The most important position on the softball field undoubtedly is located within the friendly confines of the chalk of the pitching circle.

Fortunately for the Bellevue Bulldogs softball squad, they have two pitchers on their roster who are turning in a dominating 2016 season. Sophomore Ciera Lockwood and freshman Payton Gibbs have combined to 15-2 thus far. The Bulldogs boast an overall record of 21-4 through the first 25 games of the 2016 campaign.

Lockwood has put together a record of 9-1 and Gibbs has compiled a 6-1 mark. Lockwood relishes the role of having the ball in her hand when she takes the field.

“We are literally in the center of the field and we’re kind of the center of attention but there is so much more about the position than just being a pitcher,” Lockwood said. “You have to have a good connection with your catcher and have a good connection with your entire team because you can’t get the job done alone. Everybody has to have your back that is playing behind you.”

Lockwood said she and Gibbs enjoy sharing the spotlight as the top pitchers on the squad.

“If I start a game and I struggle, Payton will come in. If she starts a game and she struggles, I will come in,” Lockwood said. “We’re a unit and we work together. It is both of us working together as the heart of this team.”

Gibbs said the goal for the 2016 season is simple.

“We definitely want to make it all the way to that NWAC (Northwest Athletic Conference) championship. That is 100 percent what we want to do,” Gibbs said.

Lockwood said her and Gibbs don’t get jealous of each other’s successes but instead enjoy sharing the spotlight on the same proverbial platform.

“It builds a stronger relationship between me and Payton. We kind of get each other,” she said. “I will see her out on the mound and I will talk to her or she will talk to me. We feed off each other’s energy. It is nice to have that support system if you are struggling out there.”