Libby, Polson leading West in softball

When Polson graduated seven starters from last year's Class A state championship softball squad, Western A's other members likely thought they caught a break.

But the Pirates have shown they still have the pieces to contend for greatness, even in a loaded conference including the immensely talented Libby Loggers. Columbia Falls and Havre also went to state last year, while Whitefish is vastly improved and Browning remains largely overmatched.

The top four teams from each of Class A's three divisions earn berths to next month's state tournament in Butte.

Columbia Falls

Seventh-year head coach Dave Kehr knows how tough the Western A is this spring. He also believes the Wildkats, who took second last year before winning a game at state, are strong enough to make some more noise.

Columbia Falls (5-2 overall) has sprinted to a 3-2 conference mark, thanks largely to a veteran battery and a pesky, fundamentally sound lineup.

Sophomore Drew Walter handles the bulk of the pitching, throwing to junior catcher Amber James, who is a third-year starter.

"She throws strikes," Kehr said of Walter. "I think she walked two or three in 14 innings against Havre.

"She just doesn't put people on. They'll have to hit her."

The Wildkats' lone senior, converted second baseman Lindsae Nelson is manning first base, while freshman Renae Nelson takes over at second.

Junior Tia Yaeger battled back from a knee injury to replace graduated all-state third baseman Vanesha Riley.

Junior shortstop Amanda Milliard epitomizes Columbia Falls' tough-out mentality. The Wildkats struck out just 17 times in their first six games.

"She's a very good hitter," Kehr said. "If she strikes out five times all season, I'll be surprised."

Junior Cedar Smith is patrolling center field after junior Kayla Stinger broke her wrist against Libby. Sophomore Cassidee Skiles is in left field, with sophomore Mandy Toavs in right, but sophomore Mishonne Cronquist and freshman Tessa Cowan also contribute in the outfield corners.

"It's probably the best speed we've had," Kehr said. "Tessa, when she's out there, she our fastest girl on the whole team. We'll get to a lot of balls."

According to Kehr, the Wildkats' postseason potential will strengthen as their defense continues to jell.

"Libby's really tough, and Polson's just a solid team every year," Kehr said, "but I feel real good about it if we can just stabilize the defense a little bit as far as putting kids in the right positions."

Libby

Two years ago, Libby finished second in the conference before storming to the state championship game.

The Loggers' star veterans haven't forgotten that run, and they hope to finish this spring with even sweeter memories.

"Their goal since they were freshman is to win a state championship," ninth-year head coach Dean Thompson said. "Hopefully we stay healthy, and we'll see what happens at the end of the season."

After placing third in conference and winning two games at state last year, the Loggers have started this season at full strength, rolling to an 8-0 record, including 6-0 in conference.

Senior Brooke Hageness is 7-0, and senior Laice Dedrick gives Libby another standout option from the circle.

"I think it's her control, and she has good pitch selection," Thompson said of Hageness' strengths. "She throws a few pitches. She's been our pitcher since she was a freshman."

Senior Shelby Barton is comfortable behind the plate in her second year at catcher.

Junior Jordan Refsland anchors first base, next to senior second baseman Megan Wedel.

Junior Nicki Lapka moves from first base to third, sharing the left side of the infield with shortstop Dedrick. A converted third baseman, Dedrick has been named all-state every year of her prep career.

"She's just so cool and calm," Thompson said. "Laice actually could play any position on the field.

"She strikes the ball so well. She's just so confident when she's up to bat."

Freshman Alysha Martin commands center field with her impressive range and strong arm. Junior Sami Freebury (left) and senior Holly Cirian (right) round out the outfield.

"This team works very well together," Thompson said. "A lot of these kids have played together since they've been 10, 11 years old. They've played a lot of summer ball together."

According to Thompson, Libby's program thrives due to it assistant coaches. Jeremy Hageness has coached many of the Loggers since they were 11, and former collegiate outfielder Mandy Foss is working with Libby's outfield. A former University of Delaware player, Ruth Fenn has volunteered with the Loggers for eight years.

"She's kind of our mom away from home," Thompson said of Fenn. "She kind of takes care of the girls and takes care of their aches and pains."

Polson

Larry Smith knew better than to expect a rebuilding season for the defending state champion Pirates.

And Polson has proven its 21st-year head coach right, romping to a 9-1 overall start, including 6-0 in conference.

"I knew we were going to be right back up there again," Smith said. "These kids have lots of experience. They all played when they were young. They were ready to step right in.

"They admire what those kids ahead of them have done, and they want to follow up."

Junior Dakota Peterson already has tossed a no-hitter, while senior catcher Caitlyn Vasser is one of just two Pirate seniors.

"She's a finesse pitcher," Smith said of Peterson. "She throws a lot of off-speed and a lot of breaking balls, and she has excellent control. She doesn't walk very many people."

Junior Rochelle Woods is an excellent first baseman and one of Polson's most consistent hitters.

Sophomore Staci Benson will see most of the time at second base, but junior SuSan Perez-Tenas is another talented option.

"She's just a pure softball player," Smith said of Benson, "all 5-foot of her."

Junior third baseman Sarah Newton is a slick fielder who slugged 13 home runs last year. She shares the left side of the infield with junior shortstop Amanda James, who grew up playing shortstop, but honed her powerful arm in center field.

A speedy senior with great bat control, Maggie Gordon is in center field, flanked by powerful left fielder Charlee Jenson and the platoon of Perez-Tenas and junior Liz Simshaw in right.

Smith expects potent offensive production this spring, but with a vastly different style from a year ago.

"These kids I've got this year are very aggressive batters," he said. "They want to hit away.

"We don't have the short game that we had in the past. As long as they can swing away and win, we'll probably continue to do that."

Whitefish

The Bulldogs went 4-8 in conference last year, missing out on a trip to state. But they're off to a 3-2 Western A start this spring (3-4 overall), and they have the grit and athleticism to claw their way to Butte.

"I feel a lot more confident about our abilities out there," third-year head coach David Dachs said. "The kids feel that way, and we feel that way, although we know we have the tough part of our conference coming up yet."

Senior Torey Ost pitches most of Whitefish's innings, but junior Carolyn Sharpe is developing into another strong option.

"She's got the most experience, and I have the most confidence in her," Dachs said of Ost.

The Bulldogs have a force behind the plate in senior catcher Desiree Clarke, who also can play shortstop.

"Big is OK, but small is fine, too," Dachs said of the 5-foot-4 Clarke. "She's knowledgeable of the game and she moves to the right spots. She knows most of the players in the conference, too."

Sophomore first baseman Shannon Holmes gained experience last season, and junior Kristi Whisler and sophomore Shelbi Long log time at second.

Senior Devyn Ost handles the hot corner, next to sophomore shortstop Hailey Mortensen, who is a capable catcher.

Freshman center fielder Adele FauntLeRoy is a fast, fluid athlete. She plays between junior Taylor Ybarra-Brunty in left and the duo of junior Nicole Schelling and senior Camille Williams in right.

Whitefish's early season has been highlighted by a two-game sweep of 2007 state participant Havre.

"We're probably not going to have any big, outstanding stars," Dachs said, "but it's a good group of kids who like each other, and our senior leaders are doing the right things to make the team jell."