Pirates shine at home for state

If you're looking for a good omen regarding Class A state softball and Polson, try this one.

Polson has hosted the state tournament four times and has won it three of those years (2001, 2002 and 2007).

Only in 2005 did the Pirates fail to place at home.

The 2009 state tournament begins Thursday in Polson with the Pirates one of the favorites. They won the Western A regular-season title with a 9-1 mark, and wound up 18-3 overall.

"Another typical, great softball season for us," Smith said so far.

"We've been a successful program since the late 1990s. The players just keep coming."

In 2001, the Pirates fell in the second round at state, then had to win seven-consecutive games in loser-out action to claim the title.

In 2002, they lost in the second round, again, and this time came back to win it after playing six- straight games.

In 2007, they lost their first game, then won seven straight to claim the trophy.

It wasn't always easy, but the end result was a championship.

Only once did the Pirates take the easy route to the title, winning four straight in Whitefish. That was in 2005.

In Smith's 22 seasons with the program, Polson has advanced to state every year. The Pirates were state runners-up in 1997 and finished third in 1999.

Polson will have a first-round bye on Thursday, along with Belgrade, Billings Central and Butte Central.

Two of Polson's losses are to teams in its state bracket. Belgrade nipped the Pirates 4-3 in a five-inning game at the Butte Central Invitational.

The other setback was to Frenchtown, 8-6 at Frenchtown. That was five games into the season.

Joining Polson from Western A at this year's tournament are Columbia Falls and Libby.

Over in Class AA in Helena, Glacier is making its first-ever state trip. The Wolfpack, 11-11 overall, advanced by crushing Missoula Big Sky last week 18-3 and 12-4 in a playoff series.

Pairings for all the tournaments follow.

Class A State Softball

Thursday

At Polson Softball Complex

Thursday

11 a.m.

Ronan vs. Libby

Frenchtown vs. Havre

1 p.m.

Columbia Falls vs. Livingston

Laurel vs. Corvallis

• p.m.

Belgrade vs. Ronan/Libby winner

Polson vs. Frenchtown/Havre winner

5 p.m.

Billings Central vs. Columbia Falls/Livingston winner

Butte Central vs. Laurel/Corvallis winner

Class AA State Softball

Thursday

At Batch Fields, Helena

First-round games

2 p.m.

Helena Capital vs. Billings West

Billings Skyview vs. Helena High

4 p.m.

Butte vs. Glacier

Missoula Hellgate vs. C.M. Russell

Class B-C State Softball

At Anaconda

Thursday

First Round

2 p.m. - Missoula Loyola vs. Glasgow

4 p.m. - Stillwater vs. Deer Lodge

2 p.m. - Shepherd vs. St. Ignatius/Charlo/Arlee

4 p.m. - Thompson Falls vs. Conrad