Dragons, Warriors meet in semifinals

Kaelyn Golden tags out Amelia Kidd of West Albany. Dallas won Friday’s playoff game, 1-0. Photo by Lance Masterson.

Kadence Morrison allowed one hit and struck out nine in pitching Dallas past West Albany, 1-0, on Friday.

The win came at the quarterfinals of the Class 5A state softball tournament.

“Kadence threw very well today,” said Brandi Jackson, the Dragons coach. “She did a good job of keeping them off balance and using her defense.”

That defense supported Morrison by committing no errors.

The game’s only run came on a Brook Dunkin walk and a Kaelyn Golden RBI. Dallas left several runners stranded, including Kaitlyn Brian at third base with no outs.

“We definitely need to do a better job with runners in scoring position, and execute better to move up runners,” Jackson said.

Dallas is 16-2 in conference play, 26-2 on the season with the win.

For the Bulldogs, they met the Dragons three times this season and are still looking for their first run scored.

Next up, Tuesday’s semifinal game against another Mid-Willamette Conference rival, Lebanon (14-4, 21-7 overall). That game, also at home, starts at 5 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to the matchup,” Jackson said. “It will be a competitive one.”

The Dragons swept the Warriors in the regular season, 4-3, 10-0.

Winner of Dallas/Lebanon meets the winner of Silverton/Bend in the state championship game, set for Saturday, June 1, Jane Saunders Stadium, University of Oregon. Time to be determined.

The Dragons are the defending state champion.