Dayton Softball Falls To Livingston

The Dayton softball team learned a hard lesson of what it's like to play with the elite, as they dropped a 17-1 decision to second-seeded Governor Livingston, in the first round of the Union County Interscholastic Athletic Conference tournament.

The 15th-seeded Bulldogs [5-8], fresh off an 11-1 preliminary beating of 18th-seeded Roselle, found out that although they've improved dramatically from last season, they still have ways to go.

But even with such a lopsided margin, head coach Wendy Saladino found reasons for optimism.

"I told them you got to the next level, even though it doesn't seem that way," Saladino said. "They played a quality team and had absolutely zero pressure and nothing to lose."

Saladino said she told them afterwards that they should take solace in that they actually loaded the bases in the top of the second inning against a quality pitcher. And although they didn't capitalize, Saladino said they should know they can hit almost anybody, making yesterday's game a lesson learned.

"We were challenged, a little more than in the past, but we had opportunities and were knocking on the door," said an encouraged Saladino. "I told them point blank that if you're knocking on the door, you have to answer. We had bases loaded and we didn't convert. And that's a different kind of mental toughness, something new for them, because we're starting to hit the ball well and get the on base more often."  

The Bulldogs did their share of getting on base but could never fully take advantage. Against one of the Highlanders' aces, Dani Todaro, Dayton left seven on base and mustered only six hits.

But despite Todaro's impressive stat line, many Bulldogs felt the righty hurler could've been had.

"She was good but was definitely hittable for everybody," said Jackie Loeshelle who went 3-for-3, including a double, and the lone RBI. "We started good, not thinking and worrying if they're the [second] seed or anything. We just went out and hit."

The junior first baseman said they're on the right track and making great strides this season. However, the Bulldogs shouldn't feel like they've accomplished anything yet because she feels they could be better.

"Even though the score [was a blowout] there were times were we had them," she said. "I'm not saying we would've won but it was frustrating because we had [chances] but didn't get it in. Everyone can hit on this team but we didn't [break it open during second inning]." 

Other than Loeshelle's big day at the plate and the bases loaded situation, Dayton didn't do much else to write about but it still didn't dampen Saladino's mood too much because she chalked it up as a learning experience.

"I told them we're in the building process and we're gonna get our lumps—and this was just one of those times," she assured them. "Sometimes it'll look worse than it is. There were things that looked good that the score didn't indicate."

The first-year head coach and Dayton alum also said if she had to lose, it was best to lose at the hands of her mentor, Ricky Iacono.  

"It was neat. I respect him," Saladino said of the man who taught her tennis and was her gym teacher at Dayton. "Everything comes full circle."

Next up for Dayton is a Tuesday date at Roselle Park, as the Bulldogs look to take out their frustrations on the division rival Panthers.