Crosstown softball: Glacier, Flathead tangle at Kidsports

The Flathead and Glacier softball teams each look improved heading into the first crosstown doubleheader of the season.

Both failed to qualify for last year’s state tournament, but each has jumped out to a quick start in conference play thanks to impact freshmen and veteran leaders.

Glacier (4-2 overall, 3-0 Western AA) currently sits in first place after beating the three Missoula schools while Flathead (2-3, 1-1) opened its conference schedule with a win over Missoula Big Sky.

Today’s doubleheader — which beings at 3 p.m. at Kidsports Complex — marks the 19th and 20th times the two Kalispell schools have squared off. Only game one counts toward the conference standings, but Glacier coach Andy Fors expects both to be high-energy contests.

“There’s a lot of hype for it and the girls get excited for it on both sides,” Fors said.

Glacier’s success has hinged on its big bats and its resiliency. The Wolfpack have swatted 12 home runs and have come from behind in two of their four wins.

“On multiple occasions we’ve found ourselves in a hole or not playing well and they’ve found a way to stick it out and get it done,” Fors said. “I don’t know that we’ve got out to the greatest starts in our games, but the girls have shown a lot of composure, believing in one another and having the belief that sooner or later they’re going to get it done.”

Slowing down Glacier’s offense is Flathead coach Ashley Fusaro’s biggest concern. Glacier averages 7.2 runs and is batting .355 as a team.

“Glacier’s bats are hot right now and they’re power hitters,” Fusaro said. “I know that we have to keep them off-balance pitching to them.”

Senior pitcher/third baseman Jena Willis has posted strong numbers for the Wolfpack with three home runs and a .444 batting average, but a pair of underclassmen have helped carry the offense. Sophomore second baseman Kayleena Ikeda is batting .478 with three home runs and freshman pitcher/third baseman Ali Williams leads the team with four home runs, three doubles and a .625 batting average.

Flathead’s offense has also been spearheaded by a freshman. While she doesn’t have Willams’ power, Flathead shortstop Abbie O’Brien has sparked the Bravettes with a .571 average from the leadoff spot.

“She pretty much gets on base every time,” Fusaro said of O’Brien. “She’s fast too, so we can pretty much get her to second base every time. As a leadoff hitter, that’s a great start for us.”

Junior first baseman Cassidy Smith, who belted Flathead’s only home run of the season in its win over Big Sky, is batting .333.

Glacier has the luxury of two reliable pitchers in Willis and Williams. Willis has racked up 25 strikeouts in 19.2 innings to go with a 5.69 ERA. Williams sports a 3.44 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 20.1 innings. Fors said he hadn’t decided who would start the conference game as of Sunday, but he feels confident with either in the circle.

“To be real honest I’ve been equally impressed with both of our pitchers,” he said. “Whoever has the best week of practice and is ready to go on game day will be out there.”

There’s no mystery surrounding Flathead’s game one starter. Senior pitcher Sidney Alberts has started all but one of Flathead’s games this season.

“She can throw hard and hit her spots,” Fusaro said of Alberts. “She has worked out all offseason, so she’s made a lot of improvements.”

Fors said he’s excited to see how his powerful offense matches up with Flathead’s senior hurler.

“Sidney Alberts is a very talented young lady,” he said. “She’s a great athlete, a great competitor and I think when she’s on she’s as good as anyone in the state.”

Glacier leads the all-time series 16-2 and won three of four last year, but Fors expects Flathead to be an improved team under second-year coach Fusaro.

“I’ve spent quite a bit of time with coach Fusaro and I’m very impressed with her,” he said. “I think she does a great job. She’s in the process of building that program up. With last year being her first year, I think there’s no doubt they’re going to be an improved program with her in her second season as the head coach.”