Bulldogs running loose again
Published Wednesday, May 14, 2008
It has been another banner season for Eric Olson and his Otter Tail Central Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs wrapped up a Park Region Conference title Tuesday and could be heading into the post-season with an unbeaten record.
Recently Ranked eighth in the Class 2A state prep poll, the Bulldogs have the pitching and the experience to make a lot of trouble in the playoffs.
“We always want to be playing strong going into the playoffs,” said Olson. “I feel we can play with anybody. What is comes down to is how the ball bounces for you.”
The Bulldogs will be looking at stronger competition in the playoffs this year. Their bump up to 2A will pit them against team like Fergus Falls, Staples-Motley, Thief River Falls, Roseau and Warroad.
One of the remarkable facts about the Bulldogs is that they have had four pitchers take center stage this spring. Junior Sara Houselog has been joined in the rotation by sophomores Carley Nelson and Aann Bjorklund and freshman Carmen Malmstrom.
Houselog has been credited with doing a good job of getting batters out and getting her team off the field quickly.
Nelson has a very aggressive style of pitching and threw her second career no-hitter April 17 against Verndale.
“She’ll go at you with everything she has,” said Olson.
Bjorklund started out the season well but was derailed when she broke the thumb on her pitching hand during a baserunning drill.
Malmstrom has been a terrific addition to the staff. She won two games against Sebeka April 24 and then tossed one-hit shutouts against Menahga and Pillager and a three-hit shutout against New York Mills.
The Bulldogs have a good collection of veterans and newcomers. Olson has two strong hitters at first and second in seniors Kelsey Koep and Jen Severs. Koep is a three-time all-state honorable mention. Freshman Lindsay Nelson holds down short and sophomore Calley Nelson plays third. Sophomore Toni Hagen is behind the plate.
The starting outfield has sophomore Jacquie Haarstad, up from the junior varsity team, playing in center between senior standouts Laura Trosdahl and Abbey Evavold. Houselog and Carley Nelson also play the outfield.
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