Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

SAN MARCOS ­– A perfect storm of mistakes – and a perfect game by Bowie ace Blaire Luna – led to a painful end of the season for the Chaps.

The veteran Bulldogs, newly minted as the state’s top-ranked team, took advantage of seven Westlake errors during a 16-0 win Tuesday in a Class 5A Region IV quarterfinal contest at Bobcat Softball Field shortened by the mercy rule.

Bowie scored in every inning, while Luna, a University of Texas recruit, thwarted Westlake’s game plan of testing the Bulldog defense with a series of bunts.

According to Westlake coach Haley Gaddis, her program’s first foray into the regional quarterfinals provided a mental block larger than any physical challenge provided by the two-time defending regional champion Bulldogs.

“You could tell they’ve been here before,” she said. “They didn’t have any nerves, and we had a lot of nerves.

“We’re a little – no, a lot – inexperienced. That’s one reason I wanted to play here [at Texas State]. When we get here next year, we’ll know how to handle the pressure.”

Westlake ended its season with a record of 25-14-1, while District 25-5A rival Bowie improved to 34-3.