Libby opens season by whipping C-Falls

The Daily Inter Lake

LIBBY - Libby's softball season got off to an explosive start Saturday as the Loggers slammed 18 hits in a 19-0 victory over Columbia Falls.

Libby posted nine hits in the first inning, which led to nine runs.

The game was shortened to five innings by the 10-run rule.

"The girls came through today," said Libby coach Dean Thompson.

"Our top five hitters in the first inning all got base hits."

Thompson said starting pitcher Brooke Hageness had a solid effort in her first go of the season. The sophomore checked the Wildkats on two hits.

"Walked her first batter, but she settled down (after that)," said Thompson.

"She pitched well. She had good defense behind her."

Hageness also led the offense, going 3-for-4 and drove in two runs. Lacie Dedrick also went 3-for-4 and drove in three runs.

Dedrick, triple, and Teri Rebo, double, had the team's two extra base hits.

Sam Connor and Sam Venezio had the two hits for Columbia Falls.

Libby travels to Ronan on Thursday and hosts Havre on Friday and Browning on Saturday.

LOGGERS 19, WILDKATS 0

Columbia Falls 000 00 - 0 2 5

Libby 928 0x - 19 18 1

Jennie Johnson and Cedar Smith; Brooke Hageness and Teri Rebo. W - Hageness, 1-0 (2 hits, 1 strike out, 3 walks). L - Johnson.

Columbia Falls - Sam Connor 1-1, Smith 0-3, Brandi Row 0-2, Amber James 0-2, Amanda Milliard 0-2, Sam Venezio 1-2, Ashlee Nickerson 0-2, Britteny White 0-2, Tia Jeager 0-2.

Libby - Hageness 3-4, Sam Schultz 2-4, Lacie Dedrick 3-4, Rebo 2-3, Shelby Barton 2-4, Katie Dedrick 0-3, McKenzie Grotjohn 1-3, Casey Hubbard 0-1, Megan Wedel 1-3, Nickole Lapka 1-1, Sara Lawrence 2-3, Stephany Teske 1-1.

2B-Rebo; 3B- L. Dedrick; RBIs- Hageness (2), Schultz (2), L. Dedrick (3), Rebo, Barton, Grotjohn (2), Wedel, Lawrence (3).