Dayton softball trying to copy its basketball team's state title run

The Dayton High boys basketball team had a huge following from the community when it made a run to the NIAA/U.S. Bank 3A State championship game, losing the title by one point.

Now it's the Dust Devil softball team's turn. "There was a lot of people at the game on Saturday, which was nice to see," said Dayton coach Dusti Houk about her team's 2-1 win over Spring Creek that clinch a spot in the state tournament. "The community is behind us. It's the talk right now."

The Dust Devils will try to go one better than the boys basketball team when they make their run to a state title, beginning today in Boulder City. Dayton will play Pahrump Valley at 1 p.m. while Boulder City will play Lowry at 3 p.m. The losers will have to play at 5 p.m. today.

Dayton (28-4-1) advanced to the state tournament as the No. 1 seed after winning the Northern 3A regular season title and beating Spring Creek. Pahrump won the Southern 3A regular season title with a 12-0 mark, but goes in as the No. 2 seed after losing to Boulder City.

"They don't have a dominant pitcher, but their pitching is where our pitching is in our league," said Houk about the scouting report she's received on Pahrump. "I'm going in confident. We've been playing very well lately. If we play ball the way we have been we'll be fine."

The Dust Devils received a scare when Keeli Garcia injured her ankle in Saturday's game. It was originally thought that Garcia had a hairline fracture.

But it's been determined that Garcia doesn't have a hairline fracture and she's been cleared to play. That's important because Garcia is Dayton's No. 2 pitcher behind Nicole Greer and could be needed if the Dust Devils are going to make a run for the title. Garcia is also Dayton's starting left fielder and leadoff hitter.

Greer was the winning pitcher in both games against Spring Creek. "She's been pitching very well lately," Houk said.

Dayton has backed up Greer with solid defense. "Our defense has been playing awesome."

Rounding out Dayton's starting lineup should be catcher Lacy Taylor, first baseman Rachel Hurt, second baseman Natalie Malekos, shortstop Kaitlen McKinnon, third baseman Danielle Rodriguez, center fielder Jessie Ayres and right fielder Vienna Cabrita. Nicole Curtis is Dayton's designated hitter.

Ayres is a solid outfielder and has been among Dayton's offensive leaders, hitting above .400. Taylor, Greer and Hurt have been among the other offensive leaders.

Taylor provides leadership as a catcher as well. "Taylor is very solid behind the plate," Houk said. "She calls good games."

Dayton has a deep bench with Melony Cox, Lauren Brown, who is the Dust Devils' No. 3 pitcher, Amanda Sbragia and Annette Dorado.

"I feel very confident with the bench," Houk said. "At any point, I have confidence in whomever I put out there."