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STORM CENTER: DeFord valuable member of Petrolia softball team

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The Petrolia High School softball team has enjoyed a modicum of success this season; but, that hasn’t happened without injuries.
Especially at first base.
Earlier this season, Krista Reese suffered a torn meniscus, and then freshman Emilee Macklin was injured during the playoffs.
At that point, Petrolia head softball coach Eric Simmons went to Samantha DeFord and asked her if she would be interested in taking over at first.
DeFord had been Petrolia’s primary second baseman, but the move to first was out of necessity.
“Sami’s been a great kid to have on the team,” Simmons said after Thursday’s Conference 2A Regional Final against Archer City.
“She’s hit the ground running,” Simmons added about DeFord’s move to first base.
Simmons said DeFord has hit the ball extremely well for the Lady Pirates this season, a successful year in which Petrolia has won 30 games.
Archer City defeated Petrolia, 4-3, during Game One of the best-of-3 series on Thursday evening in Bowie. It marked the first time the Lady Pirates had lost since March 2 (a 3-1 defeat versus Lindsay).
Petrolia won the District 2A-8 title, with the likes of traditional powerhouse Windthorst and Seymour in the mix.
For DeFord, the move to Petrolia was a natural fit. After all, her father Michael DeFord graduated from there in 1991.
“It’s been a home for me,” said DeFord.
So, what about that move to first base?
“It’s been very challenging,” she said. “I’ve been staying after practice to work on it. I just want to make the team better.”
DeFord called this year the best experience she’s had playing softball.
“I wouldn’t trade this for anything,” said the Petrolia junior. Read more from this column in the May 27 Bowie News.

Editor’s Note: The Storm Center column is the expressed written views of sports editor Eric Viccaro and not The Bowie News.

Samantha DeFord prepares to bunt during the seventh inning of Thursday’s Conference 2A-Region I softball regional final at Bowie High School’s outdoor complex. This game served as a Homecoming for DeFord, who played for Bowie as a freshman. She is currently playing first base for District 2A-8 champion Petrolia. (News photo by Eric Viccaro)

SOFTBALL SERIES

Conference 2A

Regional Final

Archer City vs. Petrolia

At Bowie High School

May 24

Archer City 4, Petrolia 3

May 26

Archer City 4, Petrolia 3

(Archer City wins series, 2-0.)

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Nocona Basketball Interview

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Interview with Nocona basketball players Aubree Kleinhans (left) and Jolie Rose following their district win at Windthorst on Jan. 24, 2025.
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Bowie Boys Basketball Interview

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Interview with Bowie basketball players Gaige Goodman (left) and Tyler Richey following their win against Jacksboro on Jan. 21, 2025.
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Bowie, Nocona lifters compete at Sherman

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The Bowie and Nocona powerlifting team competed in the first meet of the season on Jan. 16 at Sherman in a meet that featured lifters from more than 20 schools.
The Nocona boy’s team finished 12th, the Bowie boy’s team placed 16th and the Lady Indians were tied for 17th place.
The Jackrabbits had two lifters finish in the top five of their weight classes and earn points. Tripp Brewer finished third in the 220 pound class and had a total of 1,275 pounds. Luis Covarubias had the same total while competing in the 275 class and finished fifth to earn points for Bowie.
The Indians finished with three lifters placing in the top of their weight classes which went towards the team’s point total. Omar Salinas earned third place in the 123 pound class, lifting 620 total pounds. Kaeden Wallace was not far behind, lifting 595 pounds in the 114 class which earned him fourth place. Matthew Johnson got the final point, finishing in fifth place in the 242 class as he lifted 1,250 pounds.
The Lady Indians had only one of their lifters earn points. Kaitlyn Tiffner, who has competed had the state meet before, finished in fifth place in the 105 class as she lifted 470 total pounds.
Both Bowie and Nocona teams, along with newcomer Bellevue, are expected to lift at this week’s meet at 5 p.m. on Jan. 23 at Valley View.

To see results for all Bowie and Nocona lifters who completed all three of their lifts, pick up a copy of the weekly edition of the Bowie News.

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