Bull Dogs Battle Through Marathon Day, Split at Castle Invitational

Columbus North softball team shows grit and resilience in close games at Castle Invitational tournament

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the action and energy of a softball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the intensity and determination of the players.The Columbus North softball team's gritty performance at the Castle Invitational showcased their competitive spirit and refusal to back down, even in the face of adversity.Columbus Today

The Columbus North softball team went 1-1 on Saturday at the Castle Invitational tournament, but both games showcased the team's toughness, grit, and refusal to back down. In the first game, North fell 5-4 in 9 innings to Castle in a thriller that felt like postseason softball. The Bull Dogs showed resilience, tying the game late and forcing extras before Castle scored the winning run. In the second game, North bounced back with a 5-4 win over Shelbyville, pounding out 12 hits in a complete team effort.

Why it matters

The Columbus North softball team's performance at the Castle Invitational demonstrated the program's mental toughness and competitive spirit, which will serve them well as they continue their season and aim for postseason success. The close, hard-fought games against quality opponents highlighted the team's ability to respond to adversity and battle until the final out.

The details

In the first game against Castle, the Bull Dogs racked up 9 hits, led by Vada Riegle's 2 hits and Avery Shehan and Bailee Scruggs adding 2 hits each. Scruggs and Payton Morris combined on the mound to keep North in the fight. In the second game against Shelbyville, North pounded out 12 hits, with Scruggs going 3-for-4, Morris adding 2 hits and an RBI, and Lyla Deweese chipping in with 2 hits and an RBI. Shehan also stayed hot with 2 more hits.

  • The Castle Invitational tournament took place on Saturday, April 13, 2026.
  • The first game against Castle went 9 innings before Castle scored the winning run.
  • The second game against Shelbyville was played later the same day.

The players

Vada Riegle

A player on the Columbus North softball team who had 2 hits in the first game against Castle.

Avery Shehan

A player on the Columbus North softball team who had 2 hits in the first game against Castle and stayed hot with 2 more hits in the second game against Shelbyville.

Bailee Scruggs

A player on the Columbus North softball team who had a double in the first game against Castle and went 3-for-4 in the second game against Shelbyville.

Payton Morris

A player on the Columbus North softball team who combined with Bailee Scruggs on the mound in the first game against Castle and had 2 hits and an RBI in the second game against Shelbyville.

Lyla Deweese

A player on the Columbus North softball team who had 2 hits and an RBI in the second game against Shelbyville.

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What they’re saying

“If you're looking for toughness, grit, and a team that refuses to blink, Columbus North softball checked every box at the Castle Invitational.”

— Jeremy Giggy, Sports Director, White River Broadcasting

What’s next

The Columbus North softball team will look to build on their performance at the Castle Invitational as they continue their season and prepare for the postseason.

The takeaway

The Columbus North softball team's resilient and competitive performance at the Castle Invitational demonstrated the program's mental toughness and ability to battle through adversity, which will serve them well as they aim for success in the remainder of the season and the postseason.