On April 27, Dominican defeated John Curtis High School in the LHSAA State Tournament, capturing its first softball state championship in school history.
Entering the state playoffs as undefeated district champions, Dominican roared through the state tournament. Running the bases to the final championship game, DHS emerged as state champs with a 5-3 victory John Curtis.
After being state runner-up last year, softball coach Mrs. Dawn Benoit had high hopes for this year’s team. “From the offense, to the defense, to the young eighth graders and to everyone that contributed: I am proud,” said Mrs. Benoit. “I was extremely emotional because my girls are everything to me.”
For the last two years, Dominican was just “excited to be in the finals,” said Athletic Director Mr. Paul Spitzfaden. “This season, the team had goals, a stronger mindset and team confidence, which hasn’t been the case in the past. We are now the number one seed.”
This win was the perfect end to senior Elizabeth Crotchet’s season as well as her Dominican softball career. “It was an honor to play along side 20 other girls this season and end it the way we did,” said Crotchet, senior. “I was filled with joy knowing that we made history but sad knowing it was the last time ever wearing that uniform.”
Before winning the state championship title, the team had been dominating games left and right. In March, Dominican defeated Archbishop Chappelle High School 8-2 then Mount Carmel Academy 6-4, clinching the district title with a perfect 6-0 record.
With only two seniors moving on, the team has high hopes for success in 2020. “It’s a great feeling,” said second baseman Alyssa Helwig, junior. “I couldn’t have asked to do it with any other girls.”
- Jade Nguyen