Softball: St. Bernard's is back

St. Bernard's softball coach Dan Jameson took a realistic stance in 2005 after the Bulldogs' attempt to repeat as Class 1A state champions fell short in the title game. The tradition-rich Bulldogs will be back, Jameson offered, but it might take a while.

After two rebuilding seasons, St. Bernard's -- which won seven state titles from 1985 to 2004 -- is making a strong bid to end its mini-drought. The Bulldogs (11-1) won their first 10 games before being shut out by St. Anthony Village on April 30. They responded with a 4-1 victory over St. Croix Lutheran.

"We've played a lot of young players the past two seasons," Jameson said. "We lost nine seniors to graduation in 2005. We've had a pitcher, [junior] Kia Johnson, come around. And we've got a pretty good offensive club."

It's an offense long on power. Jameson said five girls have hit home runs over the fence this season. Junior third baseman/catcher Amanda Fagen is the Bulldogs' leading hitter while her sister Jaci, only a freshman, also has been productive.

"We're a team that is going to give up a few," Jameson said, "but we can score a lot of runs."

St. Bernard's is averaging 7.4 runs per game in its 11 victories.

To go with their potent offense, the Bulldogs have the luxury of having two reliable starting pitchers. Johnson is the ace while sophomore Christina Monsour has developed into a quality pitcher, as well. Johnson is 6-1 this season, Monsour 5-0.

"We've gained a lot of experience," senior shortstop Cindi Caughey said. "We've been able to become a team again."

Jameson credits Caughey with providing St. Bernard's with strong leadership. She has been with the varsity team since her freshman season.

"Everyone on our team is a leader in some way, but I definitely have tried to help some of the younger players," Caughey said. "If someone is having a rough time at a particular position, I'll talk with them and try to rebuild their spirits."

The Bulldogs, 7-1 in the Tri-Metro, are locked in a three-team battle for first place in the conference with Minnehaha Academy (8-0) and St. Anthony Village (7-1). While St. Anthony Village handed the Bulldogs their only conference loss, Minnehaha Academy did the same to St. Anthony Village.

St. Bernard's can further tighten things up when it plays Minnehaha Academy on Friday.

The Bulldogs began the season with the goal of winning the conference title and going on to qualify for the state tournament. So far, so good, said Caughey, who said she believes St. Bernard's is back where it belongs.

"My sophomore season was pretty difficult, and my junior year was a little better," Caughey said. "Our school has a strong tradition and we definitely want to keep that going.

"As for getting back to the state tournament, I think we have the ability to. I think we have the skill to. I can see it happening for us."