FHS Bulldogs outshine Mavericks, 16-1

Varsity softball players embrace win during senior night

Sports Reporter Collective

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

By McKenna Monogue | Aspiring Journalist

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Fayetteville High School softball team bounced back in commanding fashion on Senior Night, delivering a dominant 16-1 win over Southside High School from Fort Smith. The Bulldogs wasted no time setting the tone at the Fayetteville Softball Complex, exploding for 11 runs in the first inning and cruising to a run-rule victory in just three innings.

Coming off a tough 1-11 loss against Springville, Fayetteville entered the matchup with a 3-2 conference record and a point to prove.

Senior pitcher Nevaeh Sasnette (22) took the mound for Fayetteville, walking the first batter but quickly settling in by striking out the next. A double play ended the top of the first, setting the stage for Fayetteville’s offensive onslaught.

Lefty leadoff hitter Zoe Robertson (1) got things rolling for the Bulldogs, sparking a series of well-placed hits. Linly Chapman (3), a junior third baseman ranked in the top 10 in Arkansas, contributed to the early rally. The Bulldogs forced a pitching change for Southside after driving in eight runs with two outs still in the bottom of the first. The fireworks continued with Liz Hampton (14) launching a home run, pushing Fayetteville to an 11-0 lead after the first inning.

The Bulldogs’ defense remained sharp, highlighted by catcher Zoe Peterson’s perfect throw to catch a Southside runner attempting to steal second, ending the top of the second inning.

Southside finally broke through in the top of the third, plating their lone run of the game. However, Fayetteville’s relentless offense continued, securing the 16-1 victory via the run rule after three innings.

Under the leadership of head coach Sue Carpenter, Fayetteville showcased their resilience making Senior Night a memorable one. “We wanted to come out strong and win for our seniors,” said Linly Chapman. “Getting a big win like this on Senior Night means a lot to us as a team.”

With the win, the Bulldogs improve their conference standing as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.

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REPORTER’S BIO | McKenna Monogue is a junior majoring in Advertising and Public Relations in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

McKenna Monogue

Note: Featured photo by McKenna Monogue