The Bulldogs took another bite out of Bogota April 30, beating them 4-0 for the second time this season.

D-E coach Matt Schukis said Bogota comes ready to play.

"They always play us tough," he said. "We beat them for the first time last year and we got them the first game [this year] by an identical score."

The Bulldogs had a strong start, taking a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Julia Schneider drilled a double to center field, bringing in one run. Sara Brescia slammed a double to bring in two more, giving the Bulldogs an early advantage.

In the bottom of the third, Schneider completed the scoring by blasting a home run.

Schneider said when she hit the ball the only thought running through her mind was to run as fast as she could.

"It was great," she said. "That was the first in a while so it was awesome."

Winning pitcher Gabby Balmaseda pitched a complete game shutout and felt good about her performance.

"I was very confident," she said. "My team helped me out."

Balmaseda hopes to do well in upcoming games as the team tries to earn the right to compete in the county and state tournaments.

"We did really well last year in the states and I think we can go further this year," she said.

As of April 30, the Bulldogs needed one more win to qualify for the counties. They are also preparing for their battle against league rival Park Ridge, a team they have yet to beat.

Schukis said the girls played a good game and it was a game they really wanted to win.

"The girls made the plays they had to make, had timely hits and it was good to get up early and put it away," he said.

"We played solid defense so we’re starting to gel a little bit. It’s a good time in the year to gel."

Schneider was also proud of the team’s performance against Bogota.

"We came out to work as hard as we could," she said. "We came in strong and we finished strong so it was great."

The Bulldogs are starting to get respect because of their hard work and dedication to the game, said Schukis.

"They’re proud of what they’re doing. They want to play hard and they want to challenge these teams."

Schukis said he doesn’t want the team to look ahead, especially since they have a tough stretch of games coming up.

"I want to focus on the effort, not the outcome," he said. "I don’t want them thinking too far ahead.

"I’m looking ahead. I’m not letting them look ahead."