SIMLA – For a second straight year, Dove Creek’s postseason journey takes them to the Simla-hosted regional site for their first-round matchup in the 1A state tournament.

The Bulldogs (7-11) enter as the No. 5 seed in the 16-team state field, and will face No. 12 Elbert (7-5) in their opening matchup in the single-elimination bracket at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11. The winner moves on to face No. 4 Simla (9-5) or No. 13 Wiley (10-10) in the regional final at 3 p.m. for a contest that will send one team to the state semifinals on Thursday, May 16, at All-Star Park in Lakewood.

Dove Creek is seeking to advance in the state tournament, an achievement that the program has made a proud tradition of accomplishing. Last year, the Bulldogs fell in the opening round against Simla, 10-0, and would relish the opportunity to face the Cubs again, if both are to advance to the regional final.

Standing in their way, the Elbert Bulldogs enter as a squad that finished fourth in the 2A/1A Black Forest League – while Simla took the league’s top spot. Dove Creek’s senior-laden crew look to silence a pair of tough Elbert bats with seniors Michael Hermes and Logan LaFollette, while following behind their own arsenal led by seniors Jonathan Purkat, Taber Dejane, and Gage Buffington.

Senior pitcher Hunter Daves and the Bulldog defense, who played sterling baseball in their district title run, will hope for continued strong play to extend their season for one more week.