Alberts fans 13 in Flathead victory

WHITEFISH - It was so cold Tuesday afternoon at Smith Fields ...

That you could see your breath for much of the game ...

Several players wore coats and ear-warmer headbands to fight off the cold and dampness ...

And if that wasn't enough, the fourth inning began with a light touch of popcorn snow, followed by a wetter variety that lasted for the better part of an inning or so.

But none of that seemed to affect Flathead's unflappable Sidney Alberts.

The right-handed pitcher packed plenty of heat for this springtime softball outing in these winter-like conditions, striking out 13 Whitefish hitters and allowing just one hit - a single in the third inning - as Flathead emerged with a 12-0 nonconference victory.

"She's getting better and better all the time," Flathead coach Tim Severson said.

"Alexa Mrgich also caught behind the plate well tonight."

Alberts, a freshman, fanned a Whitefish batter in every inning and struck out the side in the sixth to mercifully end it as everyone scattered for warmer surroundings. Her control, given the conditions, was exceptional.

"I'm still thawing out," Whitefish coach Alan Compton said 1 1/2 hours after the game ended.

"Well, hey, it's springtime in Montana. It's something the girls have to deal with."

Flathead put the game away in the sixth inning, scoring eight runs with no outs thanks to six walks, doubles by Aubrey Montoyne and Mrgich and singles by Karlee Stacy, Casey Roylston and Jesse Erickson.

Prior to that, Flathead enjoyed a 4-0 edge thanks to the strong arm of Alberts.

"Typical Montana weather this time of year," Severson said.

"It was nice for a little bit, then it all came in. It was nice to get it in. It was good to see the girls having fun, getting their first win under their belts."

Alberts issued just one walk, in the first inning, and was backed by a solid defense that committed no errors. Center fielder Taylor Twitchel made a nifty one-handed stab after nearly misjudging a blast by Kaitlyn Wehrli in the fifth inning.

Wehrli pitched well for Whitefish until the sixth inning. She allowed just five walks in the first five innings and three hits.

"She hasn't thrown a lot, she just has to build her stamina up," Compton said of Wehrli.

"She just has to get stronger. She knows that."

Compton was dazzled by the performance turned in by Alberts.

"She throws really well, she's really good," he said.

"I was impressed with her."

Compton, despite the four errors, was satisfied with his team's defensive effort.

"I think we played pretty good," he said.

"I have six girls in new positions."

Leadoff hitter Christyne Hanson had two hits for Flathead, singles in the first and third innings. She also scored three times.

Whitefish is back in action Friday, 5 p.m., with a home league contest with Polson. Flathead returns to AA play, hosting Great Falls High and C.M. Russell at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Flathead 103 008 - 12 8 0

Whitefish 000 000 - 0 1 4

Sidney Alberts and Alexa Mrgich; Kaitlyn Wehrli and Hailey Mortensen. W - Alberts. L - Wehrli.

FLATHEAD (1-0) - Christyne Hanson 2-3, Casey Roylston 1-4, Alisha Lingle 0-2, Alberts 0-3, Aubrey Montoyne 1-1, Mrgich 1-3, Cherise Stivers 1-2, Karlee Stacy 1-3, Ariel Williams 0-2, Jessie Erickson 1-1, Taylor Twitchel 0-2, Christy Price 0-1.

WHITEFISH (0-1) - Madison Tveidt 1-3, Emily Stiver 0-3, Mortensen 0-1, Shannon Holmes 0-2, Baylee Tveidt 0-2, Hannah Lewis 0-2, Madison Cross 0-2, Wehrli 0-2, Emma Baldonado 0-2.

2B-Montoyne, Mrgich; RBIs- Hanson (2), Montoyne (2), Mrgich (2), Stivers (2), Roylston, Lingle.