JT Keith
Artesia Daily Press
jtkeith@elritomedia.com
It had to be a great feeling for the Artesia Lady Bulldogs’ nine senior softball players when the last out was recorded against the Portales Lady Rams on May 1.
Artesia’s 12-0 win gave the Lady ‘Dogs a 19-7 overall record, an 8-1 district record, and the District 4-4A crown – a title they had been determined to regain since losing it last year to Lovington.
The district championship was coach Sandra Pulido’s seventh since 2015. And one of the challenges she faced heading into the 2025 season was the loss of 10 seniors from last year’s team.
Pulido said 2025 figured to be a rebuilding year with so many players moving up within the program.
“It is a testament to our staff and how much our junior varsity program contributes to the growth and success at the varsity level,” Pulido said.
Pulido said most of the current seniors have been playing since they were young but didn’t have much experience at the varsity level. She said they learned quickly during the March 7-8 Cleveland Invitational Tournament in Albuquerque where they lost three of four games.
“When we came back we adjusted our practice plans to put more pressure on the girls and narrow our focus each day,” she said. “I believe it was an eye-opening experience for us.”
Another reason for the season’s success, the coach said, was a combination of circumstances, including traveling to tournaments and staying overnight, that allowed the team to bond and make memories with each other.
“If I had to choose a specific time,” Pulido said, “I would say I noticed it during our tournament (Artesia Invitational). The girls came together as a team during that time.”
Pulido said she was excited and proud to win her seventh title and said the team has come a long way since the season started in March.
“I truly enjoy the process, and when it clicks or they implement what we’ve been working on it is exciting,” she said. “Over the last few years, our district has made us compete more, and losing district to Lovington last season after losing to them in the semifinal game at state in 2023 was a feeling we didn’t want to have again.”
Artesia is the No. 2 seed behind Silver heading into the state tournament. Pulido said she is proud of how far her team has come, and it does not matter where the team is seeded in the state playoffs.
“Moving forward, the number before our name doesn’t matter until the end,” she said. “It just determines what side of the bracket we fall on. It’s the postseason and teams will do their best, especially when they face Artesia.
Artesia will host Deming in a 10 a.m. game Saturday at the Mack Chase Sports Complex.
jtkeith can be reached at 575-420-0061, or on X@JTKEITH1
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