Wildkats, Pirates head to state
Going for the three-peat.
The 2012 softball season has been more challenging for the Polson Pirates than in years past, that’s for sure.
The Pirates (16-5, 5-3) lost three conference games this season — two to Northwestern A regular season champion Frenchtown and one to Columbia Falls.
But the expectations for the two-time defending state champions are still sky high.
“We’re playing our best right now. I think we’re in great shape,” said Polson coach Larry Smith.
“Their expectations are nothing but the gold,” Smith said of the Pirates. “They’re still in that mode.”
It’s easy to see why — the Pirates have won six state championships since 2001.
“We’ve had (high pressure) for several years. We expect it. The girls kind of count on it,” Smith said.
Smith expects big things from the Northwestern A — when asked for his favorites, he listed Frenchtown, Columbia Falls, Belgrade and the Pirates.
Columbia Falls, Polson and Belgrade are all on one side of the bracket.
The Class A state tournament opens at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Charlotte Yeoman Fields in Anaconda.
Northwestern A No. 2 Columbia Falls (17-5, 5-3) opens the tournament at noon, against Eastern A No. 3 Billings Central. Should it win that first game, the Wildkats would face Southwestern A No. 1 Hamilton at 4 p.m.
Wildkat coach Dave Kehr is tending to a family matter this week and was unavailable for comment for this article.
This season “was a little bit of a challenge. It was different. But they really came through when it was needed. Our backs were against the wall for a long time,” Smith said.
The loss to Columbia Falls “made everything very crucial. But they came back very strong, very positive about it,” Smith said.
“We’ve got a battle right off the bat — and it’s not going to be a slouch,” he said.
The Pirates open with host Anaconda, No. 2 from the Southwest.
Polson defeated Anaconda 16-2 during the Frenchtown tournament during the weekend of April 27-28.
“But we’ve got to be careful. We feel we can win the game, but it’s at their home,” Smith said.
It doesn’t get easier with a first round win — next up would be Belgrade at 4 p.m.
They split this season with the Panthers — Belgrade won 4-3 during the Frenchtown tournament, while Polson claimed an 8-4 victory at the Butte tournament.
“They’ll be waiting for us,” the coach smiled.
“The girls know it’s double elimination, so you might as well take on the best right away.”
Class A
Thursday
Charlotte Yeoman Fields — Anaconda
First Round Games
10 a.m.
Lewistown vs. Butte Central
Laurel vs. Livingston
Noon
Columbia Falls vs. Billings Central
Anaconda vs. Polson
Second Round
2 p.m.
Sidney vs. Lewiston/Butte Central winner
Frenchtown vs. Laurel/Livingston winner
4 p.m.
Hamilton vs. Columbia Falls/Billings Central winner
Belgrade vs. Anaconda/Polson winner
Class B-C State
It’s been awhile for the Eureka softball team.
“It’s the first year (advancing to state) in I’m not sure how long,” second-year Eureka coach Andy Escobar said.
“This was the first year we made divisionals in quite awhile.”
Eureka, fourth-place finishers at the Western B-C divisional in Ronan last weekend, opens state action on Thursday at 4 p.m. against Glasgow, the No. 1 seed from Eastern B-C, at Charlotte Yeoman Fields in Anaconda.
Eureka brings an 8-12 mark overall to state, which is a vast improvement from a a year ago when the Lions were 1-17.
“It’s a good turnaround,” Escobar said.
“Mostly attributed to the girls and their hard work. They worked harder this year and wanted it more this year.”
Eureka returned half of last year’s roster and welcomed “quite a few fresh faces,” into the program, Escobar said.
The Lions will have four seniors playing for the final time — Alexa Mrgich, catcher/first base; Mikayla Neuman, first base/pitcher; Jacquelyn Lemer, pitcher/shortstop; and Alex Hannay, outfield.
Junior third baseman Cassidy Morgan leads Eureka in hitting (.478); in RBIs (29), doubles (14) and home runs (4). She bats in the No. 3 spot.
Mrgich is also enjoying a banner season at the plate, hitting .448 with eight doubles and 18 RBIs.
Jamie Soderling, a sophomore shortstop, is next in average at .413.
Leadoff hitter Hannah Price, a sophomore catcher/center fielder is at .342.
“I’m looking forward to a fun weekend,” Escobar said.
“Looking forward to the girls competing hard and working hard. They really deserve this.”
The tournament wraps up Saturday with the third place game at 11 a.m. and the championship game at 1 p.m.
Class B-C
Thursday
Charlotte Yeoman Fields — Anaconda
First Round Games
2 p.m.
Florence-Carlton vs. Shelby
Columbus-Absarokee-Park vs. St. Ignatius-Charlo-Arlee
4 p.m.
Glasgow vs. Eureka
Ronan vs. Conrad