PREVIEW: No.9 Softball to open 2021 with Tri-West, Cathedral

By Keelen Barlow 

After a slight delay, Brownsburg's 2021 slate gets underway with a pair of non-conference games this week. The Bulldogs host Tri-West for a 5:30 first pitch on Tuesday. Limited tickets are available with social distancing. Brownsburg travels to Cathedral for a 5:30 p.m. tilt at Brunette Park Wednesday evening. 

The 2021 Bulldogs 

Brownsburg returns 676 days after Brownsburg completed an historic 2019 season. Brownsburg posted a 21-7 record two seasons ago and advanced to the program's first IHSAA Semi-State since 2005. The Bulldogs fell one game short of the IHSAA State Finals with a loss to eventual IHSAA Class 4A State Champion Center Grove. 

Interim head coach Cherise Hiss took over in the offseason after the retirement of former head coach Keith Brown. Brown led the Bulldogs to a 105-62 record over his seven-year tenure. 

All-USA Central Indiana Preseason Super Team selection Kelsey Endress leads the Bulldogs into their 2021 campaign. She heads an experienced and deep pitching staff that will look to set the tone for Brownsburg this spring. Brownsburg's staff had a 3.17 ERA in 2019, led by Endress' mark of 1.94. Senior Maddy Edwards, Junior Kaylee Larkin, Sophomore Addy Neal and Freshman Hailey Thompson round out the Bulldog's 2021 pitching staff. 

At the plate, Junior Grace Mendenhall, Larkin and Edwards are the leading returners for the Bulldogs. Endress and catcher Vivianne Harris will also headline the Bulldogs' offense this year. 

Bulldog Bits 

• Brownsburg is ranked No.9 in the Preseason ICGSA 4A Softball Poll 

• Endress' 1.94 ERA was a Hoosier Crossroads Conference best during the 2019 campaign; She also led the conference with 112 strikeouts as a freshman 

• Endress, Edwards and Larkin were each among the top-ten HCC pitchers for strikeouts in 2019; Brownsburg was the only school to put three pitchers in the top-ten 

• Larkin hit .371 with 23 hits and 17 RBI as a freshman, which leads Brownsburg's returners from 2019

• The Bulldogs swept their 2019 HCC slate with a 7-0 record; Brownsburg hasn't lost to an HCC foe in 1057 days

About the Bruins 

Tuesday's matchup kicks off the 2021 slate for the Bruins as well. Tri-West is ranked No.8 in the ICGSA Class 3A softball poll. 

The Bruins went 20-8 during their 2019 campaign. Kayla Dillinger returns after batting .465 in 2019 as a sophomore. In the circle, Maddy Dickerson went 8-2 in 2019 and posted a 1.81 ERA for the Bruins. 

About the Fighting Irish 

Cathedral is off to a 1-2 start in 2021 after a win over Terre Haute South and back to back losses to Carmel and Shelbyville. The Fighting Irish are ranked No.17 in IHSAA Class 3A by the coaches. 

Senior Lia Burnell has four hits, two RBI and one home run through three games for Cathedral. 

Up Next 

A busy five-game road slate awaits Brownsburg next week. The Bulldogs open the week with a 5:30 contest against Western Boone April 12.