangs it up

Bend Senior High School softball coach Tom Mauldin announced his resignation as the Lava Bear coach on June 6.

“It’s been a grand four years,” said Mauldin, who had a won-loss record of 65-12 as BSHS head coach, including 29-2 in 2022. “But it is time to make sure family and health are first and foremost. Soon to be 72, it’s time.”

Mauldin said it was more of a “retirement” than resignation, but this makes it official.

The Bears were ranked No. 1 in 2021 after going 18-1 and finished No. 1 in the Oregon 6A Coaches Poll in 2022. They also were ranked as high as No. 11 in MaxPreps' National Rankings. BSHS won 47 of its last 50 games under the veteran coach.

Mauldin noted there were “too many thank yous” to issue in a short statement. “But I would like to give a special shout out to athletic director Lowell Norby, athletic secretary Genelle Reese, BHS accountant Debbie Christian and principal Christopher Reese.”

Bend High School athletic director Lowell Norby said a search for a new coach would begin soon.

Oregon City ends Lava Bear softball run

Team finishes 29-2 after extra-inning loss in 6A semi-final game

There is an old adage in softball “good pitching stops good hitting.” That’s what happened when Oregon City ended Bend High School’s softball season in the state 6A Semi-Finals on Tuesday, May 31, 4-0, in nine innings.

By winning, the Pioneers move on to the state title game on June 4 versus Tigard at Jane Sanders Stadium on the University of Oregon campus.

By losing, Bend concludes its 2022 campaign in impressive fashion at 29-2. The Bears will start the 2023 season having won 47 of their last 50 games.

“We’ve got to give credit to Oregon City.” Said Bears coach Tom Mauldin. “Their pitcher limited the best hitting team in Oregon to just two hits — a fourth-inning single to Allison Parker and a ninth-inning double to Sophia Weathers.

Bend’s only other baserunners were a pair of hit batters (Parker and Weathers and Gracie Goewey walked.

“It was a great pitchers duel and they came out on top,” said Mauldin, who noted that Bend’s Addisen Fisher struck out 21, a single-game school record.

Fisher had a perfect game for four innings before the Pioneers singled twice in the fifth. They threatened but did not score.

After a one-two-three sixth-inning, the Pioneers singled in the seventh, but another one-two-three inning moved the game further into extra innings.

The Bears, meanwhile, couldn’t figure out Oregon City right hander Lily Riley and didn’t reach base for 13 batters from the fifth until the ninth.

The Pioneers sent nine batters to the plate in the ninth and scored four times for the victory.

Junior catcher Weathers, Bend’s hottest hitter over the season’s final eight games, opened the ninth with a double to deep left field. But that’s where the rally and season ended.

“Excellent season and no one should be hanging their heads,” said Mauldin. “Such a great season and such a terrific group of teammates. They’ve been through a lot, a pandemic notwithstanding.”

Dating back to the 2021 abbreviated, pandemic-stricken season, the Bears have gone 18-1 and 29-2 — 47 wins in their last 50 games. And had a 31-game winning streak over two seasons. They were ranked No. 1 one most of the season in the OSAA Coaches Poll and ranked as high as No. 11 nationally by MaxPreps.

Along the way, they have set numerous team and school records.

‘There’s a lot to be proud of for this group,” finalized the coach.

Lava Bears to face Oregon City

in State 6A Semi-Finals May 31

Hitting powers BSHS to 13-3 win over McMinnville

Five home runs and a total of 16 base hits powered the Bend Senior High School varsity softball team to a 13-3 playoff win over visiting McMinnville on May 27 at Varsity Field in front of a standing-room only crowd.

Violet Loftus and Addisen Fisher hit a pair of home runs and Gracie Goewey hit a three-run home run to provide the long balls. And Sophia Weathers went four-for-four to go along with two-hit efforts by Emma Sullivan and Lena Zahniser. Jet Hovey, Taylor Aldrich and Allison Parker all added base hits giving the Bears all nine starters with base hits.

By winning, the Bears improved their season record to 29-1 and more importantly advance to the Oregon Schools Activities Association’s 6A semi-finals on May 31 versus Oregon City (runnerup in the Three Rivers League and 21-7 on the season). Game time is 4 p.m. at BSHS Varsity Field.

McMinnville came into the game as the top-scoring 6A team in Oregon, averaging more than 10 runs per game. The Grizzlies, who had run-rule victories over 16 opponents, jumped off to a 3-0 lead getting one run in the first and added two in the second.

But Fisher opened the bottom of the third with her 13th home run of the season and after Weathers and Zahniser singled, Goewey sent a rocket over the left field fence for a three-run blast to put BSHS on top for good.

There was more to come as Loftus hit a solo shot and it was 5-3 after three innings.

Bend added five more in the fourth with singles by Hovey, Weathers, Zahniser, Sullivan and a second homer by Loftus with two on for a 10-3 margin.

Fisher homered in the fifth and Aldrich and Weathers drove in runs to put an exclamation on the victory, Bend’s 12th straight.

Fisher didn’t let the 3-0 deficit bother her as she scattered three hits and allowed only one run to be earned. She struck out nine including the final two of the game.

For Fisher, it was her 20th win of the season.

Bears beat Mountainside to advance to 6A quarter-finals

There’s an old saying in softball “good teams are strong up the middle.”

And, indeed, the Bend Senior High School Lava Bears are strong up the middle and it showed in their 6-2 win over visiting Mountainside (Beaverton) on May 25.

“Up the middle” refers to catcher, pitcher, shortstop, second base and center field. That combination accounted for all six runs batted in as the win moves Bend to the State 6A quarterfinals.

Junior catcher Sophia Weather doubled twice and singled, sophomore pitcher Addisen Fisher singled in a run, junior center fielder Gracie Goewey singled in two runs and senior shortstop Violet Loftus and senior second baseman Emma Sullivan each drove in a run.

“Yes we are strong up the middle,” said Bears coach Tom Mauldin. “They hit. They field. They throw. They run. They are an athletic group smart on and off the field.”

Weathers has collected a dozen hits and driven in eight in Bend’s last six games.

“She is swinging it well,” said Mauldin, who noted that she uses the team’s heaviest bat. “Very bright student of the game and one of the hardest workers I have coached. Proudly and happily, I can say that about a lot of our players.”

Fisher scattered four hits and struck out 17 Maverick batters in picking up her 19th win of the season. Both runs were unearned as she lowered her season’s ERA to 0.20.

Mauldin also praised Sullivan for her defensive play against Mountainside.

By winning, Bend will host McMinnville in Friday’s Third Round on May 27. McMinneville is 24-4 on the season and co-champions of the 6A-3 Pacific Conference.

The Grizzlies and the Bears have common foes in Canby, West Salem, Westview and Franklin. All wins by both teams.

McMinnville advanced with playoff wins of 13-3 over Nelson (Happy Valley) and 6-3 over Barlow (Gresham).

10 Lava Bears receive

All-MVC recognition

Ten — count ‘em, 10 — Bend High School softball players received All-Mountain Valley Conference honors when the league’s eight coaches picked their top players.

Sophomore Addisen Fisher was named both the MVC Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year and teammates Gracie Goewey, Violet Loftus and Lena Zahniser were named to the first team.

Lava Bears Sophia Weathers, Emma Sullivan, Allison Parker and Bryanna Schaefer were named second team and teammates Shyla Nunes and Taylor Aldrich were named honorable mention.

“Impressive recognition of our team,” said coach Tom Mauldin, noting it was a “zoom meeting … nearly three hours long. But it was certainly worth it.”

Fisher led the MVC in hitting (.611), triples, on base percentage, slugging percentage and was unbeaten as a pitcher (7-0). She was also third with four homers in 12 games..

Fisher did not allow an extra base hit and struck out 77 in 41 innings to go with a 0.51 ERA.

Goewey led the MVC in runs batted in with 25 and Loftus and Goewey were second in the conference with homers (five each). Zahniser batted .385 and was among the league leaders in runs scored with 20. Weathers batted .333, had a dozen RBIs and stole 10 bases.

Loftus was second to Fisher in batting with a .583 average and Goewey was in the Top 10 at .489.

Only MVC statistics were used for All-Conference consideration.

The Oregon Schools Activities Association has reclassified the four Bend high schools to 5A beginning in Fall 2022, meaning this is the Lava Bears last year as a 6A school.

“Being that this is our last year in the MVC, it adds a little more to being so well represented,” said Mauldin, who was named Coach of the Year. “It’s a happy feeling to share such an impressive showing by our Lava Bears.”

Lava Bears steamroll Franklin to open 6A Playoffs

All nine Lava Bear players collected base hits and Addisen Fisher pitched a no-hitter and struck out 15 as the Bears opened the State 6A Playoffs with a 14-0 victory over Franklin of Portland.

Fisher walked one, but struck every Franklin batter in the run-rule, five-inning game. It was her seventh no-hitter of the season.

“She was sharp,” said coach Tom Mauldin. “She went up, down, in and out.”

It was Fisher’s 18th win of the season as Bend improved to 27-1. Franklin, the number two team fromt he Portland Interscholastic League, finishes its season 11-12.

In addition to her pitching, Fisher collected a single, double and triple and everyone of her teammates contributed at least one base hit. Shyla Nunes was three-for-three and Lena Zahniser hit a two-run homer to right field.

“That was cool to see Lena hit it out to right. She’s been working a lot on opposite field hitting in practice,” added Mauldin.

Despite having two starters (Allison Parker and Bry Schaefer) out with injuries, the Bears hit from top to bottom with the bottom of the order — Jet Hovey and Taylor Aldrich — collecting two hits each and driving in three runs.

“It was rewarding to see the bottom of the order come through with line drive and run-scoring base hits,” said Mauldin. “Jet has been injured and Taylor has been in a bit of a slump. They broke the game open. Their aggressive swings were noticed.”

Violet Loftus drove in three runs with a single and a double, Sophia Weathers drove in two with a single and Gracie Goewey had a pair of doubles. Emma Sullivan also singled in a run.

By winning, Bend advanced to the round of 16 and on Wednesday (May 25) will host Mountainside (Beaverton), a 7-0 winner over Sprague. In the first round. Mountainside (20-7) is co-champions of the Metro League.

Game time will be 4:30 at Bend High School Varsity Field.

Bears to host Portland’s Franklin in playoff opener

Sporting a 26-1 record, a Mountain Valley Conference championship and a nine-game winning streak, the Bend Lava Bears will open postseason play on Monday, May 23, by hosting Franklin of the Portland Interscholastic Conference.

The Bears, who opened the season with 17-straight wins, completed regular season play with a 26-1 record and a Mountain Valley Conference championship (13-1). They have won 40 of their last 41 games.

Franklin finished second in the PIL with an 11-11 overall record.

Bend coach Tom Mauldin said his squad is excited for the “next season.”

“The postseason is always one of our goals,” said Mauldin, in her fourth year at BHS. “We’re down a few players with injuries to Allison Parker and Bry Schaefer, but we have depth and are confident as we host Franklin.”

Parker was injured after being hit by a pitch in BHS’s 10-0 win over Westview on May 18 and Schaefer had an appendectomy on May 13. Parker is a junior infielder/pitcher and Schaefer normally mans right field.

Sophomore Jet Hovey, who missed a week with an injured finger, is fully recovered for action.

Game time is 4:30 p.m. at Varsity Field on Emerson St.

Bears shine in 10-0 win over Westview

The Lava Bear varsity softball team concluded its regular season on May 18 with a 10-0 victory over Westview (Beaverton) in an Endowment Game played at Varsity Field at Bend High School.

The Bears got homers from Addisen Fisher and Gracie Goewey and multi-hit games from Sophia Weathers and Violet Loftus in running their season record to 26-1, the best record in the state. Shyla Nunes, Lena Zahniser, Emma Sullivan and freshman Lauren Glasser also had base hits as the Bears pushed their team batting average to .390.

Fisher picked up her 17th win of the season by limiting Westview to a single. She struck out nine and walked one in the run rule abbreviated five-inning game.

The Bears were quick to strike, scoring four runs in the first inning, keyed by base hits from Weathers and Goewey.

Bend added five runs in the third when Goewey hit a three-run homer (her 14th of the season) and Sullivan, Nunes and Glasser had base hits.

Fisher walked it off with a lead off home run in the bottom of the fifth.

All totaled, the Lava Bears had a dozen base hits as they won their ninth-straight game. They have won 44 of their last 45 games.

Next up for the Lava Bears are the playoffs, scheduled to start Monday, May 23. The locals are expected to be hosting an opponent to be determined May 20.

Lava Bears sweep McNary to claim MVC championship

Every player earned an ‘attagirl' bag of sunflower seeds

Bend High School’s varsity softball team relied on pitching, hitting, baserunning and defense in defeating McNary (Keizer, OR) twice on May 14, 7-0 in the first game and 5-4 in a nail-biting second game that decided the Mountain Valley Conference title.

The two wins moved the Lava Bears atop the MVC standings and with one game to play, the Bears claim the title with a 12-1 won-loss record. Overall, BSHS is 24-1. McNary fell to 9-3 and 18-5 overall. It was the Celtics’ first loss after winning 10 in a row.

“Total team wins … it took everyone,” said Bend coach Tom Mauldin, who hands out “attagirl” bags of sunflower seeds after each game. “We showed our strength in all aspects of the game. Good teams do that.”

Every girl received an ‘attagirl’ from the coach.

In winning the first game, 7-0, senior Violet Loftus and juniors Shyla Nunes and Gracie Goewey led the offense with two hits each and senior Lena Zahniser and juniors Sophia Weathers and Allison Parker each drove in runs. Loftus hit her fifth home run of the season to account for a trio of Lava Bear runs.

That offense was more than enough for sophomore Addisen Fisher, who limited McNary to two hits while striking out six.

Fisher was back in the circle for the second game and responded by scattering six hits and fanning seven. She also scored what turned out to be the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning — breaking a 4-4 tie — when she singled and scored on a double by Goewey.

Goewey and Loftus each drove in two runs in the second-game win as the Bears had eight players collect base hits. Senior Emma Sullivan, who was praised by Mauldin for her defense at second base, also had two hits in the title-clinching victory.

The veteran coach was quick to point out that it was a sacrifice bunt by Nunes in the third inning of the first game that ignited the Lava Bears.

“Shyla got Taylor (Aldrich) into scoring position, Addisen walked and Lena, Gracie and Violet hit rockets and just like that we had five runs. Hitting is contagious and so is the energy that comes with it.”

Many players contributed to the defense, none moreso than freshman Bell Lauerman, who made her debut in right field with several outstanding and timely catches. Lauerman was moved into the starting lineup when Bry Schaeffer was lost on Friday to an appendectomy.

“Sullivan, Zahniser, Parker, Weathers … just all of them … impressed with their defensive play,” said the coach.

Sullivan said “the energy we had as a team together was incredible. I am so impressed with out ability to battle through until the end. It felt amazing.”

Zahniser added, “Yesterday was an emotional game. We played a very strong team and were able to overcome a couple of bouts of adversity. It was was a team effort to come out on top.”

As a result, the Bears won their first-ever 6A softball conference title. In 2019, they finished third.

This will be the final year of the MVC, a 6A class conference, as the Oregon High School Activities Association has re-classified Bend’s four high schools (Bend, Summit, Mountain View and Caldera) down a classification to 5A starting this fall.

Mauldin noted that it is a “distinction” to close out the MVC as champions, “but it’s nothing compared to the tears of joy we shared when the double header ended. Everyone has worked hard through two years of very trying and unknown pandemic times. It’s so very rewarding for coaches to experience this with their players.

“We tell the girls that there is ‘no crying’ in softball. Move on and adjust to the ‘next pitch.’ But after that last pitch against McNary, we all got misty. I couldn’t be more proud of this group.”

Assistant Lava Bear coach Matt Macauley said, “It was a very good day.”

Next up for the Lava Bears is Senior Day when they host crosstown foe Mountain View on May 17 at Varsity Field on Emerson St.

Seniors to be honored will be Zahniser, Loftus and Sullivan.

Following the May 17 Senior Day, the Bears will host Westview (Beaverton) in an Endowment game to start at 4:30 p.m. on May 18.

Endowment games enable schools and fans to support the future of Oregon High School Activities. Funds from endowment games goes directly to programming that benefit the lives of student athletes like the Student Assistance Program, Participation Grants and the ImPACT Concussion Management Program.

Admission fee is $6 for adults, $4 for students and no passes except OSAA Media Passes are accepted.

Lava Bears power up in sweep over West Salem

Bend High School’s varsity softball team belted six home runs, a pair of triples and a double in recording a Mountain Valley Conference double header sweep over visiting West Salem on May 12.

By winning, the Lava Bears improved their season record to 22-1 and upped their MVC mark to 10-1, one-half game behind McNary (Keizer). The two teams collide on May 14 at Bend’s Varsity Field for games at noon and 2 p.m.

In winning the opener against West Salem, the Bears was a three-run homer by senior Lena Zahniser. Bend also got run-scoring base hits from Gracie Goewey, Sophia Weathers and Addisen Fisher.

In the 12-0 run-rule second game win, the Lava Bears bulked up with five home runs — three from school record holder Goewey. Violet Loftus and Fisher also homered. Fisher added a triple and Emma Sullivan doubled and single and Allison Parker singed.

Goewey set a trio Lava Bear records on the day — eight runs batted in for a single game, three homers for a single game and a new single-season RBI record at 48. She drove in nine runs in the two games and has 13 homers on the season.

While the offense was scoring 21, Fisher was picking up a pair of wins in the circle. She limited West Salem to one hit in the first game and struck out 14. All three Titan runs were unearned as BHS committed five fielding errors.

In the five-inning second game, Fisher allowed two hits and fanned nine.

“I loved the hitting, the aggressive at bats and our outstanding pitching, but we need to shore up our defense,” said coach Tom Mauldin. “And we will. Good teams do that.”

The 22 wins is the best in school history.

Bend’s junior varsity lost to West Salem, 14-4 and 9-7. Coach Kim Dean said Emma Miller was outstanding and Lauren Glasser was stellar behind the plate.

The JV squad will host McNary for a double header on May 14. Games are at Hal Puddy Field on 15th Street at noon and 2 p.m.

Records fall as Bears sweep McKay in twin 19-0 wins

Bend Senior High School’s 19-0 win over visiting Mckay in the first game of a double header on May 5 established a new single-season winning total at 19. And the second game win by the same score enabled a Lava Bear softball team to reach 20 wins in a single season for the first time.

In addition, home runs by sophomore Addisen Fisher and Gracie Goewey push the team’s 2022 season total to 28 — two more than last season’s school record 26.

The previous single season school record win total of 18 had been shared by the 2014, 2019 and 2021 teams.

By takng two from Mckay, BSHS moved to 20-1 on the season and 8-1 in the Mountain Valley Conference. McKay fell to 0-15 on the season.

Since having their 31-game winning streak, the Lava Bears have won three in a row and have yet to allow a base hit in their new streak.

“It’s fun watching our girls be successful,” said coach Tom Mauldin. “But we — coaches and players — enjoyed watching McKay battle despite lopsided margins. They showed a lot of energy and love for the game.”

In the opener, the Lava Bears scored 15 runs in the first inning to put the game out of reach. Doubles by Allison Parker and Fisher and a triple by sophomore Bry Schaeffer gave Bend all the offense it needed. McKay helped with eight walks and two hit batters.

Gracie Goewey pitched three perfect innings in the abbreviated, run-rule three-inning win. She struck out six for her sixth win of the season.

The second game had a similar look with the Lava Bears scoring 16 in the first inning. Fisher led off the game with a solo home and Parker, Loftus and Goewey added two hits each and sophomore Jet Hovey ripped a three-run double.

For the two games, Goewey had seven runs batted in. She hit a three-run homer in her second at bat in the first inning.

Parker pitched three innings of no-hit ball and struck out eight for her second win of 2022.

Up next for the Lava Bears will be an at-home MVC double header against West Salem on May 12. Game times are 3 and 5 p.m. at Varsity Field on Emerson St.

The Lava Bears junior varsity was cancelled against Mckay. They will play West Salem at Hal Puddy Field on March 12.

Wear pink — it’s time to “claw out cancer.”

Lava Bears dominate Summit again

Fisher homers, throws perfect ‘perfect’ game

Behind the pitching and hitting of sophomore Addisen Fisher, the Lava Bears shutout crosstown rival Summit for the fifth-straight time in two seasons. And for the second time this season, Summit failed to get a base hit against Bend.

Fisher struck out all 15 Storm batters she faced and needed just 52 pitches in the run-rule shortened five-inning game.

Fisher was so dominating that she reached a three-ball count just once. It was her sixth no-hitter of the season. No Summit player reached base.

“Amazing performance,” said Bend coach Tom Mauldin. “Not sure I have ever seen a team so dominated.”

Fisher also homered, doubled and drove in five runs.

In addition to Fisher, senior shortstop Violet Loftus blasted a three-run homer and Lena Zahniser and Shyla Nunes had two his each. Gracie Goewey, Allison Parker and Sophia Weathers each had a base as the Lava Bears had eight players hit and five drive in runs.

“A lot of big hits by us,” said Mauldin. “Weathers hit a triple to the fence, Goewey hit a shot up the middle that quickly moved grass and Zahniser went opposite field twice. Great display of hitting.”

By winning, the Bears move to 6-1 in Mountain Valley Conference play and 18-1 overall. Unbeaten McNary leads the MVC.

The 18 wins match the school softball record set by three BHS squads — 2014, 2019 and in the abbreviated 2021 season.

Homers by Loftus and Fisher give the Lava Bears 26 on the season to match last season’s school record 26. And with at least nine games to play, the number should rise.

Next up for Bend is a double header against winless McKay (Salem) on May 5 at Varsity Field on Emerson St. Game times are 4 and 6 p.m.

The Junior Varsity Lava Bears, winners of four straight, host McKay at Hal Puddy Field on 15th St. Games are 4 and 6 p.m.

Lava Bears’ 31-game winning streak comes to an end

Lava Bears rout crosstown rival Cougars

Sophomores Bry Schaeffer and Addisen Fisher collected three hits apiece as the Lava Bears defeated hosting Mountain View on April 26, 15-0.

The Bears also got two hits each from Shyla Nunes, Violet Loftus, Sophia Weathers and Emma Sullivan in running their Mountain Valley Conference record to 4-0 and their season record to 16-0.

Three BHS pitchers combined to limit the Cougars to one baserunner and struck out 13 in the abbreviated run-rule game.

The junior varsity game was postponed.

Up next for the Lava Bear teams will be a home double header against South Salem. Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity double headers will start at noon and 2 p.m. The Varsity plays at Varsity Field on Emerson St and the Junior Varsity plays at Hal Puddy on 15th St.

Three BHS pitchers combined to limit the Cougars to one baserunner and struck out 13 in the abbreviated run-rule game.

The junior varsity game was postponed.

Up next for the Lava Bear teams will be a home double header against South Salem. Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity double headers will start at noon and 2 p.m. The Varsity plays at Varsity Field on Emerson St and the Junior Varsity plays at Hal Puddy on 15th St.

Double changes to Lava Bear softball schedule

Bend High School’s softball games with West Salem have been rescheduled from April 27 to be played on May 12.

Both varsity and junior varsity games will be played with start times of 3 and 5 p.m.

In addition to the West Salem change, Bend's double header against McKay (Salem) has been moved to Bend and will be played May 5 with start times of 4 and 6 p.m.

The varsity Lava Bears will play at the Emerson St. Varsity Field and the Junior Varsity Lava Bears will play at the Hal Puddy Field on 15th St.

On April 30, the Varsity will play South Salem at noon and 2 p.m. at Varsity Field and the junior varsity will play South Salem at 2 p.m. at Caldera at 4 p.m. with both games being played at Caldera.

The April 30 game will be the Lava Bears' 'We Honor Commitment' -- a a salute to those who serve in the military or who have served in the military.

Lava Bears take two from Sprague

Junior Gracie Goewey and freshman Lauren Glasser grabbed the spotlight from an impressive double header sweep at Sprague (Salem) on April 23.

Goewey pitched a three-hit shutout, struck out a dozen and drove in the game’s only run in the first game of the double header and Glasser hit a grand slam, a three-run homer and a single to lead the Lava Bears’ 12-1 win in the second game.

The two Mountain Valley Conference wins put Bend High’s varsity at 3-0 in league and 15-0 on the season. Dating back to the 2021 season, the Bears have won 29 games in a row — the longest win streak in Oregon and one of the longest winning streaks in the nation.

Goewey singled home senior Violet Loftus, who walked and was sacrificed to second base by junior Sophia Weathers. After that it was all zeroes as Goewey out dueled Sprague senior Sophie Honse, who allowed just six hits.

Loftus with two hits and freshman Taylor Aldrich with a double, lead the Bears, who also had hits from Emma Sullivan and Lena Zahniser.

“Excellent games all the way around,” said Tom Mauldin, BHS coach. “Our defense was excellent, All parts of our game were on display.”

With the Bears leading 2-0, Glasser’s grand slam highlighted a six-run fifth inning. Her three-run blast and singles by Aldrich, Shyla Nunes, Emma Sullivan and Loftus capped a run-rule, fifth inning win.

Junior pitcher Allison Parker had her first complete game win of the season pitching six innings, scattering six hits and striking out eight. The lone run scored by the Olympians was unearned.

Next up for the Lava Bears is a MVC game against Mountain View of Bend on April 26. Game time at Mountain View is 4:30.

Bend’s Junior Varsity will host Mountain View at Hal Puddy Field on April 25.

Bend trio combines to no-hit Summit in league opener

Three Bend High School pitchers — Addisen Fishers, Gracie Goewey and Allison Parker — combined to pitch a five-inning no-hitter in a 16-0 win over crosstown Summit on April 12 at Bend High School.

The trio combined to strike out 12 and allowed only one runner (a fifth-inning base on balls). Goewey and Fisher each struck out five in two innings of work and Parker fanned the final two batters of the game.

The win was Bend’s 13th of the season and was the Mountain Valley Conference opener for both teams. Summit fell to 3-6 on the season.

The game was originally scheduled for Summit, but due to field conditions was moved to Bend High.

The trio of pitchers got plenty of offensive support with the Lava Bars collecting 14 hits, including four doubles and a pair of triples. Fisher singled and tripled and Goewey singled and doubled twice. Sophia Weathers singled and doubled and drove in three runs, Violet Loftus tripled and Jet Hovey doubled in a run. Emma Sullivan, Taylor Aldrich and Lena Zahniser also had a base hit in the win.

The Lava Bears junior varsity also recorded a lopsided win (17-2) over Summit.

Bend will host West Salem in a MVC double header on Saturday, April 16. First pitch is noon.

Zahniser leaders offense, Fisher strikes out 18 in 3-1 BHS win

Lena Zahniser homered and collected three hits to lead the offense and pitcher Addisen Fisher fanned a season-high 18 to lead the defense as the Bend High School varsity Lava Bears defeated visiting Southridge (Beaverton), 3-1, on April 9 at Varsity Field.

Zahniser singled in Sophia Weathers in the first inning and added a solo home run in the third inning to stake the local squad to a 2-0 lead.

Seniors Violet Loftus and Emma Sullivan accounted for the Lava Bears’ third run when Loftus singed, stole second and scored on Sullivan’s double.

Meanwhile, Fisher was racking up the strikeouts, striking out three each in four different innings. She allowed only a second-inning double and walked two. The lone run Southridge managed was unearned, extending Bend’s streak to 12 in a row without allowing an earned run.

Junior Gracie Goewey added two hits to round out Bend’s offense.

The victory concluded the pre-league portion of Bend’s schedule unbeaten in 12 games.

“Needless to say, we are very pleased as we head into league competition,” said BHS coach Tom Mauldin. “This team does a lot of things right.”

By winning, the Lava Bears ran their two-year winning streak to 26 in a row.

Up next is a 4:30 start time versus crosstown rival Summit (3-5). The game, the Mountain Valley opener for both squads, was originally slated to be played at Summit, but due to field conditions was switched to Bend High.

Lava Bear games moved to April 9

Bend High School varsity softball game versus Southridge of Beaverton scheduled for April 8 has been moved to Saturday, April 9. Game time is 1 p.m. at Varsity Field on Emerson St.

The Lava Bear Junior Varsity will play Putnam at 11 a.m. on April 9 at Hal Puddy Field on 15th St.

Third straight no-hitter for Lava Bears

Addisen Fisher struck out 14 in hurling the Lava Bears’ third-straight no-hitter as the Bend varsity softball team blanked hosting Glencoe (Hillsboro), 13-0, on April 2.

Only one batter reached based on an error against Fisher. She did not walk a batter in running her 2022 record to 8-0.

In winning, the Lava Bears ran their two-year win streak to 25. They are 11-0 to start the 2022 season.

"Another excellent pitching performance," said Bend coach Tom Mauldin. "She was in total command and did not go full count to a single batter."

Fisher got all the offensive support she needed in the first inning when junior Gracie Goewey hit a grand slam homer, her eighth home run of the season. Goewey has driven in 27 runs in 11 games.

In addition to Goewey’s bases loaded roundtripper, senior shortstop was four for four and Fisher, Jet Hovey and Taylor Aldrich had two base hits and Sophia Weathers drove in two runs with a single and a sacrifice fly.

All total, Bend collected 14 hits.

Fisher struck out the side in four of the five innings she pitched. She struck out the first 10 Glencoe batters she faced.

Next up for Bend is a home game versus Southridge of Beaverton on Friday, April 8. Game time is 4:30 p.m. at Varsity Field on Emerson St.

Fisher earns weekly honor from MaxPreps

Bend High School sophomore Addisen Fisher was one of five student-athletes to earn this week's MaxPreps/NFCA Player of the Week honors. The athletes garnered recognition for games played March 21-27.

According to MaxPreps:

West Region

Addisen Fisher, Bend (Oregon)

Fisher posted a 3-0 record with a 0.00 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 21 innings of work. At the plate, she hit .588 (10-for-17), homered six times and scored 10 runs. Fisher was perfect in a 1-0 victory over Mountain View, striking out 16 of the 21 batters she faced, while also providing the only run of the game with a fourth-inning long ball. She also fanned 15 in a two-hit shutout of Eagle and added 13 more punchouts in a four-hit complete game win versus Canby. The sophomore left the yard twice against Canby and Eagle and finished the week slugging 1.765.

East Region

Khyliah Reynolds, Milford (Delaware)

Reynolds tossed a five-inning no-hitter in the Buccaneers' season opener against Newark. She struck out 11, hit one batter and did not issue a free pass as Reynolds faced one batter over the minimum. At the plate, Reynolds recorded a hit, drew three walks and scored three runs.

North Region

Abby Chandler, Jeffersonville (Indiana)

Chandler hit .833 with a triple, three home runs, eight RBI and four runs scored in the Red Devils' first two games of the season. The senior slugged 2.667 and recorded a 3.381 OPS. Chandler clubbed three long balls, drove in five runs and scored three times against Mercy. In the season opener against Grayson County, she finished 2-for-3 with a triple, three RBI and a run scored.

South Region

Delaney Haller, Lincoln (Shinnston, West Virginia)

Haller lifted the Cougars to three victories as their season got underway last week. She was a perfect 9-for-9 and reached base safely in all 12 plate appearances. Haller registered four doubles, eight RBI and six runs scored, a 1.444 slugging percentage and a 2.444 OPS. In the circle, the junior earned three wins, allowing just two hits, striking out 27 and not issuing a walk. Haller tossed a five-inning perfect game against Elkins with 10 strikeouts and also fanned 10 over four innings versus South Harrison.

South Central Region

Emma Winkle, Estill County (Irvine, Kentucky)

Winkle went 2-0 with a 0.35 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 20 innings of work. She fanned 14 in back-to-back complete-game wins over Breathitt County and Pulaski County. Following a four-hitter against Breathitt, Winkle twirled a two-hitter in a 10-inning victory versus the Maroons. In the 9-1 triumph, Winkle doubled and drove in five runs. In her other outing, she tossed three innings of shutout relief with five strikeouts against North Laurel.

About MaxPreps & the NFCA:

MaxPreps.com, the official high school statistical provider of the NFCA, provides all statistics for the NFCA High School Player of the Week award. To nominate a player for the award, the coach must enter his or her athlete's game stats into MaxPreps.com by Sunday evening to be eligible for that week's award.

Lava Bear trio no-hits Crook County

The Lava Bear varsity softball team recorded its 24th-straight win over two seasons on April 1 with a 10-1 victory over hosting Crook County High School.

The Bears ran their no-hits-allowed streak to 12 inning as Addisen Fisher, Allison Parker and Gracie Goewey didn’t allow the Lady Cowgirls a base hit in the seven inning game. Prior to that, the Bears no-hit Redmond, 19-0, in a abbreviated three-inning game.

The last base hit against Bend took place three games ago versus Rocky Mountain (Meridian, ID), which got a single in the fifth inning of BHS’s 8-1 victory.

In addition to the no-hitter, the trio combined to strike out 18 CCHS batters as Fisher had eight in three innings and Parker and Goewey had five each in two innings in the circle. The 18 strikeouts is a season high for Bend.

“It’s always an understatement when we say ‘our pitching is very good.’ They are very good,” said head Bend coach Tom Mauldin.

The Lava Bears got all the support they needed by scoring five runs in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run Parker homer and a Goewey run-scoring double.

Emma Sullivan homered and doubled and Fisher and Taylor Aldrich had two base hits each to add to the offensive output.

The Cowgirls (3-4 on the season) picked up an unearned run in the sixth inning. Lava Bear pitching has not allowed an earned run in starting the season 10-0.

Next up for the Lava Bears is a non-league against Glencoe (Hillsboro) on April 2.

Lava Bears top Redmond, 19-0

Three pitchers combined for a three-inning no-hitter and three players homered as the Lava Bears roughed up hosting Redmond, 19-0, on March 29.

Pitchers Addisen Fisher, Gracie Goewey and Allison Parker struck out eight of the 10 batters they faced in the abbreviated game. The only baserunner the Panthers managed was via a base on balls in the third inning.

And Parker, Goewey and Violet Loftus homered. Loftus hit a grand slam in the first inning to give the Bears all the runs they would need.

Goewey’s three-run homer was her seventh of the season. She has 22 RBIs in nine games.

In all, despite playing just three innings, The Lava Bears collected 14 base hits, including two by freshman Taylor Aldrich. Freshman Isabel Lauerman had her first varsity hit of the season

Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin said “it’s always great to see the youngsters play well. Those two (Taylor and Bel) are going to get a lot of base hits wearing a Lava Bear uniform.”

The win was Bend’s 23rd-straight dating back to last season when the Lava Bears won their final 14 games of the season. They are 9-0 in 2022.

For Redmond, who is coached by former Bend assistant Dave Smith, it was its fourth loss in five games.

Mauldin said, “We wish Dave all the success coaching Redmond. He’s very dedicated and that bodes well for the Panthers’ future. That said, the girls wanted to show him they always come to play. They gave him a group hug following the game.”

The 9-0 start is the best in school history. According to the Oregon Schools Activities Association, Bend is ranked No. 1 in the 6A Coaches Poll and No. 2 behind Tigard (8-0) in the computer rankings.

Next up for the Lava Bears is a road game at 3-3 Crook County (Prineville. Game time is 4:30 p.m. at Crook County High School.

Lava Bears go 4-0 in Idaho; Fisher throws perfect game

EAGLE, Idaho –– Paced by sophomore Addisen Fisher’s perfect game, the Bend High School varsity softball team won all four of their Win the Pitch Tournament games played at Eagle High School March 25-26.

Fisher struck out 16 and did not allow a baserunner in Bend’s 1-0 win over Mountain View High School of Meridian, ID. Not a single Mountain View runner reached base. It was Fisher’s second-no-hitter of the young season and her fourth shutout in five starts in 2022.

In addition, Fisher homered for the game’s lone run.

“To say she was unhittable would be an understatement,” said Bend coach Tom Mauldin. “As a matter of fact, they (Mountain View players) fouled off very pitches. She is a fierce competitor.”

Just how dominating was Fisher?

In striking out the game’s first seven batters, she threw only three balls — all to the leadoff hitter when she reached a full count. It was the only time during the game when she went 3-2 on a batter.

Mountain View did not hit a ball out of the infield.

The Lava Bears followed that game with a 9-7 win over Odywee (Meridian) as junior Gracie Goewey homered twice and Fisher once to lead at 14-hit Bend offense. Senior Emma Sullivan singled twice and tripled and Sophia Weathers and Lena Zahniser added two hits.

Goewey pitched the first six innings, allowed two hits, two unearned runs and struck out 11. None of Odywee’s runs were earned.

Fisher was in the circle for game three and responded with a two-hit 15-strikeout performance in a 7-0 win over Eagle.

Fisher also homered twice and got offensive support from Goewey, Weathers, Violet Loftus, Jet Hovey, Parker and freshman Taylor Aldrich.

Goewey’s two runs batted in give her 19 for the season. Both she and Fisher have six home runs each.

Goewey fanned 12 and allowed three hits in the tournament’s final game, an 8-1 win over Rocky Mountain (Meridian).

Offensive support came from Loftus (homer, two singles and three runs batted in), Shyla Nunez, Zahniser, Fisher, Parker and Sullivan.

The four wins upped Bend’s 2022 record to 8-0 and ran its two-year win streak to 22 in a row.

“It was a very successful trip on and off the field,” said Mauldin. “We had 10 different players contribute offensively and our pitching was stellar.”

The Lava Bears have yet to allow an earned run this season.

Prior to going 4-0 in Idaho, Bend beat Canby, 6-2, at Bend High on March 21. Fisher and Goewey each homered twice and Fisher allowed only a fifth-inning double. Parker, Sullivan and Weathers also had base hits in the Canby win.

Next up: a trip to Redmond on March 29 for a 4:30 game time. The Panthers (1-2) are coached by former Lava Bear assitant Dave Smith.

Lava Bears blank Roseburg, 6-0

Take your pick: Sophia Weathers, Lena Zahniser, Gracie Goewey or Addisen Fisher. Each played a major role in the Lava Bears' 6-0 non-league win over visiting Roseburg on March 19.

Zahniser drove in two runs with a double and a single, Goewey hit a massive three-run homer, Fisher scattered four singles and struck out 12 in pitching her second shutout of the opening week and Weathers had two hits, a bunt and was stellar behind the plate in Bend’s 2022 home opener.

Add in doubles by Allison Parker and Emma Sullivan and a single by Violet Loftus and the Bears are 3-0 on the young season. Fisher also had two base hits and scored twice.

“The girls had great energy today and we played our game. We have a lot of faith in them when they do that,” said BHS coach Tom Mauldin. “When their goal is to win each pitch, their energy and focus is that of a very good team.”

The Bears scored single runs in the third, fourth and sixth innings and Goewey hit a three-run homer in the fifth. It was Goewey’s second homer of the season and gives her nine runs batted in three games.

The win over Roseburg runs Bend’s two-season win streak to a school record 17 straight.

Next up for the local squad is a non-league affair at Varsity Field on Emerson St. versus Canby (2-0). Game time 4:30 p.m.

Goewey fans 16 in 2-1 Lava Bear win

Bend High School’s varsity softball team scratched out two runs on two hits and a pair of errors in the first inning and junior Gracie Goewey pitched a stellar outing in a 2-1 win over The Dalles on March 17.

Goewey allowed three singles and walked one and fanned 16 in her first start of the season as the Lava Bears won for the second time in two games this season. In the process, BHS ran its two-year winning streak to 16 games.

The Redhawks’ lone run was unearned and followed an infield single and a pair of Lava Bear errors.

“GG was on, especially her rise and curve,” said BHS head coach Tom Mauldin. “They had some long swings and couldn’t catch up to GG’s speed and location. GG really mixed up her locations and movement.”

Goewey struck out the side three times and twice struck out five batters in a row.

Sophomore Addisen Fisher had three hits, including a first inning triple and scored one batter later. Other Lava Bears with base hits were Lena Zahniser and Allison Parker and Bryanna Schaeffer doubled.

Lava Bears pick up where they left off

Picking up where they left off in 2021, Lava Bear softball players Addisen Fisher and Gracie Goewey opened the 2022 season with dominating performances.

Fisher struck out 13 and pitched a no-hitter and Goewey had a triple, single, a home run and drove in six runs as the Lava Bears ran their two-year win streak to 15 with a season-opening 11-0 win over Ridgeview (Redmond) on Tuesday.

Only one Raven runner reached base against Fisher, a sophomore who was named Oregon’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a freshman. It was a third inning walk by Fisher — her first as a high school pitcher. In 2021, she did not walk a batter in 56 innings.

Goewey, who was runnerup to Fisher as state Player of the Year, drove in a pair of runs with each of her hits, but none was as impressive as her fifth-inning home that was a “no doubter” when it left the junior’s bat and landed far over the right centerfield fence despite 20-plus mile per hour headwinds.

Fisher and Goewey weren’t the only Lava Bears having big days as senior Lena Zahniser had three hits, sophomore Bry Schaeffer doubled and Violet Loftus ran her two-year hitting streak to 20 games. Juniors Allison Parker and Sophia Weathers also had base hits and drove in teammates.

“Excellent way to open the season,” said fourth-year coach Tom Mauldin. “I love coaching this group. They are fun to watch and have such a fun time together. Addi was dominating and GG’s homer was no doubt right off the bat.”

Prior to the start of the 2022 opener, the Bend squad found out it was the top-ranked team in the state according to the Oregon Schools Activities Association’s 6A Coaches Poll.

“If they were feeling pressure it sure didn’t show,” said Mauldin, as BHS scored four in the first inning and added five more in the second.

“They adjusted early in their at bats and it showed with many excellent swings and successes,” said Mauldin.

Next up for the Lava Bears is The Dalles on March 17. Game time is 5 p.m.

10 returnees highlight 2022 Lava Bear varsity

Led by four returning All-State players, the Bend High School varsity softball team will open the season March 15 in Redmond against always-strong Ridgeview.

In addition to All-Staters Addisen Fisher, Gracie Goewey, Violet Loftus and Allison Parker, the Lava Bears will suit up 10 players who played key roles in 2021’s state-best 18-1 won-loss record.

Add to that 10 are six players who will spend time with the varsity and the junior varsity. All total, the Lava Bears will suit up 26 players on game days between the two teams.

“Our corp group of returnees give us a lot of versatility,” said four-year Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin. “Mix in our swings and we have even more versatility. Our lineup could change from game to game.”

Fisher, a sophomore, was Gatorade State Player of the Year as a freshman. She pitched and played center field.

Goewey, a junior, was a finalist for State Player of the Year. She pitched, played center field and first base.

Loftus, a senior, had a base hit in each of the Lava Bears’ 2021 games. She is penciled in at shortstop.

Parker, a junior, pitched, played first and third.

Other starting returnees include junior catcher Sophia Weathers, senior third baseman Lena Zahniser, senior second baseman Emma Sullivan, and outfielders Bry Schaeffer, Shyla Nunes and Jet Hovey. Hovey and Schaeffer are sophomores and Nunes is a junior. Hovey also catches and Nunes can play middle infielder.

While this team features versatility there is no denying the strength of this squad is in the circle with Fisher, Parker and Goewey. A year ago, they combined to average better than two strikeouts per inning, recorded 14 shutouts and nine no-hitters.

The lineup will feature plenty of hitting as well. Despite an abbreviated season in 2021 (19 games), the Lava Bears set school records for homers in a season (26) and batting finishing over .400.

Goewey and Fisher each batted .574 for a new single-season record and Goewey’s 10 homers was a new Lava Bear mark. Loftus, Parker and Zahniser also hit over .400 and Sullivan and Weathers batted over .380.

Loftus, Weathers and Sullivan will provide the speed as they combined for 30 steals a year ago.

In addition to the 10 returnees, wearing varsity uniforms will be junior Iszabel Vanderford, sophomores Emma Miller and Brooke Lucas and freshmen Taylor Aldrich, Isabelle Lauerman and Lauren Glasser.

This will be Bend’s final year in the 6A Mountain Valley Conference with five Salem schools. In spring 2023, the Lava Bears return to 5A with an all central Oregon conference featuring the four Bend schools and Ridgeview and Redmond.

Assisting Mauldin this season are Maya Eliff, Matt Macauley, Ashleigh Parker and Emma Mone. Eliff, Parker and Mone are former Lava Bear players.

“I love the make up of players and coaches on this team,” said Mauldin. “We have a lot of energy, commitment and passion for the game for for this group. We’ve all been through a lot … lost school time, a lost season (2020), an abbreviated season (2021) and so many unknowns and fears brought on by the pandemic. We’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel …it’ll be fun watching these girls compete.”

The coach is quick to add, “It’s a new season and each pitch is the next one. Our goal is to win each pitch starting with the first one. We just need to control what we can.

“And most paramount is to be healthy.”

The swing players will see junior varsity time on a roster that includes senior Jennifer Polanco, sophomores Hannah Mason, Raeann Nelson and Peyton Clason, junior Kenzie Hargrove and freshmen Allison Spaulding, Amelia Davis, Ali Malinowski, Aeva Fern and Avery Davis.

Coaching this year’s junior varsity squad are Kim Dean, Brit Ziegler and Rochelle Friend.

Meet the Lava Bear Dinner Auction set for Feb. 26

The Meet the Lava Bear Dinner Auction will be held on February 26 at the Bend Elks Lodge (Boyd Acres Rd., Bend).

There’s more ... the Lava Bear players and coaches will hold a talent show.

It’s called FUNdraising and the Lava Bear family is putting the F - U - N in fundraising. The event will be held from 5-9 (dinner at 6).

Key components of the dinner to be catered by the Elks Lodge epicureans is a Taco and Salad Bar with beverage. Dessert will be whipped up by the players to be auctioned off.

The Dessert Auction will be one of three auction opportunities for Lava Bear softball supporters to show their support. A Silent and Live auction will also be held.

Some of the early items donated to be auctioned include:

- A red, white and blue U.S. Flag made from full-size, wooded bats;

• A six-foot by six-foot Lava Bear Softball Quilt;

• A blue Alaskan river rock bolo tie inlaid with a golden bear claw;

• A surplus of golf rounds fo Lava Bear supporting Central Oregon golf courses;

• A $500 lawn maintenance/upgrade certificate;

• An antique vase and wash bowl.

• … and many more.

Prior to that, a raffle will be held for a chance to win Family Baskets, created by Lava Bear family members. The Family Baskets will be filled with a variety of enticing items with themes ranging from fermented grape-produced beverage to pet packages to chocolate delight baskets to dental to food themes to Lava Bear swag to a cat-infested (with ornaments) Christmas tree to you name it. There will be something for everyone.

Dinner tickets are being sold by players and are $20 each. Corporate or family tables can be purchased for $160. For further information, please contact coach Tom Mauldin (541-948-9501.

Mauldin also noted that if anyone has an item to donate, the Lava Bears will be very thankful. Please contact the coach. All donated items receive the Lava Bear softball tax-free number.

Softball conditioning to begin in January

Conditioning workouts for the Lava Bear softball program are scheduled to begin on January 3.

Prospective players are invited to attend the after-school workouts and are requested to wear appropriate layered clothing and tennis shoes and to bring water. Sandals, cleats, clogs and snow boots are not recommended.

Conditioning will consist of a 10-station circuit with social distancing easily observed. The workouts are optional.

Players who tested the course said stations "range from easy to difficult and is very challenging."

Conditioning, which will be held in the softball bullpen building, will begin at 3:45 and end at 4:30ish.

For additional information, please contact coach Tom Mauldin.

Coach not ready to talk about 2022 season

A new year is just around the corner, the outfield fence is up and Bend High School’s impressive softball showing in 2021 spring is in the rear-view mirror.

But Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin said it’s “still too early” to talk about spring 2022.

“Wish I had a dollar for every time I was asked about ‘next year.’ We’re still navigating covid protocols and unknowns,” said the veteran coach. “But if I were to talk about 2022, it would be about as optimistic as any coach could be.”

Yet, he insists he’s not talking. “Too many things can happen between now and then … injuries, transfers, grades, change of directions,” he reiterates.

“There’s a lot that needs to be done before we get back to the field on a regular basis,” said Mauldin.

The Lava Bears had as many as 15 girls playing on summer travel teams and that bodes well for the future. Several played a fall schedule as well.

“I will share this, our 2022 varsity will be a tough team to make,” he added. “But the past is just that … games are won on the field and n the present, not the past.”

However, he insists he’s still not talking again claiming “it’s too early.” So we’ll make a few observations.

For starters, the Lava Bears will certainly have one of the state’s best pitching staffs and will be one of the state’s best hitting teams. They were tops in Oregon (6A) in both categories for 2021, according to MaxPreps.

They return all nine starters, including four who earned All-State honors and eight who received All-City accolades.

The list of returnees and their awards is impressive.

Freshman Addisen Fisher was Gatorade State Player of the Year and teammate Gracie Goewey was a finalist for that honor. They were also MaxPreps All-Americans. Both were first team All-State, while teammates Violet Loftus was second team and Allison Parker was third team All-State.

Other returning starters are seniors Lena Zahniser and Emma Sullivan, incoming juniors Sophia Weathers and Shyla Nunes and sophomores Bry Schaeffer and Jet Hovey.

There’s more varsity returnees with senior Kelsie Russell and sophomores Emma Miller. Raeann Nelson and Harley Sutterfield saw action as freshmen.

The Lava Bears had the state’s most wins (18) and lost just once (in extra innings). Their accomplishments during the covid-abbreviated season have been well documented.

Fisher was honored as USA Today’s Oregon Softball Player of the Year and a national finalist for USA Today’s Rising Star honor.

With their pitching dominance, the fielders didn’t need to do a lot, but a dozen non-pitchers got a surplus of defensive action during summer team play, summer camps and optional Wednesday workouts.

Though not talking about 2022, Mauldin did allude to the possibility of a couple of 2020 letter winners returning to the program after not playing the 2021 season.

And lets not forget his mention a year ago of “future Lava Bears” being a talented group.

Have they arrived? Mauldin suggests “they are arriving.

“I always say ‘newcomers can change the landscape quickly.’ They certainly have changed our depth chart,” he said.

Mauldin has said in the past that “it is a big step to the Lava Bear varsity.”

The coach won’t talk about the possibility of transfers, other than to say, “when Lowell (athletic director Lowell Norby) introduces me to one, then it’s a go. Other than incoming freshmen, I do not know of any.”

Come on coach, talk about 2022.

“It’ll be a tough team to make that’s for sure, said Mauldin. “We have a talented group returning. But I am quick to remind my staff that ‘the game is always played on the field — last year was just that … last year.’ We’ll continue what we always do and try to win each pitch. We control what we can control, our energy and attitudes, and wonderful things will follow.

“It’s a special group in which to be a part.”

Mauldin did say conditioning would begin after the first of the year, followed by throwing, hitting and fielding.

The coach added that once the players take the field, “everyone knows I will have plenty to say.”

For Lava Bear two-way standout, the goal is pretty simple — ‘Don’t Suck!’

EDITOR’S NOTE — This is a monthly feature spotlighting a Lava Bear softball player.

Addisen Fisher has the words “don’t suck” inscribed on her fielder’s glove. It’s her reminder to be as good as she can be … “always giving” her best effort.

Fisher was true to her motto as she burst onto the Oregon high school softball scene in 2021. She set school records, was named the state player of the year by Gatorade and USA Today and was one of three national finalists for USA Today’s National Newcomer of the Year. Add first team All-State, All-City Pitcher of the Year, Team MVP and you get the picture.

While Fisher might have surprised some around the state, she did not surprise her coaches or her teammates.

“We see her every day in practice and during the pandemic summer 2020 we all spent a lot of time together, so none of us were surprised by Addi’s on-field success,” said Lava Bear head coach Tom Mauldin, who noted she’s also a 4.0 student.

Junior Sophia Weathers, who caught every inning Fisher pitched last spring said, "I was never surprised about Addi's success during her freshman season. She has such an incredible passion for the game and puts her heart into everything she does concerning softball. She is an incredible competitive individual ... she competes with herself every play and every pitch and is always pushing herself to improve.

"You really forget Addi's age when a pitch comes in at 70 miles an hour," added Weathers. "She becomes so locked in with her focus during games that it is fun to watch."

The team’s 18-1 record was spurred by impressive hitters throughout the lineup and a pitching staff that was the envy of most high school coaches. Fisher led the way in the box and in the circle. She (and teammate Gracie Goewey) set a new single season batting record of .574 and Fisher went 9-0 and averaged better than two strikeouts per inning. Her four no-hitters were also a school record.

Fisher was probably more surprised by her performance than Lava Bear coaches or teammates. As Mauldin said, “we see her every day in practice. She is as clutch in games as she is in practice. She wants to do her best on every pitch.”

“I was a little surprised because I was a freshman,” said Fisher, the daughter of David and Heather Fisher. “I was very surprised by the (end-of-season) awards. I certainly wasn’t expecting that type of recognition.”

She said the only disappointment to the 2021 season was that it was shorter than expected. Then again, seven weeks in the middle of the pandemic was better than 2020 when there was no season and very few classroom sessions.

Like most, the non-season of 2020 impacted everyone and major adjustments took a forefront for everyone. Classroom time in her freshman year (2020-2021) was limited and most school days were online.

“The pandemic has been hard on all of us. Focusing was hard … very hard during the pandemic,” she said, noting softball has been a great “outlet.”

“It was still amazing … my teammates were amazing,” said Fisher. “I had a blast. The team chemistry was great. I can’t wait for spring.”

That “blast” included team school records for pitching and hitting and 14 run-rule wins. The Lava Bears were the top hitting and pitching 6A team in Oregon. According to MaxPreps, they had the second best team pitching stats either side of the Rockies. Fisher, Goewey and Allison Parker were formidable. And the Lava Bears batted .430 and hit 26 home runs. Fisher had six of those roundtrippers to go along with 26 RBIs and 18 extra base hits.

When asked about Fisher the hitter versus Fisher the pitcher, the sophomore said she’d love to hit against herself, but would “probably strikeout.”

Based on her slugging numbers from 2021, some might be surprised to see Fisher at the top of the batting order, but Mauldin said she will be there again in 2022.

“She did what we expected, hit for average, for power and led us in runs scored (35),

but the biggest thing is that she gets on base and is an excellent baserunner,” said Mauldin. On six occasions, she went from first to third on a sacrifice bunt by Sophia Weathers.”

And, yes, she drove in 25 runs, added 10 doubles and a pair of triples to go with the six homers.

“I love leading off and set the table for the game,” said Fisher, who has been clocked at 72 mile per hour. “I love being in the game and playing center when not pitching.”

But it wasn’t just the big numbers and high mile-per-hour pitches that drew Fisher praise. Mauldin’s highest praise for an athlete is two fold — be the best teammate you can and always give your best effort on every pitch. Be into it. Be a gamer.

“She is, indeed, a gamer,” he said.

Down 1-0 to then unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Sheldon (Eugene), Fisher started a rally that ended with junior Allison Parker hitting a three-run homer in a 3-1 win.

Down 1-0 in the seventh against defending 5A state champion Ridgeview (Redmond), she hit an inside the park homer as the Lava Bears won in 8, 2-1.

Against Pendleton, one of the top-hitting teams in the state, Fisher threw a perfect game and struck out 17 and drew this comment from long-time coach Tim Cary.

“Addisen is the real deal,” Cary said. “She throws extremely hard, has great command of her pitches, and she is clearly in charge when she steps in the circle. On top of that, she hits very well and she composes herself in a mature manner.”

Against South Salem, she relieved Parker with two outs and runners on first and second in a 1-0 game, and needed just three pitches to close it out.”

“It was 70-70-70 … game over,” said Mauldin.

The Bend coach shared a story from mid-summer 2017, when Addisen, then 11, was chosen to play in an All-American tournament for 10-11 year olds in Florida.

“We had a pitching session at Bowlby Park in Redmond. Her dad was catching … or maybe I should say, attempting to catch,” recalls Mauldin. “Addi had been playing up with older players, using a 12-inch ball and pitching from 40 feet for a year or two, but this All-American event was using an 11-inch ball and from 35 feet. The ball was getting to the plate in a hurry. I guess that’s the first time I saw just how big the potential was.”

Following her 2021 summer season with her travel team (Northwest Bullets), Fisher was ranked the No. 5 college prospect in the class of 2024 by Extra Innings Softball, one of the country’s leading online sports formats.

Looking ahead to 2022, Fisher said her goals are to “continue to get better, make her two best pitches better and work with her teammates to win a state title.”

Fisher also has her sights set on playing collegiately at a Power 5 college and play in the 2028 Summer Olympics (to be held in Los Angeles).

Every college has noticed Fisher. Each week she receives invitations to camps and clinics. Thus far, she has attended camps at UCLA, Florida, Texas, Oregon, Washington and Oklahoma. All but Oregon had a national title season.

Not having a “first day of school as a freshmen was disappointing to Fisher. So her first day as a sophomore was important. She passed up attending a camp from one of the top colleges in the country.

“I love Bend High,” she said. “It’s a great environment to be around … everyone says hello. It’s good to come to school.”

Don’t ask Fisher where she will be attending college. NCAA rules prohibit colleges from recruiting her until September 1 of her junior year. As a 15-year-old sophomore, college coaches have limited contact.

It’s not just the on-field performance that has the attention of every major college, it’s the in-the-classroom and off-field Fisher that makes her very recruitable. She has volunteered locally as part of blood donation drives to benefit the American Red Cross, and donates her time as a youth softball coach and mentor.

The Lava Bears have a couple of sayings that define their program. One is ‘pride plus passion produces positive performance with proper preparation.’’

Another is “next pitch.”

Don’t be surprised if “don’t suck” makes that list.

Lava Bear trio earn new appreciation for umpiring

Three Bend High School varsity softball players have a new appreciation for umpires after getting experience seeing the profession up close and personal as umpires themselves.

“My appreciation for umpires has increased so much,” said senior Lava Bear Violet Loftus. “They are out there working just as hard as the players are and they are running and hustling and paying attention to everything.”

Senior Emma Sullivan echoed her teammates’ perspective. “I do have a greater appreciation for what they do and their hard work. I no longer question umpires or get angry at them because I (now) understand their point of view.”

Both added umpiring is “a lot more stressful and difficult” than they thought. But it's also fun. And rewarding.

It didn’t take much to convince the Lava Bear girls that umpiring is difficult. But as the saying goes — ‘somebody’s got to do it.’ In this day and age, the numbers for officials are declining from coast to coast.

And somebody better, indeed, do it.

Recruiting for officials has become almost a full-time job. The OSAA (Oregon Schools Activities Association) and the NFHS (National Federation of High School Sports) promote and plead almost weekly the need for more officials.

Both organizations are broadcasting the “urgent need” for officials in all sports, not just softball.

Sullivan and Loftus, along with junior Lava Bear Sophia Weathers, were recruited by umpire Dennis Chaltraw after he umpired Bend High School’s 3-1 victory over Sheldon in Eugene.

“After officiating the amazing game between Bend and Sheldon (Sheldon was 15-0 at the time, Bend 14-1), and seeing the wonderful sportsmanship displayed by the Lava Bears in their extra inning, 3-1, win, I knew I had found my officials for the summer ball somewhere on that team.”

Chaltraw is head of Oregon’s JAG umpire crew associated with USA Softball of Oregon. With an expansion of youth girls tournaments planned in Oregon and the ever-growing umpire shortage, he is always in recruiting mode.

Following the game, Chaltraw reached out to Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin and Bend High athletic director Lowell Norby about the possibility of BHS players umpiring.

Once Chaltraw had been given permission to contact the players, the process began to get the girls trained and on the field. Training began with JAG softball officials Kelli Demianew, Faith Tuttle and Chaltraw.

“The Rookies,” as Chaltraw calls them, made their debut working the bases at the Redmond High Desert Classic in early June.

“Although they were a bit nervous before the first game, their experience as upper division softball players quickly took over as they were able to read the plays and anticipate where the ball was going next,” said Chaltraw. “They were exceptional for their first time on the field.”

Umpiring isn’t simply calling balls or strikes or making calls on the bases. It’s about positioning, anticipating and knowing all aspects of the games.

“It’s about you and your partner … making the right call in the right position,” said Tad Cockerill, head of the Central Oregon Umpires Association. “It’s about the raw emotion of competitive sports.”

The Lava Bear trio understand the “raw emotion of competition,” but the learning curve from player to official was huge. All three said they had moments when they were “tested.”

”There are definitely a lot more little details to umpiring than I thought there were,” said Sullivan.

“I was yelled at by a few coaches on the sidelines, and I had a couple of my calls questioned,” said Sullivan. “But only one of them was changed because my plate umpire had a better view.

“I kept my cool and simply asked my partner what their thoughts were, whether they agreed with me or not,” she said. “I didn’t ever let coaches’ anger get the best of me or intimidate me in any way.”

Chaltraw said the hardest thing for “rookies” is to “sell an out” or “sell a safe.” He said umpires must make a strong, convincing call one way or the other.

“It didn’t take them long to realize that their enthusiasm when making these close calls really is designed to reward the defense or the reward the offense on a fine play,” said Chaltraw.

No one is simply born to umpire. It’s a learned profession.

“It was intimidating and difficult to understand at first, but once you get in a game it all comes together,” said Loftus, who earned 6A All-state honors as a junior. “The first game you have bases or the plate, you will make mistakes and forget to do things. But that second game you’ll feel on top of it and it will be easy. It’s just like anything practice makes perfect.”

The Bend High girls graduated from umpiring in the field to umpiring behind the plate during a youth tournament in Salem over the Labor Day weekend.

Weathers’ had two separate experiences that are etched in her memory. She said in her first game behind the plate she “heard everything the crowd, coaches and players were saying about how I was doing.

“I heard everything instead of blocking it out as I usually would while I’dm playing softball. I truly didn’t want to get back out onto the field for my second plate game, but after talking with more experience umpires, I learned that was totally normal.”

Weathers said her experience as a catcher was key in her second game and a much more positive experience.

“Because of my catching I understand the game and all I was doing was looking at it from a different perspective. After that, I had a great experience behind the plate.”

Weathers said she had “quite a bit of fun” in calling the game.

“I am so grateful for all the veteran umpires who worked me through my first plate game jitters,” she said.

Chaltraw gave the Lava Bear girls high marks for their rookie season.

“Their commitment to studying umpiring mechanics and participating in a deep dive of base umpiring was inspiring; they were really impressive and a great joy to work with.”

All three players said they are looking forward to umpiring again.

“I will most definitely umpire again, the other umpires are always so nice and helpful, they teach you along the way ,” said Loftus. “They are very supportive people and even if you’re feeling extremely unconfident, they pick you back up and help that confidence come back.”

Sullivan added, “Absolutely. It was far more fun than stressful. I’m so glad I did it. For the experience and the good memories of being an umpire with my teammates. It definitely benefits me in my sport.”

Like the Bend High girls, Chaltraw began his umpiring career in high school. He umpired during his time in the Navy, then in California before coming to Oregon.

“The beauty of officiating is you can go anywhere in the country and earn money by being a much needed official,” said Chaltraw. ‘It’s very rewarding.”

Both Cockerill and Chaltraw have coached at the highest levels of softball and baseball and say the rewards and the hard work at mastering their profession are well worth it.

And both encourage anyone of any age to experience umpiring.

Cockerill said being on the field umpiring a game you love when you are too old to play is immensely rewarding and has created many friendships over the years.

Cockerill got his umpire start in 1987 when a friend asked him to “fill in” for a Babe Ruth game.

“I said ‘why not’ and he handed me some gear, told me where to be at what time and what to wear. I had played baseball since first grade, and loved the game so I jumped in.”

Though he doesn’t umpire as often as he once did, the COUA commissioner is head Rules Interpreter for baseball for the OSAA. He also trains and schedules umpires year round.

“I ended up umpiring all the way to DII college baseball,” said Cockerill. “I still umpire slow pitch softball and occasionally a high school game when needed.

Chaltraw said he’d like to see more success stories like Loftus, Sullivan and Weathers.

“Would you rather work somewhere for $13 an hour selling burgers, or make nearly $30-plus an hour being on the field as an official in a sport you love?”

“Umpiring has been very rewarding to me and my family, it is a big part of who I am,” Cockerill said.

Chaltraw said “the amazing success Sophia, Violet, and Emma had this year will only serve to give them confidence to overcome many obstacles life will send their way. Officiating helped them to believe in themselves more than they already did; and quite frankly, the fun they had hanging with their fellow officials is an intangible new officials don’t expect – the value of camaraderie and the belief that you’re not alone in this endeavor cannot be understated.”

Bend coach Mauldin said he figured the Lava Bear girls would do well, noting they are “bright, aware, athletic and have high character. They take pride and passion in all things they do.”

He also said “thank you” to the umpires and at the same time issued a suggestion and a warning.

“I guess as coaches we need to do a better job showing our appreciation,” said Mauldin. “If not, the shortage of officials will continue. Everyone knows how critical they are to every game. So, again, I say ‘thank you.’ We can’t play without them.”

Editor’s Note — Cockerill said if anyone is interested in being an umpire, they should contact the OSAA, look for the link, ‘want to become an official.’ It will take you to the people who can get you started. Or contact Cockerill directly — he is the baseball/softball Commissioner for Central Oregon: Cockerill51@gmail.com.

Anyone wishing to learn more about JAG officiating can contact Chaltraw at dchaltraw@jagsoftball.com.

Lava Bears lead Oregon team

to FPNW championship

Loftus, Weathers named All-Tournament, selected for All-Star event

The Oregon Royal team featuring several central Oregon softball players, including three from Bend High, won Fastpitch Northwest's College Exposure Softball Tournament featuring players from Oregon, Washington, Utah, Montana, Alaska, California and Idaho.

The tournament was held August 2-3-4 in Chehallis, WA.

Bend High players included seniors to be Violet Loftus and Emma Sullivan and junior to be Sophia Weathers.

The team defeated teams from Oregon, Idaho and Washington and for the five games scored 55 runs to win the Upperclass Division (2022-2023 graduates) at the tournament.

Three other central Oregon players were on the winning team – senior to be Teeghan Reams (Ridgeview/Redmond), junior to be Makayla Kameyama (Ridgeview) and Marilyn Tom (Madras).

Loftus, Sullivan and Reams earned Player of the Game honors during the tournament.

Loftus was the leading hitter in the tournament (11 base hits), edging out Weathers (9 base hits).

For their efforts, Loftus and Weathers were named to the All-Tournament team and selected to be members of the Northwest All-Stars that will play in the City of Lights College Exposure Tournament in Las Vegas (NV) in late October.

Sullivan collected seven base hits and stole four bases. She was selected player of the game against Oregon Pacific for her defensive play at second base in that game.

Other Oregon Royal players were from Grants Pass, Pendleton, Beaverton (Southridge) and Salem (McNary).

In the younger division tournament (2024-2025-2026) division, freshman to be Lauren Glasser earned a game MVP honor for her play he team, which also featured future Lava Bear Isabella Lauerman.

Busy summer for Lava Bears

The 2022 Lava Bear softball program will be well stocked with players who spent their 2021 summer traveling and competing for fastpitch programs in age groups ranging from 14 to 16 to 18.

All totaled, the count is 15 players.

They have played in tournaments in Colorado, California, Arizona, Las Vegas, Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

In addition, the girls attended camps and coached at camps. And many have attended weekly “drop-in” optional workouts.

“The more experience they get the more confidence they get at playing and understanding softball,” said Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin.

Here’s a brief look:

Senior-to-be Lena Zahniser played for the Northwest Vandals 18U;

Seniors-to-be Violet Loftus and Emma Sullivan played for the Central Oregon Avalanche 18U;

Junior-to-be Allison Parker played for the Northwest Vandals 18U;

Junior-to-be Sophia Weathers played for the Avalanche 18U;

Sophomore-to-be Addisen Fisher spent her summer softball playing for the 18U Northwest Bullets;

Sophomore-to-be Jet Hovey played for the Avalanche 14U;

Sophomore-to-be Brooke Lucas played for the Avalanche 18U;

Sophomore-to-be Bryanna Schaeffer played for the Northwest Bullets 14U;

Junior-to-be Gracie Goewey played for the California Nuggets 16U;

Sophomore-to-be Raeann Nelson played for the Avalanche 14 until foot surgery sidelined her for the summer.

Incoming freshmen Lauren Glasser, Taylor Aldrich, Isabella Lauerman and Alli Malinowski played for the Avalanche 14U.

Lava Bear Fisher a national finalist as a Rising Star

USA Today named Bend High School softball player Addisen Fisher its Oregon State Player of the Year. And the media company honored the Lava Bear as a national finalist for its prestigious Rising Star honor.

Fisher, who earlier this year was named Gatorade’s Oregon Softball Player of the Year, joined Georgia’s Lebbus Overton and Idaho’s runner Sammy Smith as the three national finalists for the Rising Star honor.

Lebbus, a football/basketball athlete, received the honor in a national broadcast on August 5.

The awards show was hosted by former NFL standouts Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski. The student athletes featured in the show included the winning athletes of the year from each participating state in more than 20 high school sports.

“Amazing recognition for an outstanding young lady,” said Bend High softball coach Tom Mauldin. “We’re talking border to border and coast to coast and hundreds of thousands of student athletes. What a great honor to Addisen.”

Fisher played a major role I the Lava Bear softball team earning a number on ranking from several medial outlets last spring and finishing with an Oregon best 18-1 record.

The soon-to-be sophomore was unbeaten pitching (9-0) and recording 127 strikeouts in 56 innings. She did not walk a batter during the season in which she pitched four no-hitters, including two perfect games. She also batted a school record .574.

In addition to her USA Today and Gatorade honors, Fisher was named a first team MaxPreps All-American, first team 6A All-State and All-City Pitcher of the Year.

Fisher also carries a 4.0 grade point average.

Addisen is the daughter of David and Heather Fisher.

Fisher, Goeway named All-Americans

Bend High School softball players Addisen Fisher and Gracie Goewey were named by MaxPreps to its 2021 Underclass All-American team.

They are the first athletes from Central Oregon to be named MaxPreps softball All-Americans.

Fisher was named to the first team as a pitcher and Goewey was named to the second team as an outfielder/pitcher.

Of the 34 players selected, only one team had two players selected — BHS.

For both Fisher and Goewey, the 2021 season was their first on the field for BHS though Goewey was expected to be a starter as a freshman in 2020. The pandemic, however, wiped out the season and she had to way until 2021 to showcase her skills, both in the circle and in the batter’s box.

“They sure made an impact,” said coach Bend High Tom Mauldin. “We (coaches) expected them to play well and they sure did. Beyond that, they were excellent teammates.”

Fisher and Goewey each batted .574 to set a new single-season school batting record. They each had 18 extra hits during the 19-game season. Fisher led the team in runs scored (35) and Goewey led it in runs driven in (39). Goewey also set a school record for home runs with 10.

Fisher compiled a 9-0 mark in the circle with a 0.25 earned run average. She allowed 16 hits and did not walk a batter, fanning 127 hitters in 56.1 innings pitched on her way to tossing four no-hitters and two perfect games.

Goewey had a base hit in all but one game and when not hitting for extra bases, struck out 46 batters in 22 innings from the circle. She also pitched a no-hitter and a one-hitter.

Fisher and Goewey were finalists for Gatorade’s State Player of the Year, which was won by Fisher. Fisher also was named USA Today’s recipient for Oregon 2021 Softball Player of the Year.

They also were named All City Pitcher and All-City Player of the Year and First Team All-State 6A.

Fisher named Oregon's USA Today player of the year

Recognition keeps coming in for Bend High School softball player Addisen Fisher.

Previously named Gatorade’s Oregon Softball Player of the Year, first-team All-State, All-City Pitcher of the Year and team Most Valuable Player, Fisher has been named USA Today’s Oregon Softball Player of the Year.

The 2021 freshman also has been named a finalist for USA Today’s National Newcomer of the Year. The winner will be announced August 5 at USA Today’s inaugural USA TODAY High School Sports Awards on-demand streaming show, presented by U.S. Polo Assn. It is free to watch on the USA Today website at 5 p.m. PST on August 5.

The show is hosted by former NFL standouts Michael Strahan and Rob Gronkowski and brings together some of the biggest names in professional sports to honor the most elite athletes, coaches and teams at the national level.

Fisher’s debut on the softball field was slowed only by the coronavirus pandemic that limited the team to 19 games and no traditional postseason.

Despite the obstacles, she responded by dominating in the circle and in the batter’s box. She went 9-0 pitching with a 0.25 earned run average. She struck out 127 in 56 innings and did not walk a batter. She pitched four no-hitters (two were perfect games) and allowed just three extra base hits and only 16 for the season.

Fisher, who batted lead off, also tied teammate Gracie Goewey in hitting at .574 to set a new single-season school record. She had 18 extra base hits (six homers), drove in 26 runs, scored 35 and had a slugging percentage of 1.098.

Fisher was instrumental in the Lava Bears’ 2021 success that included a state high 18 wins, a No. 1 ranking (by three online news/sports reporting venues) and the second best team pitching stats nationally (according to MaxPreps).

Lava Bear summer camps offer look at the future

Bend High School held a pair of “youthful” softball camps July 6-7-8 and it gave coaches an opportunity to look at the future.

One camp was held for incoming eighth graders to incoming seniors, while the other was for incoming fourth to incoming eighth graders. The camps featured athletes from Madras, LaPine, Bend, Sisters, Redmond and Portland.

The outcome?

“The future looks good,” said Lava Bear head coach Tom Mauldin. “Not only did we get an up close look at our incoming freshmen, but we had a few returnees who shined as we expected they would.”

Lava Bear coaches Mauldin and Maya Eliff were joined by head coaches from Redmond (former Lava Bear assistant Dave Smith) and Caldera (new Bend school to be coached by former Lava Bear standout Lisa Sylvester), college standout Amanda Smith and Summit assistant coach Jennifer Gerlach.

All total, 11 Lava Bears were at the older camp and returnee junior-to-be Shyla Nunes reached the finals of the camp’s Home Run Derby where she was runnerup to teammate Allison Parker (junior to be).

Incoming freshmen Lauren Glasser and Isabella Lauerman earned Top Camper and Top Hustle honors with their group, which was coached by Eliff, junior-to-be Emma Sullivan, Sylvester and Mauldin.

“We love energy and that is what we saw from the girls,” said Mauldin, entering his fourth year as Lava Bear coach. “The greater the energy, the greater the success.”

Other future Lava Bears included Taylor Aldrich, Annabelle Cox, Alli Malinowski, Avery Davis, and Allison Spaulding and returnees Jet Hovey, Hannah Mason, Nunes and Zoe Stallcop, a 2020 Lava Bear.

One of the highlights of the youth camp was that a dozen Lava Bears were coaches to the nearly four-dozen campers.

“Our girls did a great job … they are great ambassadors for softball and the Lava Bear program,” said Mauldin.

Lava Bear softball players honored, then go to ‘prom’

Addisen Fisher, Oregon’s Gatorade State Player of the Year, was named the Bend High School varsity softball team’s Most Valuable Player on July 24 as the girls and well wishers celebrated arguably the best softball season In school history.

They followed their awards recognition with a “no-dates” softball prom for varsity letter award winners.

Fisher also received awards for being named All-City Pitcher of the Year and All-State. In addition, the freshman was honored as Bend High School’s Athlete of the Month for April.

“This was a special night for a special group of young women,” said Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin. “And we’re not talking about their well-documented success on the field … we’re talking about their character and their support and love for another. This is a special group and I applaud the way they navigated so very many obstacles caused by coronavirus.”

Fisher’s freshman-year impact started with game one and lasted the entire season. She finished with a 9-0 won-loss record, 127 strikeouts in 56 innings and an earned run average of 0.25. She did not walk a batter the entire season. She also batted a school-record .574, had 18 base hits (including six home runs) and combined to account for 61 runs.

Other honorees at the awards night included:

Gracie Goewey — Team Most Outstanding Player, Team MVP Offense, All-City, All-State and Most Inspirational. Goewey was a finalist for the Gatorade Player of the Year honor. The sophomore set four school records, including homers in a season (10) and tied Fisher to set a new single-season batting record at .574.

Violet Loftus — Team Captain, All-State and All-City. The junior batted .536 and had a base hit in all 19 games. She also stole 12 bases in a dozen attempts.

Sophia Weathers — All-City, Team MVP Defense and she won Cat Mauldin’s prestigious Scorekeeper’s Awards. The sophomore batted .362, drove in 20 runs and set a school record with 10 sacrifice bunts.

Allison Parker — All-State and All-City. The sophomore did not allow a single run during the 2021 season when she went 6-0 and struck out 66 in 28 innings. She also batted .460 with 24 RBIs in 17 games.

Lena Zahniser - All-City. Despite missing six games, the junior batted .500, drove in 14 runs and clubbed 10 extra base hits.

Emma Sullivan — All-City and Team Most Improved. The junior infielder batted .571 in the team’s final 10 games and finished with a .389 batting average. She committed just one error in 18 games at second base.

Jet Hovey — Team Most Improved.

Bry Schaefer — All-City.

Voting for team awards was done by players and coaches.

Varsity Letter winners included: Emma Miller, Shyla Nunes, Lena Zahniser, Raeann Nelson, Sophia Weathers, Allison Parker, Addisen Fisher, Gracie Goewey, Bry Schaefer, Violet Loftus, Emma Sullivan, Jet Hovey, Kelsie Russell and Caitlin Paul.

Certificates were also presented to players who earned MaxPreps Player of the Game honors.

Both the Lava Bear varsity and junior varsity teams had perfect records against city rivals Summit and Mountain View.

The Lava Bear varsity had a state best 18-1 won-loss record. Despite the abbreviated season due to COVID, the 18 wins is the second most in school history.

Junior Varsity awards went to:

Most Valuable - Raeann Nelson;

Most Improved - Hannah Mason and Ally Aronson.

MVP Offense - Emma Miller.

MVP Defense - Savannah Franson.

“It was certainly a year of unknowns,” said junior varsity coach Matt Macauley. “Due to covid there were many changes, some on a daily basis. Some days we didn’t know until four or five hours before game time as to whether we were playing or not. But the kids hung in there and made great improvement.”

‘Enjoy the positives’ of 2021 before starting work on 2022

A famous coach once told Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin to ‘take some time to enjoy a team’s success before starting work toward another year.’

Recently retired Arizona Unviersity and former Olympic coach Mike Candrea offered that advice at a national convention several years ago. Mauldin said he would gladly take those sage words … at least until the bend-LaPine School District fiscal year ends.

In the meantime, he is enjoying hearing accolades about the 2021 Lava Bears that won 18 of 19 games in completing arguably the most impressive season in school annals.

Not only did the Lava Bears win their final 14 games, they set a number of school records along the way and were selected by Elite Oregon Girls online publication as the state’s top-ranked 6A team. They also were No. 1 in Oregon according to CBS Sports-owned MaxPreps.

“Yes, indeed. A lot to enjoy,” said Mauldin. “The girls worked hard and it has been enjoyable seeing that hard work pay off … especially during the 15-16 months of the pandemic. It’s been difficult for everyone. The smiles and tears of their successes and love for their teammates eases some of the pain from Covid 19.”

The Lava Bears lead all Oregon 6A teams in wins (18) runs scored (211) and allowed the fewest runs in the state (11). Only four of those runs were earned.

Four players were named All-State: Addisen Fisher and Gracie Goewey were named first team, Violet Loftus was named second team and Allison Parker was named third team. Had Lena Zahniser not missed one-third of the season due to a basketball covid exposure, Mauldin said she was an All-State caliber player as well. He also noted Sophia Weathers played like an All-Stater all season.

Of the team’s 18 state-high wins, 14 were shutouts. Pitchers Fisher, Parker and Gracie Goewey each pitched at lest one no-hitter and at least one one-hitter. They combined for a school record 240 strikeouts in just 108 innings.

Fisher and Goewey broke the school single-season batting average record as each hit .574 and Goewey is the new school single-season home run record holder with 10.

“It was a great year … a fun year,” said assistant coach Dave Smith, recently named head coach at Redmond High School. "I will never forget this year. It was great to be part of it."

Seven Lava Bears were named All-City: Fisher, Parker, Zahniser, Weathers, Loftus, Goewey and Emma Sullivan. Freshman outfielder Bry Schaefer was named honorable mention.

And none are seniors meaning there is potential for them to return for 2022. But let’s not go there just yet … let’s keep focus on 2021.

During the 2021 campaign, the Lava Bears defeated some of the state’s top teams — defending 6A champion Sheldon (3-1), defending 5A state champion Ridgeview (2-1), McNary (No. 1 at the time they played), and 5A hitting powers Pendleton (3-0) and Thurston (13-0 twice). Lava Bear opponents had a 102-68 won-loss record.

Other school records set during the 19-game season were team batting average (.430), on base pct. (.490), slugging pct (.692), lowest ERA (0.26), most no-hitters (8), most shutouts (14) and most games won in a row (14).

The win streak will carry over into the 2022 season. But let’s not talk about 2022 just yet.

The coaching staff said they got high enjoyment from watching how the younger players developed as the season progressed.

“We had a few players who — when the season began — were clearly not ready for varsity softball. They were young and hadn’t figured out how to play with urgency. Admittedly, they struggled with focus and at times, their level of hustle was not as expected. But they adjusted and we saw a lot of growth.”

When asked if there were any disappointments to the 2021 season, the coach said there were a few.

“Mainly not having a traditional postseason,” said Mauldin. “The final week was very good — playing Sheldon, McNary, South Salem and Thurston was excellent. But if all goes as planned, we’ll get that chance in the future.

“The other thing was somewhat disappointing is we lost some players to jobs. They were stellar student athletes and excellent teammates. We get it … no school, then online school enabled them to work. But we missed them and they would have added to the team.”

Not that this team needed any additions.

Lava Bear Fisher named Gatorade's Oregon Softball Player of the Year

CHICAGO — In its 36th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, Gatorade announced Addisen Fisher of Bend High School as its 2020-21 Gatorade Oregon Softball Player of the Year. Fisher is the first Gatorade Oregon Softball Player of the Year to be chosen from Bend High School.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Fisher as Oregon’s best high school softball player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year award to be announced June 22, Fisher joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Cat Osterman (2000-01, Cy Spring High School, Texas), Kelsey Stewart (2009-10, Arkansas City High School, Kan.), Carley Hoover (2012-13, D.W. Daniel High School, S.C.), Jenna Lilley (2012-13, Hoover High School, Ohio), Morgan Zerkle (2012-13, Cabell Midland High School, W. Va.), and Rachel Garcia (2014-15, Highland High School, Calif.).

The 5-foot-11 freshman right-handed pitcher and outfielder led the Lava Bears to an 18-1 record this past season. Fisher compiled a 9-0 mark in the circle with a 0.25 earned run average. She allowed 16 hits and zero walks, fanning 127 hitters in 56.1 innings pitched on her way to tossing three no-hitters and two perfect games. Ranked as the nation’s No. 21 recruit in the Class of 2024 by Extra Inning Softball, Fisher posted a school record .574 batting average with six home runs, 35 runs scored, 26 runs batted in and a 1.098 slugging percentage.

“I am so incredibly humbled and honored to be receiving this awards,” said Fisher. “I’m very grateful for all of the love and support from my teammates, coaches, and most importantly my family.”

Fisher has volunteered locally as part of blood donation drives to benefit the American Red Cross, and she has donated her time as a youth softball coach and mentor.

“Addisen is the real deal,” said Tim Cary, head coach of Pendleton High. “She throws extremely hard, has great command of her pitches and she is clearly in charge when she steps in the circle. On top of that, she hits very well and she composes herself in a mature manner.”

Fisher has maintained a 4.0 GPA in the classroom. She will begin her sophomore year of high school this fall.

“I just have to keep working,” said Fisher, the daughter of David and Heather Fisher. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from playing softball is to never settle. I want to be great. I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

Fisher joins recent Gatorade Oregon Softball Players of the Year Taylor Ebbs (2019-20, McNary High School), Ariel Carlson (2018-19 & 2017-18, Marist Catholic High School), and Lauren Burke (2016-17, Marist Catholic High School), among the state’s list of former award winners.

Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin said Fisher is a “competitive gamer” and noted that’s the biggest compliment he can give a player.

“What a great honor and a well deserved honor for Addisen,” said Mauldin. “She works hard and is outstanding on the field. But she is truly outstanding off the field as well. Not only is she a gamer, she is a great teammate.

“She epitomizes our team slogan of ‘pride plus passion produces positive performance with proper preparation.' She’s a delight to coach,” he added.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track & field, and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade Player of the Year Selection Committee, which works with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.

“I truly appreciate everyone who has stuck with me and supported me and who will continue to support me throughout my softball journey,” said Fisher.

Through Gatorade’s cause marketing platform “Play it Forward,” Fisher has the opportunity to award a $1,000 grant to a local or national youth sports organization of their choosing. Fisher is also eligible to submit a 30-second video explaining why the organization they chose is deserving of one of twelve $10,000 spotlight grants, which will be announced throughout the year. To date, Gatorade Player of the Year winners’ grants have totaled more than $2.7 million across 1,117 organizations.

Bend High sophomore Gracie Goewey was a State Finalist for the 2021 Gatorade Player of Year honor won by Fisher. Goewey, an outfielder/pitcher, matched Fisher's school record .574 batting average, lead the state in RBIs (39) and set a school record for home runs in a season with 10.

Since the program’s inception in 1985, Gatorade Player of the Year award recipients have won hundreds of professional and college championships, and many have also turned into pillars in their communities, becoming coaches, business owners and educators.

To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/GatoradePOY or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Gatorade.

Two Lava Bears named finalists for Gatorade State Player of the Year

A pair of Bend High School softball players are finalists for Gatorade’s Oregon Softball Player of the Year honor.

Sophomore Gracie Goewey and freshman Addisen Fisher are finalists after playing major roles in leading the Lava Bears to an 18-1 season and a No. 1 ranking by Elite Oregon Girls online publication.

Goewey and Fisher did it both in the circle and at the plate and will share in setting a new school batting record of .574 in the process.

“This is a testament to how dedicated these girls are and how their work ethics pay off,” said Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin. “As equally impressive to their on-field success is they are simply outstanding teammates and delights to coach.”

Gatorade officials said the announcement of Gatorade’s State Player of the Year will take place on June 22.

Here’s a quick look at their 2021 successes:

Fisher batting: new school batting average record .574 (tied with Goewey), six homers, 35 runs, 26 RBIs, 10 doubles, 35 hits. On base pct. .658. slugging 1.098. OPS 1.756. Had team high 18 base hits.

Fisher pitching: 9-0, 0.25 ERA, both earned runs came in the season’s finale. 127 strikeouts and no walks in 56.1 innings. She allowed only one extra base hit and 16 hits on the season. She pitched four no-hitters, two were perfect. And pitched two one-hitters. Opponents batted ..084 against her.

Goewey hitting: new school record .574 hitting (tied with with Fisher). Led team in RBIs, set school record in homers with 10. Had team high 18 extra base hits. Drove in 39 runs with team high 39 base hits and scored 27 runs. On base was .597, slugging was 1.161 and OPS was 1.759. Eleven times she drove in two or more runs. She had a base hit in 18 of the team’s 19 games.

Goewey Pitching: 3-1, 0.62 ERA, 46 strikeouts in 23 innings. Pitched a no-hitter and two one-hitters. Opponents batted .128 against Goewey.

Lava Bear Softball — by the numbers … WOW!

When summing up Bend High School’s 2021 statistical season, one word comes to mind: WOW!

The Lava Bears set numerous school records despite an Oregon Schools Activities Association mandated short season due to COVID19. Instead of a potential 31 games, BSHS played the maximum allowed at 19 during the seven-week season.

The Lava Bears won a state large school (6A and 5A) best 18 games and posted the best overall record at 18-1. The 18 wins are the second highest single-season total in school history.

The Lava Bears also were the state’s leading large scoring team (211) and allowed the fewest runs (11). Opponents batted just 0.81 against the Lava Bear pitching staff.

The team pitching statistics were among the best in the nation, according to CHS Sports-owned MaxPreps, the top high school sports website in the country. Consider these numbers:

18 - Wins

1 - Losses

025 - ERA

240 - Strikeouts -(in 108 innings).

29 - Base hits allowed (in 19 games).

3 - Extra base hits allowed.

17 - Base on balls.

8 - No hitters.

4 - Perfect Games.

14 - Shutouts

11 - Runs Allowed.

4 - Earned Runs Allowed.

2.2 - Strikeouts Per Inning

3 - No-hit streak - three-straight games.

5 - Shutout streak - five in a row.

The Lava Bears had three different pitchers — Allison Parker, Gracie Goewey and Addisen Fisher — pitch no-hitters. And that trio teamed with freshman Raeann Nelson for a four-pitcher no-hitter.

There were two games were all opponent outs were recorded by strikeouts.

As a team, the Bears set a number of team school records:

.430 - Batting Average = .430.

26 - Home runs - 26.

.490 - On Base Pct. - .490

.692 - Slugging Pct. - .692

1.183 - OPS

14 - Shutouts

8 - No-hitters.

7 - One hitters

240 - Strikeouts

108 - Innings

0.25 - ERA

37 - Stolen bases without being caught stealing (Violet Loftus led with 12, Sophia Weathers followed with nine and Emma Sullivan was eight for eight).

Individual Highlights:

Fisher (9-0) did not walk a batter in 56 innings. She struck out 127.

Parker (6-0) allowed three hits in 28 innings. She struck out 66.

Goewey (3-1) struck out 46 in 22 innings.

Goewey and Fisher set a single season school record .574 batting average (the previous school record was .550).

Goewey hit a school record 10 home runs.

Weathers tied the single-season school record of 10 sacrifice bunts.

Lava Bears end season with 14-straight wins

The Lava Bears closed out the COVID-abbreviated 2021 season with a school record 14-straight victories.

And the final win of the season was a 12-2 win over McNary, a team that spent much of the 2021 season regarded as one of the top three teams in Oregon.

The McNary victory left the Lava Bears with an 18-1 record and arguably the best season in Bend Senior High School softball annals. The Bears were also listed as No. 1 by online outlet Elite Oregon Girls and are waiting their standing in final polls from other outlets.

The Lava Bears’ 18-1 record was the best in the state for large schools. Sheldon (Eugene) was the only other team with one last at 15-1 and that loss was the Bend. The Saturday wins also enabled the

The final four wins of the season came during what OSAA (Oregon Schools Activities Association) termed “Culminating Week.” For the 6A and 5A classifications it was a matter of trying to play the top teams. For the state’s other four divisions, state championships were held.

“Of course, we would have loved to have had a state tournament — I think our chances were very good,” said BHS coach Tom Mauldin. “But we felt like our win over Sheldon (previously unbeaten, defending 6A champion and ranked No. 1 at game time on May 15) was a lot like a state title game.

“And our May 22 game with McNary had the same feeling. It’s great to come out on top against impressive competition. It brings the best out of this young team.”

In the win over McNary, junior Lena Zahniser and sophomore Gracie Goewey homered and freshman Addisen Fisher scattered six hits and struck out 10.

Coach Mauldin said “there was no doubt” about either of the homers hit by Goewey and Zahniser.

“Lena’s took about one second to leave the playing area and GG’s almost made it rain. They were smoked,” said Mauldin. In 19 games, the Bears hit 26 home runs.

All totaled, the Lava Bears collected a dozen hits and eight players had at least one base hit. Zahniser had three and Goewey and junior Emma Sullivan had two each.

Fisher struck out at least one batter in each inning and three each in the second and third inning. She did not walk a batter to complete the season with a 9-0 record and no walks in 56 innings. She struck out 127 on the season.

Fisher was also one of six Lava Bears to drive in a run.

The Bears took a 1-0 lead in the first on Zahniser’s homer, then scored five in the second, three in the third and three in the fifth on Goewey’s fifth three-run homer of the season. She finished with 10 homers.

Fisher put the Celtics down one-two-three in their final at bat.

Assistant coach Maya Eliff told the girls “energy” would be the key.

“The girls showed true grit and heart on Saturday,” said Eliff, a former standout Lava Bear herself. “I told the girls we needed to perform at a 10 energy level and they had no problem exceeding that, showing the true ‘lava bear way’”

Bend 1, South Salem 0

Prior to the McNary finale, the Bears defeated South Salem, 1-0, as sophomore Allison Parker pitched six and two-thirds innings of one-hit ball. Fisher closed out the seventh by striking out the final batter on three pitches, all clocked in the upper 60s.

The game’s lone run came on a Violet Loftus fifth-inning homer. It was the junior shortstop’s third of the season. Sullivan had Bend’s other base hit.

Loftus and Zahniser walked and Zahniser got on base on an error. Other than that, the hot-hitting Bears were held in check by South Salem’s Rowan Thompson.

“It was a terrific pitcher’s dual. Love it,” said the coach. “Allison pitched great just as she has done all season. We had our hands full with Thompson.”

Parker struck out 11 and walked three, including two in the seventh. It was her third one-hitter of the season and her second of the week. She completed the season 6-0.

“There was a lot of pressure in that seventh inning,” said Mauldin. “(South has the) winning run on first with two outs. If we don’t win, the McNary game would have had a lot less meaning. But the girls came through as they have all season.”

Bend 13, 13, Thurston 0, 0

Prior to the final date of the season, Bend took a pair of games from Thurston, 13-0 and 13-0 on May 19.

Thurston came into the games as the leading 5A scoring team in the state with 197 runs in 17 games.

Fisher struck out 16 and allowed one hit in the first 13-0 win, a six-inning, run-rule game.

Parker followed with her own one-hitter in a five-inning game with all 15 outs recorded being strikeouts.

Each game had a surplus of Blue and Gold offense. The Bears recorded 16 base hits in each victory.

In the opener, Weathers and Goewey each drove in three runs and Fisher, Loftus and Parker combined for seven hits. Sophomore Shyla Nunes hit her first home run of the season and Jet Hovey, Bry Schaefer (double) and Sullivan also had base hits.

In the second game, Loftus lead the way with three hits, including a double and a triple and Fisher, Zahniser, Goewey and Sullivan added two hits each. Weathers had three runs batted in. Hovey and Schaefer again each singled.

“The firepower showed up from top to bottom in both games and Shyla’s blast was a highlight of the six-run fifth inning,” said Mauldin.

The veteran coach noted that he “wasn’t sure” how the team would perform at Thurston.

“Well, it was a long and winding road and several girls got bus sick,” he said. “One was Parker and she pitches a one-hitter with 15 strikeouts. Another was Weathers and she catches a double header, and she drives in five runs. There’s just no stopping these girls.”

Even in an abbreviated season, the 18 wins is believed to be the second most in school history with the 2013 and 2014 teams winning 19 each year. The 2019 Lava Bears won 18 games and qualified for the playoffs during their first year in the 6A classification.

Lava Bears conclude regular

season with win over No. 1 Sheldon

For the second time this season, the Lava Bears needed an extra inning to record a win over a reigning state champion when they defeated 2019 6A state champion Sheldon, 3-1, in Eugene.

In closing out the regular season with a 10-game winning streak, the Lava Bears improved to 14-1 on the season. They will conclude the 2021 abbreviated season with a double header on May 19 (at Springfield’s Thurston High School) and a battle at Keizer’s McNary High School on May 22.

Lava Bear sophomore Allison Parker hit a two-run homer in the top half of the eighth to give pitcher Addisen Fisher all the run support she would need as the impressive freshmen allowed the Irish just two hits and struck out 14.

“It was a great pitcher’s dual … just excellent softball,” said coach Tom Mauldin. “Sheldon is a very good team and presented us with a lot of obstacles, but I like our team and our chances against anyone. We didn’t get rattled … we just kept plugging. The girls always show great spirit.”

Mauldin noted that the bottom of the order came through in the seventh inning.

“Sully (Sullivan) singled and they moved her along on the bases to set the stage for Addisen, who once again delivered,” said Mauldin. “It was a fun game to be a part of. If anyone wasn’t believing Bend High softball is for real, they do now. We are real proud of the girls.”

The hosting Irish entered Saturday’s game ranked No. 1 among 6A teams in the state and unbeaten at 14-0. But when the wind quit blowing, the Lava Bears had collected six hits and ended Sheldon’s 20-plus game win streak.

Sheldon led 1-0 going into the seventh when Emma Sullivan singled and moved to second and then third on infield outs by Jet Hovey and Shyla Nunes. Fisher responded with a line drive of the middle to score Sullivan with the tying run.

With the International tie-breaker rule in place, Sophia Weathers was placed at second base. One pitch later, Parker hit a long home run over the left field fence for a 3-1 Lava Bear lead.

Sheldon scored first, in the third inning, on a Bend miscue and a base hit.

Fisher won the pitcher’s dual against Sheldon’s Payton Burnham, who struck out 10, nine coming in the first six innings. Fisher allowed single sin the third and fourth innings, but retired the lsat 14 Irish she faced. Fisher did not walk a batter, but hit one.

Bend entered the showdown of the state’s top two teams having few opportunities to play defense. Of its previous 61 outs, 59 had come by strikeouts.

“That’s hard for fielders,” said Mauldin. “But we responded as we would expect and Emma Sullivan was excellent at second.”

In April, Bend needed eight innings to record a 2-1 win over regning 5A champion Ridgeview (Redmond).

Bend 15, Mtn. View 0

Parker pitched three perfect innings and was one of four Lava Bears who collected three base hits in a run-rule, abbreviated 15-0 win over crosstown rival Mountain View.

The win over the Cougars gave the Lava Bears a 6-0 record against its local Bend teams with three wins each over Summit and Mtn. View. In the six games, the Lava Bears outscored Summit and Mountain View, 94-0.

The win moved Bend to 13-1 on the season with one game remaining I the regular season.

Parker’s nine strikeouts combined with Addisen Fisher’s 15 the day before gave Bend eight perfect innings and 24 strikeouts in back-to-back games. Dating back to Redmond earlier in the week, BHS pitchers had recorded 37 strikeouts. They did not allow a base hit in games Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Junior shortstop Violet Loftus homered and singled to drive In four runs. Fisher joined Loftus in the home run circle and also drove in four runs.

Sophomore Gracie Goewey and Hovey added three singles each and Nunes rounded out the 15-hit attack with a run-scoring base hit.

Bend 20, Mtn. View 0

Addisen Fisher struck out all 15 batters she faced in throwing her second perfect game of the season on May 13 in a 20-0 rout of Mtn. View.

In addition, Fisher hit two home runs and single twice to drive in six runs.

Fisher had plenty of offensive support against the Cougars on their Senior Day as the Lava Bears totaled 21 base hits. Sophia Weathers was four for four and Goewey hit her eighth homer of the season and collected three other base hits. She drove in five runs.

Fisher, Weathers and Goewey each had four base hits.

Violet Loftus also homered and drove in three runs.

There’s more. Nunes had a double and two singles and Sullivan had a pair of base hits.

The no-hitter was the sixth by the Lava Bears this season. And three have been perfect games.

Bend 14, Redmond 2

Against winless Redmond on May 11, the Lava Bears used four pitchers in no-hitting the Panthers in a non-league game at Emerson Field, 14-2.

Freshman Raeann Nelson made her varsity debut in pitching a one-two-three third inning to join no-hit pitching teammates Parker, Goewey and Fisher. It was the team’s fifth no-hitter of the season, but first with multiple pitchers teaming up.

“The highlight for me was the way Raerae’s teammates greeting her when she recoding a strike out for the third out of the inning,” said coach Mauldin. “That’s bigger than any game.”

The quartet recorded 13 strikeouts. The two Redmond runs were the result of a trio base on balls and a trio of wild pitches.

Parker has a perfect game, Goewey has a no-hitter and Fisher has a no-hitter to go with a perfect game.

Sophomore catcher Weathers and junior infielder Sullivan each collected two hits and drove in a pair of runs to lead the Lava Bears’ offense.

After scoring three runs in the first, the Lava Bears erupted for 10 runs in the second to blow the game open.

Three wins give Lava Bears best start in program history at 10-1

Highlights for week four of the 2021 season were numerous as the Lava Bears varsity softball team reeled off a trio of wins to give the 2021 team the best start in school history at 10 wins and one loss.

The latest victims were Summit (11-0), The Dalles (9-0) and Crook County (24-0) to give BSHS six-straight wins. Included in that street were five shutouts in a row to give the Lava Bears a school record nine on the season.

Check out these highlights:

• In the 11-0 run-rule (five innings) win over Summit, freshman Addisen Fisher pitched her second no-hitter of the season. This one was perfect as no Storm runner reached base.

- Sophomore Gracie Goewey doubled and homered to drive in five runs and junior shortstop Violet Loftus doubled and singled twice to give Fisher more than enough offense to work with.

• In the 9-0 win over The Dalles, Fisher struck out 16 and walked none.

- Emma Sullivan doubled, singled twice and drove in a pair of runs and Fisher, Goewey and sophomore catcher Sophia Weathers contributed a pair of hits apiece at The Dalles.

• In the 24-0 rout of Crook County, junior Kelsie Russell and sophomore Allison Parker belted grand slam homes and Fisher and sophomore Gracie Goewey also homered. Goewey has hit seven homers this season.

- Goewey fashioned her second one-hitter of the season and struck out 11 in the five-inning win.

• Junior Kelsie Russell and Parker hit grand slams in the Crook County rout.

The 24 runs were a season high for the big hitting Lava Bears. They scored 10 in the first inning and 12 in the second when Parker Russell hit their bases loaded homers. Russell also doubled in two runs in the first inning with a double and Parker finished the day with four hits and five RBIs.

Lotus and Sullivan added a pair of base hits and sophomore Shyla Nunes singled three times in the win over Summit.

Prior to the 9-0 win over The Dalles, Lava Bear pitchers Fisher, Parker and Goewey had pitched three-straight no-hitters. Parker and Fisher also have a one-hitter this season while Goewey has two.

“Their pitching chart scoring is crazy high,” said BHS coach Tom Mauldin. “Three-straight no-hitters is rare and three-straight no-hitters with each coming from a different pitchers is even more rare. I can’t say enough about their execution of pitches. Our goal for pitch location and movement is to keep the other team from barreling up on the ball. Needless to say, they are doing a terrific job this season.”

In 11 games, the trio of Lava Bear pitchers have allowed a total of 18 base hits and have combined to average more than two strikeouts per inning.

As good as their pitching has been, the Lava Bears are hitting at a school-record pace of .435.

“We are very proud of way the girls have been swinging their bats,” said Mauldin. “They work hard at it.”

Mauldin praised the bottom of the order for their hitting in recent games. Sullivan collected five hits in the double header at The Dalles, Nunes had a three-hit game after being Calle up from the junior varsity and Russell exploded with six RBIS and a double and homer against Crook County.

“Everyone is contributing and it doesn’t get much better than that,” said the veteran coach.

The bottom of the batting order responding was timely as junior third baseman Lena Zahniser will be out through May 14 due to COVID exposure at arecent basketball practice.

“We challenged the girls who hit number 7, 8 and 9 to pick up the slack for Lena’s big bat and they did,” said Mauldin. Prior to be sidelined, Zahniser (all-league in 2019 as a freshman) is batting .583 with 10 RBIs in eight games.

Up next for Bend’s Senior High School team: Redmond (May 11) for Strike Out Cancer Day at Emerson Field.

The Lava Bears also play at Mountain View on May 13.

On Friday (May 14), they host Mountain View for Senior Day and on the 15th, they travel to Eugene to meet unbeaten (11-0) and defending 6A state title Sheldon.

Lava Bear pitchers, hitters dominate in three wins

It was a good week to be a Lava Bear softball player — especially if you were a pitcher.

During an eight-day span, three Bend High pitchers hurled no-hitters as the Lava Bears improved to 7-1 on the season.

“It would be an understatement to say the girls pitched well,” said coach Tom Mauldin. “They were outstanding from the first pitch of the game to the last. They were dominant. And fun to watch.”

Sophomore Allison Parker followed freshman Addisen’ Fisher’s April 24 no-hitter (against Pendleton) by throwing a perfect game against Hood River Valley the last day of April. Parker pitched a perfect game, striking out 14 of the 15 batters she faced in the five-inning game. No Eagle batter reached base.

“Her peel was on, her curve had them thinking and Allison’s rise was an A plus pitch for the entire game,” said Mauldin.

Sophomore Gracie Goewey opened May the next day by no-hitting crosstown rival Mountain View, 14-0, in a five-inning, run-rule win. Goewey struck out 13 of the batters she faced. Though she walked one, Goewey faced the minimum number of batters as the runner was caught stealing by freshman catcher Jet Hovey.

Prior to the back-to-back no-hitters, Fisher fancied a four-hitter with 13 strikeouts as the Lava Bears beat defending 2019 5A state champion Ridgeview, 2-1, in eight innings.

Fisher also accounted for both of Bend’s runs in the win over Ridgeview, one with a homer, the other with an RBI. Junior shortstop Violet Loftus had three hits, and Parker and Zahniser had a pair of hits each as the team out-hit Ridgeview, 11-4.

“We hit well, but didn’t string hits together,” said Mauldin. “Ridgeview came to play. It was good to be tested like that. Addisen didn’t have her best stuff in the first four innings, but she sure did in the final four.”

Fisher struck out eight of the last dozen batters she faced.

In Bend’s 11-0 rout of Hood River, Goewey homered, Lena Zahniser and Fisher had a pair of extra base hits each and eight Lava Bears contributed to the offense. Junior Emma Sullivan had two base hits, including one coming after a dislocated a finger.

"That was pretty gutsy. She divs back to first, dislocates her finger, sees the trainer and re-enters the game in time to drive in a run with a single. Got to love that type of passion for the game and her teammates."

Goewey walked the game off with a three-run homer in the fifth-inning.

Against Mt. View, both Fisher and Zahniser had four-for-four days at the plate and Fisher finished with five runs batted in with a homer, a triple and two doubles. Zahniser drove in three runs as she hit to all fields. Parker added three base hits.

“Fisher and Zahniser put on hitting clinic against Mt. View. They barreled up extremely well,” said the Bend High coach.

Sophomore Sophia Weathers had a pair of hits, including a triple in the win over the Cougars. All total, the winners had 16 base hits to raise the team’s batting average to .406.

“It’s fun to see the bats in action. This is an aggressive group of hitters,” added Mauldin.

In Lava Bear junior varsity action, the young squad blanked Mt. View, 15-0, as Shy Nunes homered and Raeann Nelson struck out 10 in four innings. Nunes also had two hits and struck out 11 in a 4-1 loss to Hood River.

Like their varsity counterparts, the win over Mt. View gave the JV squad a 3-0 record against their Bend rivals.

Next up for the BHS squads: Summit on May 6.

Fisher no-hits Pendleton, striking out 17

Freshman Addisen Fisher struck out 17 and held a powerful Pendleton High School softball team hitless as the Bend High School Lava Bears won the first game of a double header on April 24, 3-0.

Fisher, who has allowed one base hit in two games this season, struck out the first 12 batters in handing PHS its first loss in six games. After striking out two batters in the fifth, Fisher hit a Pendleton batter - the Lady Bucks’ first baserunner. Fisher followed with a strikeout trifecta in the sixth inning.

Fisher was simply dominating in shutting down Pendleton, which came into the game averaging 11 runs per game.

“I've been around the game for a long time and have seen a lot of no-hitters, but this was as dominating as I've seen,” said Bend coach Tom Mauldin. “Pendleton is loaded and they did NOT hit a ball out of the infield.”

How dominating? Seventeen of their first 18 outs were strikeouts.

It was another impressive Lava Bear pitching performance. Two days prior to Fisher’s no-hitter, sophomore Gracie Goewey pitched a one-hitter with eight strikeouts in a run-rule 19-0 win over crosstown rival Summit.

Sophomore Allison Parker had a one-hit shutout over Summit during the week’s first season in another run-rule victory. Goewey has 20 strikeouts in 12 innings and Parker has 10 in five innings.

Goewey had a pair of home runs in the win over Pendleton, both long balls far beyond the right center field fence. Goewey, who is batting .800, has three homers in five games.

Violet Loftus had a pair of doubles in the twinbill and freshman Jet Hovey also had two base hits. Fisher also had two base hits on the day.

Mauldin also singled out the play of sophomore catcher Sophia Weathers and second baseman Emma Sullivan.

“A lot of credit has to go to Weathers,” said Mauldin. “Addisen was bringing it and her pitches had tremendous movement. We ask Sophia to be a ‘wall’ back there and she gets better every week. Your pitching staff can be only so good with a soft catcher, but can be great with a good catcher.”

“And with the speed of our pitchers, second base is going to get a lot of action.”

In the 19-0 win over Summit, Parker homered and collected her fourth double in three games as she drove in five runs. She has eight RBIs in three games.

All totaled, eight Lava Bears had base hits.

In five games, the Lava Bears have allowed one earned run (it came in the 8th inning of their fifth game - the loss to Pendleton).

BHS is off to a 4-1 start. The lone loss was the second game of April 24's double header when Pendleton won the game, 5-2 in 8 innings.

Lava Bears open 2021 with

a pair of impressive wins

Bend High School’s varsity team suited up a dozen players for their 2021 season opener against Crook County on April 13. Only two had varsity game experience dating back to the 2019 season — the last time the Lava Bears played.

That was 688 days ago. Then freshmen Lena Zahniser pitched a complete game in a 6A playoff loss to Barlow of Greshman.

Zahniser, who was first team all-league as a freshman, was the lone 2019 starter in uniform against Crook County. Junior shortstop Violet Loftus pinch ran in a game two years ago. Other than that, 10 players made their varsity debuts in the 10-0 win over Crook County.

That said, many had earned starting spots for the 2020 season, but COVID delayed their varsity debuts 13 months.

“I really didn’t think about it until moments before the game when I asked the girls who were making their varsity debuts,” said Mauldin. “All but two hands went up. We did see some nerves, but it didn’t take long for them to show why they are varsity players.”

Zahniser did her part with a single and a sacrifice fly and Loftus had a run-scoring single and a pair of stolen bases.

The sophomores did what the coaches expected:

• Allison Parker had two base hits, an RBI and struck out four of the six batters she face;

• Gracie Goewey homered in her first at bat to give the Lava Bears a 2-0 lead. She finished with three base hits;

• Sophia Weathers threw out two runners, had a an RBI bunt and walked twice.

“I expect them to deliver and they did,” said Mauldin. “This is going to be a fun group to watch.”

And a pair of freshmen made sterling debuts. Pitcher Addisen Fisher struck out the first five batters she and nine of the first 10. She finished with 10 strikeouts.

Fisher also had a pair of base hits, also collecting a base hit in her first at bat and a doubled in the fourth inning. She also stole a base and scored twice.

Bry Schaefer was three for three, stole a base and scored twice.

“I expected them to play the way they did,” said Mauldin. “It was fun watching their successes after such a long break.”

Game two, on April 17, was much the same — good hitting and good pitching.

Behind the hitting and pitching of Parker (three doubles, three RBIs), the Lava Bears needed just three innings to dispatch crosstown rival Summit, 15-0.

Parker had plenty of support as Zahniser, Fisher and Goewey had two hits each. Fisher, Zahniser and Loftus each had a pair of runs drive in.

“I sure like Fisher at the top of the (batting) order,” said the BHS coach. “She opened the game with a triple and got us going.”

Fisher also singled in the first inning when the Lava Bears scored 11 times. Parker had two doubles in the first inning.

Zahniser homered in the third to highlight a four-run inning.

In the three inning, run-rule game, Parker allowed one hit, walked one and struck out six.

Masks were required, spectator seating was limited and there were no pre-game or post-game handshakes, but the players and coaches were talking “it’s game day.”

“It sure felt good,” said assistant coach Dave Smith. “Just great being out there and being part of this. It wasn’t perfect, but it sure was close.”

Meanwhile, the junior varsity Lava Bears opened the week with a split, losing 11-4 to Crook County and run-ruling Summit, 18-4. Freshman pitcher Raeann Nelson record eight strikeouts in each game while the offense was sparked by freshmen Hannah Mason and Emma Miller.

Next up for the Lava Bears in Thursday, April 22, at Summit. Game time is 4:30 p.m. That will be followed by a double header on Saturday, April 24, at Redmond High School against Pendleton (3-0) and Redmond (0-3). The Pendleton game starts at 1:30 and with first pitch versus Redmond at 4.

Check the latest Bend-Lapine School District COVID restrictions and requirements.

The long wait is over, talented Lava Bears take the field

After nearly 23 months, the Bend High School softball program will open the season with a pair of games against Crook County High School.

The varsity Lava Bears will host the Cowgirls at 4:30 at Emerson Park, while the younger Lava Bears will host Crook County’s junior varsity team at Hap Puddy Park on 15th St.

The last time the Lava Bears played was in late May, 2019, when they lost a postseason game to Barlow (Gresham), 3-0.

Due to the Coronavirus, the 2020 season was cancelled. Well, everyone knows the story of the pandemic. As the Lava Bears often say, “next pitch.”

“It’s been a long anxiety-filled wait,” said third-year Lava Bear head coach Tom Mauldin. “We’re excited to see this team play. It’s a youthful group, but they are a very talented group. We (coaches) are looking forward to this abbreviated season.”

Before the pandemic hit in March, 2020, Mauldin said his varsity squad would be as good as any who came before them at Bend High.

“Yes, I did say that and this 2021 group is every bit as good,” said the coach, who was at the helm of the team’s 18-9 season during its first year of 6A softball in 2019. “This group has dealt with tears, laughter and so many unknowns. It’s about time to see the fruits of their efforts on the field.

“One thing they do know is each other,” he said. “They’ve been through a lot together. We’ve all been through a lot together.

The varsity Lava Bears will suit up one senior, four juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen for their opener against CCHS.

The younger Lava Bears, coached by Matt Macauley and Meredith Berrigan, will feature eight freshmen in their junior varsity opener.

This season isn’t without obstacles, however. For starters, it will be an abbreviated six-week season, players and spectators will be wearing masks and COVID protocols are as prevalent as balls and strikes.

“Yes, it’s different. Lots of social distancing, limited spectators (91 at the Emerson facility) and no handshakes after the game,” said the coach, who is assisted by Dave Smith and Maya Eliff.

“But we’re playing … finally. It’s been a long time between games — almost two years,” Mauldin said. “And we like the team that will take the field wearing blue and gold. We got a sneak peek of this group in summer camp when they went 5-0 in a dominating fashion.”

The coaches said they picked a lineup for day one that offers a big challenge for its opponent.

“We hit and we pitch,” he said. “I will say that again … we pitch and we hit.”

Four of the pitchers — junior Lena Zahniser, sophomores Gracie Goewey and Allison Parker and freshman Addisen Fisher — are also four of the big hitters. Toss in junior Violet Loftus and more than half of the lineup features deep ball power and 70-plus mph exit speed swings.

“They are fun to watch in batting practice. During a round of hitting last week, we had nine different players hit the ball out of the park,” Mauldin said. “And add speed with junior Emma Sullivan and sophomore catcher Sophia Weathers and our options are many.”

Sophomore Shyla Nunes and freshman Bry Schaeffer will be at second and right field to start the season. They’ll join Sullivan in left, Weathers behind the plate, Loftus at short, Zahnizer at third, Goewey in center, Parker at first and Fisher will start in the circle.

“Someone asked me the other day, ‘with so many good pitchers, it must be hard to pick one to start?’ “No,” I said, noted the coach. “It’s just the opposite. They all are excellent. They have excellent speed, movement and compete. They all bring something extra. They way I look at it is we have four aces. But it’s not about being called ‘an ace’ or ‘number one.’ It’s about our goal of winning every pitch. We do that and all goals will be reached.”

Each of the four has been clocked 61 miles per hour or better.

They will also bat at the top of the order.

The lineup features two lefties who can run in Weathers and Loftus. Sullivan and Nunes can also hit left.

“As hard as these girls work, they’ll all be able to hit lefty next year,” said Mauldin. “On paper, it’s a terrific group, but the game is one in the dirt, between the chalk. If we keep it simple and execute, lots of success will follow them.”

Rounding out the 12-player roster are the team’s lone senior, Caitlin Paul, freshman Jet Hovey and joining the team late from her soccer season is junior Kelsie Russell, another lefthanded hitter.

“Lots of versatility on this squad,” said the Lava Bear coach.

When asked what the team’s season’s goals were, Mauldin said “win every pitch.”

“But simply being able to play on Tuesday is a wonderful goal.”

The Lava Bears follow Tuesday’s opener by hosting crosstown rival Summit on Saturday at noon at Emerson Field.

Three-year enhancement project at

Emerson Field softball facility completed

Coach says “it’s the best on-field high school facility in the northwest’

Through the generosity, hard work and many volunteer hours of the Lava Bear softball family, Bend High School has the finest on-field high school softball facility in the Northwest.

“On behalf of our players and coaching staff, I can’t say thank you enough to the Lava Bear softball family,” said head coach Tom Mauldin. “The transformation the last three years is impressive, if not amazing.”

The Emerson Field facility is complete following a three-phase plan that started in 2019. It includes a varsity and junior varsity players’ locker room attached to the BHS dugout; an 18-foot-by-18-foot equipment room, and a (soon-to-be-complete) breezeway that connects the recently-completed enclosed bullpen.

“Jokingly, I say ‘let it snow’ because we can go from the locker-room to the bullpen without going outside,” said Mauldin, who is in his third year as head of the program.

For the most part, the project was funded with fundraised dollars with assistance from Bend High School and Bend-Lapine School District assistance.

Briefly:

• the locker room is equipped with 32 player lockers, custom player stools, six tables and two televisions (one 50 inches, the other 32 inches for player review). It also features the Wall of Fame (to honor past Lava Bear standouts), a large leather chair, is carpeted and heated;

• the equipment room is 360-square-feet and has enough room for a hitting drill station in addition to entry to the bullpen, the field and the locker room. It also has a full-sized refrigerator and plenty of room for the team’s custom-built electric utility cart and all equipment;

• The bullpen is just under 1,000 square feet — perfect for any softball program with room for pitching, fielding and hitting drills.

And what used to be an 8-foot by 8-foot equipment room is now home to coaches’ lockers, the best softball field stereo system in central Oregon and the Lava Bears’ very own bottled water fountain.

“We have a terrific group of student athletes who make up our team and now they have a high-quality facility to improve their on-field abilities,” said Mauldin. “It’s a testament to the support the softball program has from the community, the administration, parental and family units, and Bend businesses.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to want something for the girls and have everyone respond,” said Mauldin.

The three-year project started shortly after Mauldin was hired in the fall of 2018 and he asked then-athletic director Dave Williams if “the girls can hit in the baseball hitting facility” adjacent to the BHS baseball field.

“He said ‘yes,’” Mauldin recalled. ‘And then added, why don’t you build one at your field.”

And the rest is history. “The Lava Bear softball family is a group of DOers,” said the coach.

First phase was building a base for the then-outdoor bullpen and covering it with 4,800 pounds of synthetic turf.

That was followed by the locker room, the equipment room and the final phase the bullpen building.

The Lava Bear head coach noted that the “day after the locker room was wrapped up” in March, 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic shut everything down.

“That was a tough moment for all of us,” he said. “We just hooked up the 50-inch television and minutes later were told we had to leave until further notice. A couple of the moms came in the next day and sanitized it and it has been used only sparingly since. But once we get the okay, it will be more than perfect.”

The project has been more than a silver lining for the players. It’s offered them some normalcy in this very difficult time filled with unknowns and restrictions.

“It’s a wonderful feeling and show of support for the girls,” added the long-time coach. “We have a THANK YOU sign on the north end of our dugout, but it isn’t really big enough to say how appreciative we are. We know how fortunate we are.”

Winter workouts resume for Lava Bears

There is some good news on the horizon as 2021 kicks off with some renewed optimism

First, the Bend-LaPine School District has a goal of students returning to the classroom by mid-February.

Second, Bend High School athletic teams can resume optional workouts OUTDOORS starting January 4.

For Lava Bear softball players, the workouts might be more than a bit chilly, but they are opportunities. They get to be with their teammates and its the closest thing they have to on-campus schooling.

Senior Caitlin Paul said, “I am thankful for the opportunity to practice softball whether inside or out. Especially in these uncertain times we have been in this year. It's nice to have a chance to get some sort of norm back while playing softball even if its not completely the same.”

Like all BHS teams, the softballers have had some opportunities for optional workouts. Since the end of September, the Lava Bears have had three dozen workouts. The highest number in attendance was 25, the lowest was a dozen.

Though coaches have alternate workouts plans for inclement weather, the players don’t seem to mind.

"I like doing winter workouts,” Said freshman Raeann Nelson. “I get to be outside, have tons of fun hanging out with the girls and getting to know them better, and i don't really mind being out in the cold."

“Any chance we get to be on the field I am stoked to be there,” said junior Violet Loftus. “Whenever we are able to have practice either cold or warm weather is a chance to improve our skill sets and become a stronger team.”

“I am thankful we have an opportunity to practice, despite the weather and constant changes, I’ll take what I can to get on the field again,” said junior Emma Sullivan.

Coach Tom Mauldin said that if the snows hit, “we’ll bring toboggans and sled down the hill south of left field. It’s important for the girls to interact. Right now, this is all the on-campus schooling they get.”

The BHS coaches got a little bit unconventional in late 2020 when they incorporated tug-o-war, obstacle courses and football games into their practice plans. Their final 2020 practice featured players and coaches dressing in holiday or snow season attire.

“It’s all about keeping the girls engaged,” said Mauldin. “We have a few surprises planned for winter workouts.”

Winter workouts will continue until Feb. 22. What’s next is uncertain at this time — much like most of the last 11 months.

“We’ll prepare for options to help keep the girls engaged,” said Mauldin. “Some of the players tell us this (softball) is their lifeline during this pandemic.”

Mauldin, who is assisted by Dave Smith, Maya Eliff, Matt Macauley and Jasmyn Wammock, said 2021 winter workouts will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Weather permitting, of course.

‘Depth chart' changes as

fall workouts conclude

The Bend High School softball program concluded two “seasons” of optional fall workouts on Nov. 17 and coaches were left beaming from ear to ear over the progress and “growth” of prospective Lava Bears.

As many as 25 student athletes participated in the workouts that consisted of sessions from Sept. 28-Oct. 23 (Season 1) and Oct. 27-Nov. 17 (Season 2). The first session allowed the Lava Bears to workout three days per week, while the second gave them two opportunities for enhancement.

There were 22 optional workouts in all and some players participated in every one.

Season 3 was scheduled to begin Nov. 30, but Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s most recent attempt to slow the coronavirus has delayed that start until Dec. 3. The BLSD has slated Season 3 to end Dec. 20, which would give the Lava Bears a half-dozen workouts prior to the Christmas holiday break.

“The lowest number of players to attend and optional workout was a dozen,” said head coach Tom Mauldin.

“It was an excellent turnout, up slightly from what we had a year ago,” said the third year BHS coach. “We averaged 19 players per workout … a year ago about 15-16.”

But the coach noted it wasn’t just the numbers that impressed, but the energy and effort put forth by the Lava Bears.

“The girls worked very hard, whether we were conditioning or working on the skill aspects of the game. I know my depth chart changed in early October from what it was in mid-summer. Then it changed in mid-November to what it was in early October.”

Mauldin said the “depth chart is a known fact on the team. Every single player enhanced their skills with their high energy and dedication during the fall.”

The coach said he wouldn’t single out any players, but added “they know who they are. Everyone knows who they are … everyone sees it.”

Assistant coaches Dave Smith and Maya Eliff were equally as pleased as Mauldin.

“What an exceptional group of kids we have,” said Smith. “I noticed the ones who are doing the extra work outside of practice have made vast improvements in speed, agility, strength and conditioning. It always pays to put in that extra time if you want to get better at the game and for personal gratification.”

Smith said his outfielder’s depth chart also changed often.

Eliff said it was “ITLT” that caught her attention. ‘ITLT’ is one of the Lava Bears’ team mottos standing for “it’s the little things.”

“It’s a process,” said Mauldin. “There are no quick-fix apps … it’s all dedication and hard work. The more we have of that combination, the better the adventure and the individual’s outcome. Those who buy-in keep changing our depth chart. We love it.”

The coaches also noted that several players were committed to practicing outside of the school’s optional allotments.

“It’s impressive how much more players who do extra work develop than those who do little,” said Mauldin. “But that’s one of the great learning lessons sports offer us in life — those who do more than others, will enjoy it more than others and perform better than others.

“It’s really a pretty simple recipe … hard work pays off,” said the veteran coach.

Smith put it another way.

"The game knows how much time you have put in.”

BHS softball program honored as

Les Schwab-OSAA Team of the Month

Bend High School’s softball program has been selected as Les Schwab and OSAA’s October Team of the Month.

Bend High athletic director Lowell Norby was notified of the honor on Monday by Ian Frost, OSAA’s General Manager of Sports Properties.

Each month throughout the school year (September through May) Les Schwab Tires and the OSAA recognizes a varsity team of the month for each of the six classifications. Bend High is in 6A, the state’s largest enrollment classification.

“That is very rewarding,” said Lava Bear varsity softball coach Tom Mauldin. “That’s a big honor for the Lava Bear softball family. Our group from players to parents to coaches to supporters to administrators have done a lot during this difficult year.

“We are very thankful to be part of it all,” said the head coach speaking on behalf of his coaching staff that includes Dave Smith, Matt Macauley, Maya Eliff, Jasmyn Wammock and Leah Salmon.

“To be honored without playing a game says a lot about our program and our character-building goals. The girls want to participate.

“This group not only are outstanding and dedicated softball players, but are outstanding in the classroom and in the community,” added the coach. “They are fun to be around, too.”

Each winning team is chosen based on performance, dedication in the classroom, and service to the community.

And the Lava Bear family has done a lot in 2020. Most recently, work has begun on widening and enclosing the team’s bullpen and producing a public service announce about wearing face masks – ‘We’re Doing Our Part, How About You.’

Among some of the highlights, the Lava Bears:

During the summer, they hosted four different age group softball clinics for the Bend Parks & Recreation Dept. And during their off-the-field “down time,” they held a 15-second squat challenge, wrote a book title Zombie, I guess (recently featured by OSAA), held a snowman contest, and conducted a month-long Lava Bear Family Run-Walk, where the players ran and the parents walked to name a few of their activities.

“We all did the best we could to stay engaged,” said the coach. “It was great to see the girls involvement … says a lot about them and their trees (parental units).”

During winter 2019-2020, the Lava Bear family constructed a team locker room attached to the dugout at Varsity Field on Emerson St. They also enlarged the team’s equipment from three-fold. And the school supplied the program with a sound system and its own utility cart.

“There are no minimalist here,” said Mauldin. “Our Lava Bear Family believes in our program motto – pride plus passion produces positive performance with proper preparation. It’s a group of doers.”

“From top to bottom, we are a prideful group,” he said. “It takes a family.”

The Les Schwab Tires Team of the Month is selected from nominations.

Each winner of the Les Schwab Tires Team of the Month award will receive a commemorative trophy and $100 will be donated to the team's program, courtesy of Les Schwab Tires.

Frost noted that the winning teams will also be celebrated by the their local Les Schwab Tires store. Winners will be announced on the OSAA website and across OSAA social media platforms.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Lava Bear softball team's book 'Zombie, I guess' was featured in an OSAA article

Lava Bear softball team throws the book at COVID

October 30, 2020 by John Tawa, OSAAtoday

A squat contest.

A public service announcement.

Building snowmen.

Killing zombies.

The softball team at Bend HS may not have had a 2020 season (thanks, COVID!), but that did not stop the Lava Bear players from discovering plenty of ways to stay busy and engaged during the March lockdown and afterwards.

“They have been very active during the pandemic,” said head coach Tom Mauldin about his bright and articulate group, which boasts a team GPA higher than 3.6.

Among the highlights was a COVID-themed snowman contest, a squat contest where the girls squatted unusual things like pets and one another, filming a PSA on how to stay safe during COVID and hosting three summer camps for Bend Parks & Rec. There have been summer and fall workouts and, starting in November, there will be a month-long drive to collect Christmas presents for children who lost everything in the Detroit-area fire.

There also have been dead zombies. Lots and lots of zombies, thanks to a book the team wrote, collectively, entitled “Zombie, I Guess.” The book was Mauldin’s brainchild; the theme was not.

“In all honesty I didn't have a vision for the book other than I wanted them engaged in a team activity and a progressive assignment seemed like a win-win,” Mauldin said.

Mauldin selected current junior Lena Zahniser to write the opening chapter. She set the theme for the book. Thirteen other players were then randomly and anonymously assigned the ensuing chapters.

The only instructions were:

1. Be funny, serious, educational, biographical, chronological. Make it enjoyable, make it imaginative.

2. Keep it clean. This is something parents and grandparents will read.

3. A main character (or characters) or scene must remain throughout the story. Their adventure might change, but the character must stay the same.

4. If there was a problem that needed to be solved and one writer solved it, the writer must provide another challenge in its place for the next writer and so on.

The book kept the team engaged for weeks and weeks, although its actual completion took about 14 days.

“We gave the girls 24 hours (more if they needed) to write their chapter,” Mauldin explained. “Some turned it around in a couple of hours; others took a day or more. Most chapters were 600-750 words. Some topped 1,000.”

Zahniser, a team leader with a big personality, not only determined that the book would be about murderous zombies infected with COVID roaming the city of Bend, she [spoiler alert!] killed off the team’s coaches, parents AND herself all on page 1!

The story follows the team as it tries to assemble in a safe space with zombies all around them. Once together, saving one another from the ongoing murderous rampage was all that mattered. They went from house to house and to the refurbished locker room at the high school before making a dash for the coast to safety.

“There were a lot of team-oriented things in the book,” Mauldin noted. “There were many references to FOE (‘family over everything’ – a wristband the players wear) and they risked their lives to save their teammates. There are phrases from the book such as ‘we can survive as a team,’ ‘coaches would be proud of us,’ ‘we can do this together,’ and ‘ITLT (It's the little things).’ Thus, the book was a great lesson in TEAM and counting on one another.”

“The book was a fun assignment for the girls,” Mauldin continued. “We had Costco produce one hard copy, which will be placed in our ‘We will never forget COVID19’ locker in the new locker room.”

Does this mean that zombies will be with Bend softball forever?

I guess...

Phase 3 — Bullpen Building — underway

Phase 3 of upgrading Bend High School softball’s program got underway Oct. 23-24 when volunteer workers widened the Lava Bears’ synthetic turf bullpen in preparation for the installation of its enclosed bullpen building.

Widening the bullpen platform (flooring) from its 14-foot width to 18 feet sets the stage for the 18-by-51-foot bullpen metal building that will cover the bullpen and be used for hitting, pitching, conditioning and fielding in all weather.

The bullpen is located about 25 feet east of the left field foul line and south of the team’s equipment room.

“It’s the perfect size for our facility and needless to say offers players more opportunities for enhancement,” said coach Tom Mauldin. “We want to thank Lava Bear baseball coach Quinn Clair for allowing us to use their baseball facility on numerous occasions … it has helped our program immensely. But when we use their facility, I know he is changing his schedule and limiting times for his players. We are thankful for their sacrifice. With our facility we will both get to be our own first priorities. Thank you Quinn and staff.”

The new building will connect to a tarmac breezeway that connects to the equipment room, which was part of the program’s Phase 2 when volunteers expanded the equipment room from an 8-feet by 9-feet to 18-feet by 20 feet.

The bullpen building will be an A-frame production with a low pitch center ceiling (13-6 center height), 10-foot side walls and have an entrance on the north end as well as a 9-foot by 8-foot wide roll-up door on the west wall to offer players more opportunities for an abundance of drills.

The equipment room connects to the spring 2020-completed 40-foot by 11-foot locker room. Phase 2 was a major two-prong project.

“It’s been a lot of work, I will say in understatement fashion,“ said Mauldin. “I can’t thank the Lava Bear family and the Bend High School administration enough for their support of our efforts.”

Phase 1 of the three-year upgrade plan was to construct the synthetic turf bullpen.

Phase 2 was the addition of the locker room and equipment room.

Mauldin noted the biggest differences in Phase 3 from the first two phases is that “the manufacturer is installing the building in one day. It’s a pre-fab structure … hooray.”

He said the biggest challenge of Phase 1 was moving the 4,600-pound 12-foot by 54-foot all-purpose turf, which came at a discount price from a college soccer field. It took six adults and a dozen players to get it in place.

The biggest challenge of Phase 2 was simply how difficult and time-consuming it was, Mauldin said. “But the volunteer work crew led by Dan Parker and Keith Krewson was never deterred. It was hard work, but we look back and laugh about it … kind of. It’s something we are all very proud of.”

When asked if there was a Phase 4, Mauldin joked. “We’re going to put private box seating above the dugout.

“Seriously, Phase 4 is a very small project. We’ll provide a temporary (season only) bullpen warm-up area for the visiting dugout. It’s about a 90-minute project.”

For the most part, the improvements at the field have been fundraised. The school has contributed expertise and labor to irrigation and electrical and the athletic department purchased the stools for the locker room (some of which will be used in the bullpen building), as well as the best-sounding softball field stereo system in the Northwest.

“It takes a village,” said Mauldin. “It all starts with the administration and we’re very fortunate with our administrators.”

The loss of the 2020 season made it financially possible for the bullpen project to be moved up a year from fall 2021 to fall 2020.

“Our fundraising group is amazing and without a 2020 season and no spring trip, we had dollars to utilize,” explained the coach. “People fundraised for the program so let’s use it. Their contributions will enhance every Lava Bear softball program from here on out.”

If all goes according to plan — and with cooperation from Mother Nature — the new building could be in place prior to Thanksgiving.

Lava Bear summer workouts come to a close for hardworking crew

Albeit one day early, summer workouts have officially come to a close for Bend High School softball players.

Due to hazardous air quality, the final day of the Lava Bears’ summer workouts – September 11 — was cancelled. The air quality recording was three times above the health hazard reading.

And, according to head coach Tom Mauldin, it (the final workout) was “going to be the hardest pitching and catching workout of the summer.”

The final three weeks of summer workouts were spent with a singular pod (group of 10) and included only pitchers and catchers.

“We wanted to work on speed and arm strength,” said Mauldin, a former pitcher. “We put the players through harder than usual workouts and they responded greatly. More than two-thirds of our workouts were spent on building power drills. I was tired just watching how hard they work.”

The coach noted that he never noticed a player complain or not give their maximum during the extended pitching/catching period.

“Simply put, they are a pleasure to coach,” he said.

The players not only had challenging workouts, but they also had something they haven’t had very much of in this time of COVID dating back to mid-March — friendship and time with teammates.

“During summer workouts i had lots of fun,” said sophomore Allison Parker. “I haven’t gotten to hangout with a lot of my friends because of covid. Not only did I get to socialize, but I also grew as a pitcher. The drills we did really helped me gain speed, and control.”

COVID19 not only shut down schools, but also dramatically hampered the travel ball summer season. The list of tournaments in the Northwest was less than a quarter of what would have taken place in a non-pandemic year.

“It was good to be able to continue to work hard and get better, especially over a long time period where we weren’t able to do much,” said freshman pitcher Addisen Fisher.

As hard as the drills were, incoming freshman Savannah Franson is a believer in the extra work.

“The jump from Little League to high school softball was a big change, but I feel like the summer workouts help make that change so much easier,” said Franson, an infielder and catcher. “Another great thing that help make the change easier was how welcoming everyone was. I would definitely recommend the summer workouts to a incoming freshmen who wants to play softball.”

In addition to softball drills, summer workouts included regular COVID19 protocols, mask wearing, regular sanitizing and the constant reminder of social distancing.

“Needless to say, that’s the priority and the girls were vigilant and understanding,” said Mauldin.

And it was noticed by the players.

“I’m so thankful for my coaches for keeping me safe during this crazy summer, but also being there to constantly push me to get better,” said sophomore pitcher Gracie Goewey.

Bend High athletic director Lowell Norby was in attendance for the small group’s final workout of summer and came away impressed. He especially noted the team’s “hustle” and “buy-in.”

“It is obvious that their is an expectation of hustle and hard work.,” said Norby, a former two-sport athlete in college. He told Mauldin, “Your players do not stand around, they hustle everywhere.

“it is also obvious that your girls have bought into the things you teach, and that they have bought into building each other up as teammates,” added Norby.

The veteran coach was quick to point out that “it’s not just the small group that hustles and buys in, but all our groups. That’s why they are Lava Bears.”

Freshman Raeann Nelson echored that comment, noting that it didn't long to overcome her fears due to the high leel and high energy of her new teammates.

“At first I was nervos about getting back on the dirt, however, after a few weeks I settled in, felt like my skils improved and felt blessed to be playing with such great players and coaches,” said Nelson.

All totaled, the Lava Bears had more than two dozen players participate in summer workouts and summer camps.

Mauldin said the 2020 Lava Bear summer workouts reminded him of a quote: "The harder you work for something, the greater you'll feel when you achieve it.”

And these girls should be feeling great about their efforts.

Up next for the Lava Bears will be a dozen optional fall workouts beginning September 28 through October 23.

“And if things fall into place, we might get in a few games,” said Mauldin.

Fall softball workouts

to begin end of September

Fall workouts for prospective Bend High School softball players will begin on Sept. 28.

The workouts will be held at the BHS varsity softball field on Emerson St, on the north end of the school campus. Beginning and ending times will be determined prior to Sept. 28.

“In this ever-changing world of COVID19, things change so often that we will wait to finalize optional workout times,” said BHS coach Tom Mauldin. “They will not be held during school hours, but the days will likely be Monday, early-out Wednesday and Saturday.”

The coach noted that with daylight waning in October, Saturday is a “best option” for full workouts.”

The school district noted that COVID19 protocols will be followed and until further notice, teams will work in groups called “Pods,” and limited to 10 players. All players and coaches will be required to practice social distancing and bring their face masks for times as needed.

“We’re fortunate that softball is a sport that has a lot of natural social distancing, but we’ll do our best to enforce and remind the players (and coaches) how important and necessary social distancing and wearing masks are,” said the Lava Bear coach.

With Wednesday being an “early-out” day, and Saturday a non-school day, those days are expected to be longer workouts than Monday (or Tuesday, when necessary).

Softball will be sharing facilities with other Lava Sports and that will likely impact workout times and locations. Stay tuned for updated information.

All student athletes must be registered and all medical information must be updated. To register online, student athletes can access the school districts FamilyID link. FamilyID will be opened up for all OSAA sports on Sept. 1.

The Bend Lapine School District is allowing families to register for multiple sports all at once so they don't have to do it multiple times this year. It is live registration.

The BLSD will have a moratorium on workouts Sept. 12-27 with optional workouts beginning on Sept. 28.

The workouts have been divided into three “seasons” and with priority ranking for facility use.

The first optional workout season is Sept. 28-Oct. 23 and softball is a first priority sport.

The second optional workout season is Oct. 26-Nov. 20 and softball is a third priority sport.

The third optional workout season is Nov. 30-Dec. 20.

There is a Thanksgiving moratorium period Nov. 21-Nov. 29.

Times and locations for other “season” workouts will be finalized at later dates.

Two Lava Bears named to all-star squads

Two Bend High School softball players were named to a pair of Northwest All-Star teams following their performances ar Fastpitch Northwest’s College Exposure Tournament held in Keizer in early August.

Rising junior Lena Zahniser and sophomore-to-be Allison Parker led their teams to top two finishes during the two-day event.

Zahniser pitched, played third and first, as her team of Oregon all-stars won four of six games and won silver in the 2021-2022 graduation year division of the tournament.

Parker pitched and played first as her squad went unbeaten (5-0) in the 2023-2024-2025 division.

By being named to the Northwest team, the girls were selected to play in the City of Lights College Exposure Tournament in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, due to COVID19, the tournament has been cancelled.

Lava Bear players become coaches for the week

Oh my! Youthful future Bears, Cougars, Wolves and Storm participated in the Lava Bear Youth Summer Softball Camp held at Skyliner’s Park in Bend in mid-August.

Fifteen Bend High School Lava Bear players took on the role as coaches and were heard repeatedly instructing the more than three dozen third-through-seventh graders the finer points of fastpitch softball.

The campers came from Bend, LaPine and Redmond.

“The kids camp was a real eye opener for me,” said rising sophomore Allison Parker. “I didn’t know coaching was that hard. I had a lot of fun meeting new girls and helping them get better.”

The youthful coaches taught the campers how to throw, hit, field, run bases and pitch. They also led them through a 75-minute live scrimmage, which for some was their initial “game” experience.

“This is an amazing process to watch the girls we coach, coach a younger group<“ said Lava Bear assistant coach Dave Smith. “The high school girls learn how to describe and show the younger players how to do a skill set. This is coaching… learning how one learns the game and being able to communicate so they can understand and thrive.”

The camp, which was sponsored by the Bend Parks & Recreation Department, was held for four mornings and ended with rising sophomore Gracie Goewey leading her coaching teammates and campers in a rendition of ‘Take me out to the ballpark.’

“I thought it was really fun to coach them and see what we use to look like when we were playing.,” said incoming freshman Emma Miller. “I also thought it was good because we could share our knowledge.”

The campers will be attending area high schools in years to come.

“These types of camp are very valuable to future central Oregon softball players. It gives them a start with the basics and they really look up to our players,” said Bend High School coach Tom Mauldin. “It’s a win-win as our Lava Bear girls give back and enjoy it so much.”

Lava Bears help All-Star teams to first, second in Northwest college exposure event

KEIZER, OR – A half-dozen Bend High School softball players turned in impressive performances at the recently-held Fastpitch Northwest College Exposure Tournament.

Sophomores Allison Parker and Shyla Nunes and freshman Bryanna Schaeffer help lead the Oregon Royal team to an unblemished record of five wins and the title in the 2023-2024-2025 prospect division, while junior-to-be Lena Zahniser excelled in the circle and at the plate in leading the Oregon Royal to a runnerup spot in the 2021-2022 division.

Rising juniors Violet Loftus and Emma Sullivan led their teams to 3-3 and 4-2 record in the two-day tournament.

“It was a great experience,” said Zahniser. “We had to bring our A game. It was very competitive.”

The Lava Bears were selected after performing well at a July Prospect Evaluation Camp in Bend. Throughout the Northwest, nearly 300 girls performed in prospect camps with only 132 were selected to participate in the tournament.

“It was a lot of fun for me, and a very good experience,” said Sullivan. “I learned a lot from having a new coach and playing with girls I had never met. I’m glad I did it and will definitely do it next year.”

Teammate Loftus echoed Sullivan’s comments.

“My experience at Fastpitch NW was filled with fun,” said Loftus. “Especially being on the at large grey team with girls from different states, they all had amazing attitudes and I loved meeting and playing with them. Our coach was super nice and was engaging with us and trying to get to know us as players, which was very cool because it made a connection between us and him and he was open to helping all the girls in the future. Overall the experience was great and I hope to participate in it again.”

In a normal year, Fastpitch NW would have held its tournament in Centralia, WA., however, Lewis County (WA) was recently placed in Washington’s Phase 1 and crowd limitations left the administration scrambling to find a location.

“We are thrilled to find a location in Oregon so these girls can display their talents,” said Mike Brooks, director of Fastpitch Northwest. “This was an important venue for them to showcase their talents.”

Pitchers dominate BHS prospect game

Seven innings.

One hit.

Three runs.

Twenty eight strikeouts.

Sounds like a pitcher’s duel. That would be an understatement as the Gold Team defeated the Blue Team, 2-1, in Bend High School’s annual end-of-summer Varsity Prospect Game played Thursday (Aug. 6) at the Lava Bears’ Emerson Street ballpark.

But it wasn’t just a pitcher’s duel. It was a pitcher’s duel times two. The Gold got stellar efforts from upcoming sophomore Gracie Goewey and incoming freshman Addisen Fisher. The Blue countered with rising junior Lena Zahniser and soon-to-be sophomore Allison Parker.

Goewey got the lone hit of the game, a fourth-inning homer. The game’s other runs were unearned, one in the bottom of the sixth to tie it, 1-1, and the other in the top of the seventh to win it for the Gold.

“A couple of physical misplays and a pair mental lapses decided the outcome,” said Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin. “We know that with our pitching, runs will be hard to come by. Thus, playing ourselves, we figured it would be a low-scoring, one-run game. And we have some outstanding hitters.”

But Mauldin said he was not unhappy with the physical errors or the mental mistakes. It was, after all, an intra-squad contest…a learning opportunity. The coach always says, “ you have to make mistakes to improved.”

“It was a competitive event, but we took time to do some teaching,” said Mauldin. “There were five freshmen in this game and we set the stage pretty high. We tell the girls ahead of time that this game is important — show us you want to be part of our varsity. There were a lot of nerves in the dirt.”

And those nerves were likely heightened by the four standout pitchers. Parker, who allowed the lone hit, struck out 10 and walked two in her four innings. Blue teammate Zahniser allowed no hits, struck out four and walked one in three innings.

For the Gold, Goewey pitched three hitless innings, struck out five and walked one. Fisher picked up the win with four no-hit innings, one walk and nine strikeouts.

There were no baserunners until Goewey homered on the first pitch to lead off the fourth.

Mauldin said he’s been using the same pitching chart format for many years, pointed out that the four pitchers combined for a 79.9 percent ranking based upon hitting their location, movement, contact and balls and strikes.

“Basically, you’re likely to win the game in the low 70-percent range,” he said. “And 79.9 is simply outstanding.”

As good as the pitchers are, there were some terrific battles at the plate.

Violet Loftus, a junior middle infielder who also catches, had a 13-pitch at bat against Fisher in the seventh. Junior infielder/outfielder Madison Godfrey followed that with a nine-pitch confrontation ending with a fly out to left field.

“The beauty of this is that our girls will see this high quality of pitching every practice … that’s something no other team will get to do,” said the coach. “I can’t emphasize enough what that means to our hitting."

Goewey was named the game’s Offensive MVP and Fisher received the Defensive MVP game ball.

The Varsity Prospect Camp is normally a two-day event held in mid-August. In non-COVID times, the players would workout together for four hours on a Friday, then enjoy a barbecue with parents, coaches and teammates to be followed with a campout on the field for mothers and daughters. The next morning would be breakfast, then game time.

COVID19 changed all of that as well as postponed what was going to be the start of annual Alumni game.

In addition to pitchers Goewey, Fisher, Parker and Zahniser and juniors Loftus and Godfrey, others who participated in the Varsity Prospect Game were seniors Olivia Dority and Caitlin Paul, juniors Emma Sullivan, Kelsie Russell and Mckenzie Mueller, sophomores Shyla Nunes, Zoe Stallcop and Sophia Weathers and freshmen Jet Hovey, Harley Sutterfield, Bryanna Schaeffer and Emma Miller.

Mauldin said that not receiving an invitation to the event or not participating in the event didn’t preclude someone from making the 2021 Lava Bear varsity. Nor does participating mean a player will make the varsity.

“Players get a good idea of whom they are competing with and have plenty of time to enhance their abilities and chances of making the varsity,” said Mauldin. “But a coaching staff could pick a very good team from Thursday’s game. Though we have a lot of work to do, there was a lot of potential on the field. And it won’t be easy for coaches. I have asked each of the coaches to submit to me a list of ranking the players as of August 6 and each one is different.”

Following the game, pitchers Parker, Fisher and Goewey had been challenged by a Lava Bear baseball player. Two dozen pitches — and one foul ball— later he had a new respect for girls softball.

LAVA BEARS TO HOST YOUTHFUL SUMMER CAMPS, AUG. 10-13

They didn’t get a season due to the Covid19 pandemic, but a pair of upcoming softball camps will give pre-high school and pre-middle age students a chance at four days of softball.

The Bend High School softball Lava Bears are partnering with the Bend Parks & Recreation Department to host a pair of “learn the skills to play the game” softball camps to be held August 10-13 at Skyliner’s Park in Bend.

The Lava Bear coaching staff, guest coaches and Lava Bear players will conduct the camps offering instruction in throwing, fielding, hitting, baserunning, catching and pitching.

The first camp is for third, fourth and fifth grade players and will be held Monday through Thursday, 9-11 a.m. Daily sign-in time is 8:45 a.m.

The second camp is for sixth, seventh and eighth grade players and will be held Monday through Thursday, 11:30-2 p.m. daily sign-in time is 11:15 a.m.

To register, please contact the Bend Parks & Recreation Department.

Six Lava Bears to play at college exposure event

Six Bend High School softball players have been invited to participate in Fastpitch Northwest’s College Exposure Tournament to be held Monday and Tuesday (August 3-4) in Keizer.

Incoming juniors Lena Zahniser, Emma Sullivan and Violet Loftus, rising sophomores Allison Parker and Shyla Nunes and freshman-to-be Bryanna Schaeffer were selected after performing well at a Prospect Evaluation Camp in Bend recently. Throughout the Northwest, nearly 300 girls performed in prospect camps with only 144 were selected to participate in the upcoming tournament.

The Lava Bears earned spots on Oregon teams that will compete against other squads from Idaho and Washington. In all, there are a dozen teams — seven in the 2021-2022 division and five in the 2023-2024-2025 division.

The girls will play five games (three Monday, two Tuesday) and due to COVID19, there will be fewer college coaches than in a non-COVID year, however, all games will be streamed for college coaches to see.

In a normal year, Fastpitch NW would hold its tournament in Centralia, WA., however, Lewis County (WA) was recently placed in Washington’s Phase 1 and crowd limitations left the administration scrambling to find a location.

“We are thrilled to find a location in Oregon so these girls can display their talents,” said Mike Brooks, director of Fastpitch Northwest. “This is an important venue for them to showcase their talents.”

The Bend girls have an opportunity to be seleced to a Northwest All-Star team that will compete in the City of Lights Turnament in Las Vegas in late October.

Lava Bears’ SHOW growth in four-day GOLD

DIVISION camp, praised by coaches

It wasn’t a regular season. There were few spectators. And the volunteer umpires were calling balls and strikes from behind the pitcher.

But in the “world of COVID19.” Bend High School softball players impressed their coaches with their efforts and their skill level in winning seven of 10 games over a four-day stretch. One squad, featuring a majority of varsity-level players went 5-0 and earned gold medals during the Bend Parks & Recreation Gold Division summer camp July 6-9..

“But more importantly, the girls were in the dirt as a unit and by the time camp ended on Thursday, there was noticeable growth,” said head coach Tom Mauldin, who had been waiting to see this group work as a team since March 12 when the world was changed by the Coronavirus.

“Our pitching and power were noticeable,” said Mauldin. To be more exact, the pitching and power was impressive.”

In all, the Lava Bears hit 11 home runs and five different players went deep. Junior-to-be Lena Zahniser hit four home runs in five games, including three in an 11-3 win over a team from Lewis County, WA.

But while the middle of the Lava Bears batting order showed their power, equally as important was the development from outfielders MacKenzie Tucker, Emma Sullivan and Mackenzie Mueller, a trio of juniors.

“They struggled a bit the first two days of the camp, but kept working and by day four — when we played a pair of games — their swings had caught up to the pitching,” said Mauldin. “All of their at bats the final two days were good and Sullivan responded with a pair of opposite field triples.”

The camp was set up for drills in the morning and afternoon games. The first three days were pool play with Thursday being bracket play. In all, the Lava Bears scored 50 runs while allowing just 11.

The 50-run total was made that much more impressive by the fact that assistant coaches for the camp were collegiate standouts who pitched in every game. Each game feature a number of the top Division 2 and NAIA pitchers in the Northwest. The pitchers came from College of Idaho, St. Martin’s University, Eastern Oregon University, Western Washington University and East Florida State.

“And every team got to see our pitchers up close,” said Mauldin, who praised sophomores-to-be Allison Parker and Gracey Goewey, Zahniser and incoming freshman Addisen Fisher. “There were a lot of three-strikeout innings, but more importantly were opportunities to pitch under pressure.”

The quintet of Lava Bear pitchers struck out 62 batters in 31 innings and only three of the runs score against them were earned.

In addition to their pitching, each of the pitchers homered along with junior Violet Loftus, who saw time at short, second and shared time behind the plate with sophomore Sophia Weathers, who worked on her short game at the camp. Sophomore Shyla Nunes added a couple of base hits on the fourth day.

“We were looking for growth from everyone and got it,” he said. “They were eager to play.”

Mauldin was quick to point out that while it was a “camp atmosphere, there was the competitive spirit we were wanting to see. We were looking for intensity and passion for competition in all areas and we got it. The girls worked hard in preparing properly to produce positive results.”

True, it wasn’t a Mid-Valley Conference season championship by any means, but the Lava Bears displayed a lot of pride and poise in earning their gold medals.

“The potential of this team is obvious and the camp opportunity is the first of many steps to come,” said the veteran Bend High School coach.

One of the other teams at the camp featured seven of its 10 players from BHS, competing in the Gold Division won two of five games. Coach Dave Smith echoed a lot of Mauldin’s sentiments noting “big growth each day of the week.”

“Kelsie Russell was a defensive highlight reel, “ said Smith of the junior outfielder who made four diving catches in fives games.

The Lava Bears followed the July 6-9 Gold camp with a July 13-16 Blue Division camp, featuring younger players (incoming 7th to incoming 9th). More on the Blue Division coming soon.

Lava Bears back on the field

The weather was damp. A slight breeze off the snow-capped Cascades was far from ideal for mid-June softball in central Oregon.

But it was perfect.

It certainly was different. Consider the following:

• COVID19 reminders were everywhere, replacing quotes on dugout walls and a surpplus of one-way directional arrows;

• Athletes were urged to over use the hand sanitizer placed at the sanitizing station;

• Chalk in the infield was every six feet as were bright orange cones in the outfield;

• Yellow caution tape hung from the dugout fence, marking every six feet where players were to stand;

• Access to the locker room is not allowed;

• No more than 10 players in a group (known as a pod);

• And the only thing the coaches were booming was “six feet.” Over and over.

Monday’s Bend High School softball workout was far different than the last one the girls had in early March when the COVID19 pandemic changed the world. First, school went into a two-week hiatus, then six weeks and finally, spring sports were cancelled and all schooling was done online.

That was then, March 12. Players turned in their gear, shared hugs and were told “we’ll be in touch. We will keep you posted.”

Fast forward three months to June 15. Ithe girls were i the dirt, on their field and with their teammates.

“It was great … so happy to be back on our field again,” said sophomore-to-be Sophia Weathers. “Definitely some things that I want to work on though.”

Day one of summer workouts had 17 players. Day two had 19. Two pods, 10 each. Next week, a third pod will be added the Lava Bear workout group should number two dozen or more.

“It was really good. I’m really glad to be back on the field,” said junior-to-be outfielder Gracey Rue, who needed just three days to be swinging as if she was ready for a game.

Lava Bear coaches ran the players through 20-plus minutes of conditioning, light throwing, infield and outfield drills and a brief round of hitting.

“We told some of the new girls that this group ‘really hits’ and we wanted them to see it up close and personal,” said head coach Tom Mauldin. “And the girls responded — Lena (Zahniser) hit five of 12 pitches over the fence, Alli Parker hit four and many others moved the screen back that protects the pitcher with their hard-hit line drives. It was fun to watch.”

And that carried over to incoming freshman Emma Miller, who said she surprised herself at how well she hit.

“The girls motivate each other with their abilities and energy. It really is contagious,” said Mauldin. “We could praise a lot of the girls. It was enjoyable to be part of their energy. I think they would have worked out for six hours and not just two.”

Mauldin was in charge of one 10-player pod and assistant Dave Smith headed up another. Both coaches were thrilled to see the players.

“It fills my heart to see them again and happy they are,” said Smith. “There were a lot of smiles out there.”

The Lava Bear coaching staff all noted they were working hard on consistent social reminders with their mixture of new COVID19 protocols.

Junior varsity head coach Matt Macauley said “our goal was to say it 100 times and I think we did — I know I said it at least 30.”

“It’s definitely different. Needless to say, we’d rather focus on skills with COVID19 reminders,” said Mauldin. “But I think for every player and every coach, it was perfect.”

Lava Bears to host 2 “appropriate skill level” summer camps in July

Due to the COVID19 virus, Bend High School softball will host two separate summer camps in conjunction with the Bend Parks & Recreation Department. Originally, the Lava Bear camps were going to be one camp with two skill-level appropriate divisions.

However, in this time of unknowns, the BHS staff felt splitting the camps over two weeks was prudent abd would be more beneficial to the players.

“We are feeling optimistic about the summer camps,” said Lava Bear head coach Tom Mauldin. “We feel they will be able to be held on time, however, we are anticipating limits on the number of people who can gather in groups at that time to be around 50. Thusly, instead of having 80 players and 20 coaches gathered July 6-9, we are splitting the camps over two weeks.”

Both camps will be held at Skyliner’s Park in Bend with the second camp being held July 13-16. During the GOLD Division camp, all four fields at Skyliner’s will be used with each field being used by a single group (10 players each). During the BLUE Division, three fields will be used.

“We are preparing for appropriate social distancing,” said Mauldin, who noted that each camp will have a maximum of 40 players. He urged campers to register early.

Originally, BHS was going to host a GOLD Division with players incoming ninth to incoming 12th grade as well as incoming seventh to incoming ninth concurrently at Skyliner's. But with Oregon governor Kate Brown extending many state closures through the end of June, the GOLD Division will be held July 6-9 and the BLUE Division will be held July 13-16.

“We like the two-week division with one group being older and the other younger,” Mauldin said in a release. “We feel it will be much more age and skill-level appropriate and we won’t have a youthful softball player being challenged by a collegiate standout pitcher.”

Camp focus is on skills in the morning and games in the afternoon. The camp runs Monday through Thursday, 9-2:30. Campers are asked to report to Skyliner’s no later than 8:30 on day one.

“Nearly all of the college girls we had as guest coaches last year are returning and we have a few more invitations out and expect a few more girls to coach,” said Mauldin. “Like all the girls in central Oregon who had their seasons cancelled, they are eager to hit the dirt.”

Mauldin said there have also been a few changes for this year’s camp, most notable that the college playing coaches will be part of teams for the GOLD Division event. They will also act as playing coaches and will be part of a 12-player team.

“They had their seasons curtailed as well and this will give them five to six games,” said Mauldin. “Needless to say, each team certainly will have a high level of pitching and games will be extremely competitive. And the (college) girls are very excited to be playing.”

Katie Wilfert, who will play this fall at College of Idaho, was leading the nation in wins, complete games and winnings and was fifth nationally in runs batted in as a sophomore at East Florida State. She won last year’s Home Run Derby at the Lava Bears Summer Camp.

Signups are through the Bend Parks & Recreation Department and can be done online.

On behalf of the OSAA staff, I hope you are well and staying safe. There certainly have been many adjustments, from introducing distance learning to the loss of Spring activities. During this time, we want to foster community building, express hope, and encourage positivity for students, their families, and the greater school community. To this end, we have created the #WeWillPlayAgain platform.

‘Everyone needed a hug, not an email’

“To say we are disappointed doesn’t begin to share how we feel and when I say ‘we’ I am talking about the entire Lava Bear softball family,” said Bend High School head varsity softball coach Tom Mauldin. “So many people worked very hard for this season and we — the coaches — were looking forward to everyone seeing just how much these girls had developed their games.”

The veteran coach said “sending them that season-ending email was very difficult. There were tears on my keyboard.”

Mauldin recently talked about the 2020 high school spring sports season being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The veteran coach said he fully understands the reasons behind the cancellation and supports the decision 100 percent, but nonetheless is “greatly” disappointed.

“We wanted everyone to see just how good the girls had become,” said Mauldin. “They worked hard … we (coaches) pushed them hard. We have a team motto Pride Plus Passion Produces Positive Performance with Proper Preparation and the girls were living up to it.”

The coach noted that he and his staff of Dave Smith, Matt Macauley, Kendall Kramer, Jasmine Wammock and Maya Eliff, added a new alliteration for this season - “push, pull, praise and produce” - for 2020.

“And the girls responded,” he said. “Our final varsity roster is filled with players who have bought in. They are such a joy to coach. I’m guessing because of the ‘push and pull’ we are missing them more than they are missing us.”

Initially, the OSAA postponed spring sports on March 13 to run through March 30. Then extended that until April 28. And on April 7 ended the school year and with it spring sports.

With no spring season, plans are being discussed for a central Oregon high school summer league, similar to what baseball does.

“I don’t want there to be a complete loss of a season … the girls need to get some innings to feel and display the results of their hard work,” said Mauldin, a former college softball coach. “They worked in the fall and winter and their final seven practices before the season was halted were impressive.

“Everybody was feeling it … it was hard not to as we saw what was happening each and every day. It was so hard when it ended. We were there … then we weren’t.”

Assistant coach Dave Smith echoes Mauldin’s sentiment. “All of them were responding. It’s fun to coach a group like this. Hey, coach T only boomed once…just once. That says a lot.”

Mauldin added, “I’m not sure I have ever been this excited about coaching a team. We worked them hard and they responded. Our pitching (sophomore Lena Zahniser and freshmen Allison Parker and Gracey Goewey) is as good as any staff in Oregon. Every aspect of the game — infield, outfield, hitting, catching and bunting really improved and impressed.”

Last year’s middle infield combination of shortstop Jasmine Wammock and Ashley Parker was called by their head coach as “the best in the state.” He said that pair was “simply outstanding” every day, game day or practice.

“I figured this year’s group had a way to go to match that, but in those final seven practices, sophomores Madi Godfrey and Violet Loftus looked very good — footwork, quick hands, crisp throws were right there with Jazz and Ash. All we needed were games.”

When Zahniser doesn’t pitch, she plays third. When Parker doesn’t pitch, she’ll play first or third. Goewey also plays first when not pitching.

“The corners are as strong as the middle,” said the head coach. “That’s a very impressive infield.”

The catchers and outfielders were worked hard and responded with high marks, Mauldin noted.

“The outfielders went from ‘we’ve got a lot of work to do’ to ‘game ready’ in one week,” said Smith. “It was like someone turned on a switch. It’s a testament to our practices and their work energy. They were talking more, hustling more … all that was needed was a game and that’s the very sad part.”

Smith praised his outfielders — sophomores Emma Sullivan, Mack Mueller, Gracey Rue, Kenzie Tucker and Kelsie Russell, junior Olivia Dority, and freshman Zoe Stallcop — for their hard work.

Sophomore Shelbie Stanley and freshman Sophia Weathers were battling for the starting spot behind the plate with sophomores Loftus and Sullivan looking like starters at other positions.

“It’s a good problem to have … depth and versatility,” said Mauldin. “Seriously, four catchers with versatility.”

Put it all together and potential becomes reality. But that was before COVID-19 changed the world.

“The hard work was noticed and is not going to go to waste,” said Mauldin. “The girls saw the rewards of their hard work, as did parents and onlookers who dropped in regularly at practices. They saw something special that was happening. And the girls knew they would getter better every week of the season. There is no denying that this is painful, but we will build on that growth when we return. It’s always ‘next pitch.’ It’s always preparing for our passion.”

Mauldin readily admits he probably repeats too many quotes, but added one more, the latest from legendary UCLA coach Sue Enquist.

“Anything worthy of your passion should be worthy of your preparation.”

The coach said he owes a big ‘thank you’ to his staff. They “jelled the way a coaching staff should. They worked hard, they contributed in far many ways than anyone sees. A very cohesive and fun group. They love the girls and their biggest prize is seeing them get better each and every day.

“I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated group from the young women to the old guys,” he said.

Mauldin said writing the email to the players and the Lava Bear family wasn’t the way he wanted to deliver the season-is-over message. He would have preferred a team meeting with hugs all around.

“I would have liked to have told each of them — and their parents — how much we appreciated their energy and hard work, but also wanted to praise them for their improvement,” he said. “I realize sending them an email was most prudent, but like the season, a lot was missing.

“And I wanted to give everyone of them a hug,” said Mauldin.

“The coaches needed a hug, too,” he said.

Cuevas signs with UCC Riverhawks

It’s official. Senior Melia Cuevas will be taking her wrestling skills to Umpqua Community College this fall.

Cuevas recently signed with the Riverhawks in an at-home signing ceremony.

Cuevas placed third at the Oregon State Championships while helping her team to a runner-up finish at the State Championship. She was a Top 3 finisher in every tournament that she competed in during the 2019-2020 season.

Cuevas, a first baseman-third baseman, is the lone senior on this year’s Lava Bear varsity softball team. She is a four-year member of the BHS softball program.

Riverhawk head coach Craig Jackson said of Cuevas: "Melia is very strong and a good athlete. She is very new to the sport and we are excited about where she will go in our program.”

Lava Bear softball coach Tom Mauldin said, “UCC is not only getting a high quality wrestler, but a high quality individual. She will excel. She is the type of student athlete every coach in every sport wants.”

Cuevas plans on studying Fire Science and Paramedicine with as ultimate goal of becoming a firefighter paramedic and a public safety diver. She said she chose UCC because it fits her personality “best.”

“I’ll do better in a smaller environment with more classes targeting what I want to do,” said Cuevas, the daughter of Renitas and Robert Cuevas. “UCC also works directly with local fire departments which I think I will benefit greatly from. I’m looking forward to joining the wrestling family at UCC.”

The Umpqua Community College women's team is in its third year of existence and finished as one of the Top-Ranked Community College program in the country. The RiverHawks placed second in the NWCA National Championships, and eighth in the WCWA National Championships. UCC had 10 All-American placers and three National Champions during the 2019-20 season, including Olympic Trial Qualifier Esthela Trevino.

2020 Lava Bears are young, talented and versatile

The 2020 version of Bend High Schools’ varsity softball is very young. But it is also very versatile.

And Lava Bear coach Tom Mauldin will add it “is talented.”

“This team is potentially very talented. I emphasize ‘very.’ The future is good for Bend High School softball.”

Youth can create questions mark and Mauldin admits “time will tell,” but let’s talk about this group.

“They hustle, they work hard … they’ve bought in,” said Mauldin, in his second year with the the Lava Bears. “They share thei passions for softball and being part of this team. It’s more than juts a really good group. It’s a specual group. They support one another, they do well in the classroom and they represent Bend High School and Bend with character and integrity.”

The Bend High varsity will be represented by one senior, two juniors, eight sophomores and three freshmen.

It’s a versatile group with multiple players proficient at a number of positions. No less than 10 of the players can play two or more positions.

“We have a lot of confidence in their abilities,” said Mauldin. “We work hard at our workouts and they respond.”

A brief look:

Pitchers - sophomore Lena Zahnizer was first team all-league as a freshman and had the best strikeout-per-inning ratio of any player in the Mountain Valley Conference. She will be joined by freshmen Alli Parker and Gracey Goewey to give the Lava Bears are very deep staff. And that trio is backed by sophomores Shelbie Stanley and Violet Loftus.

Catchers - Deep unit with four: sophomores Violet Loftus, Shelbie Stanley and Emma Sullivan and freshman Sophia Weathers.

Infield - With four seniors graduating in 2019, it’s an all-new look with senior Melia Cuevas (a corner), sophomore Madison Godfrey (who was second-team All-State as a freshman in 2019), Sophia Weathers, Zahniser, Violet Loftus, Alli Parker, Gracey Goewey, Shelbie Stanley and junior Caitlin Paul.

Outfield - Junior Olivia Dority and sophomores Gracey Rue and McKenzie Tucker are joined by fellow sophomores Mackenzie Mueller and Emma Sullivan.

PRIDE PLUS Passion results in on-field locker room for Lava Bears

“Pride plus passion produces positive performance with proper preparation.”

A lot of prospective softball players have heard that saying during the last 10 years of Fastpitch Northwest’s Prospect Evaluation Camps and College Exposure Tournaments.

It’s a saying long-time softball coach Tom Mauldin uses often. Some believe it is his life motto.

“It (the quote) pretty much sums up all things,” said Mauldin, Fastpitch Northwest assistant director. “It really doesn’t get much more basic than that. If you are passionate about something and have pride in what you do, you will prepare for your endeavor. Thus, positive performances follow.”

And when a family of softball enthusiasts get together, there’s no limiting what they do.

Mauldin, who coaches at Bend High School in Oregon, has been the “gopher” for a small band of Lava Bear softball family members as they have teamed to build an on-field locker room for the school’s varsity and junior varsity teams.

Though Bend High School is the largest by-enrollment school in central Oregon, it has only one useable softball field on campus. The varsity plays at that field, however, the junior varsity must participate at one of two city-owned, off-campus softball parks..

Both of the JV parks are within walking distance of the school, however, there are no storage facilities for players’ or team equipment.

Mauldin noted that he tired of seeing the JV girls walk past the varsity field heading 2-3 blocks to the JV field with their school book backpacks in their front and their softball backpacks on their backs.

“The idea of an on-field locker room started as a simple enough conversation with a parent,” said Mauldin. “But mentioning a softball idea to parent and electrician Dan Parker is like an invitation waiting to happen. Next thing you know, we have school approval, City of Bend permits and a work crew with a mission.”

Parker, whose oldest daughter Ashley graduated in 2019 and youngest daughter Alli is a freshman Lava Bear, recruited long-time friend Keith Krewson to lead the volunteers. Mauldin calls them “great examples of doers … people who do.”

At the end of our fall workouts, the Bend coaches talked to the players about ‘doers’ and ‘ minimalist.’ Assistant coach Dave Smith said, “this project is the greatest example of people who do.

Assistant coach Dave Smith said “Pride plus passion is what was put into the new softball locker room and that showed with the involvement of coaches, players and parent volunteers.”

The all-volunteer Lava Bear crew didn’t just add an 11-foot by 40-foot locker room, but added a 20-foot by 18-foot equipment storage room attached to the locker room. The locker room is connected on the back side of the BHS dugout along the third base line, while the locker room connects to both.

Mauldin pointed out that the equipment room has ample room for two hitting stations and is designed should the Lava Bear family faithful opt to enclose the schools 16-foot by 52-foot outdoor batting cage.

But the Lava Bears’ locker room isn’t your traditional locker room. There are no showers or restroom facilities. No concrete floors with drains or benches. Instead, it has custom chairs (featuring the BHS Bear Claw), teak wood lockers and carpeted floors. It has a team room feel.

“We picked up the wooden lockers from a country club that was re-doing its men’s club, and decided to place them in different areas of the locker room instead of in a long row with bench seating,” said Mauldin. “It gives the room more of a team room feel that includes a large leather chair and ottoman.

The locker room also has a 50-inch television and a 36-inch video review television.

The locker room - nicknamed the “Bear’s Den” also featured artist renderings, a Wall of Fame to honor former standout Lava Bear players and cell-phone charging units for each player.

In addition, the Lava Bears will entertain a few colleges while they travel during spring and fall seasons. It can seat up to 32 with a maximum capacity of 40.

“We see it as a lot of win-wins,” said Mauldin. “Of course, the big winners are the girls. They not only have a place to store their gear, but a place that adds to team pride in so many other areas.”

The Lava Bear family has received tremendous community support.

“If it wasn’t a full donation, it was a partial donation,” said Mauldin. “All totaled with carpet tiles, tables, chairs, roll-up door, we did it for under $10,000. Otherwise, I’m guessing it would have been $20,000 plus. What a great outpouring of community support for Lava Bear softball.

With the exception of the custom chairs and the school district electrical team, the project was fueled by fundraising and volunteering.

Kale Zahniser, parent of all-league pitcher Lena Zahnizer and a volunteer said “The project was a huge undertaking, but the volunteers crushed it. The number of hours put into the overall project is amazing. The product is super.”

Mauldin was quick to note that it wasn’t without obstacles. One such was the City of Bend requiring the crew to replace 37,000-pounds of non-rebar concrete with rebar-lined concrete.

“Yep, definitely, the hardest part. And the most time-consuming part,” said Mauldin. “But hardest part for me was worrying about the time the volunteers were losing away from their families and their paying jobs. It was a tremendous personal sacrifice on their part.”

Truth be known, Mauldin said, “hardest part for me was hauling concrete. That’s for a younger man to do. I’m just thankful the crew wouldn’t let me use the jack hammer.”

There were a few short-sleeve days to go with rain, snow, sub-0 weather and loss of daylight due to Daylight Savings.

But the crew had a lot of “light” moments along the four-month journey. Assistant coach Dave Smith missed a few weeks due to a heart ailment, yet the crew joked “can’t believe Dave had a heart attack just to get out of work.”

As Parker says, “it’s for the girls.”

And Parker summed it up best “dreams can be built when your tools are pride and passion.”