Big weekend for state softball dreams

The high school softball season comes to an end this weekend, as three state champions will be crowned at their respective tournaments in a busy three days for MHSA softball.

Representing the Flathead Valley in the AA, A and B-C tournaments are the successful fastpitch clubs at Glacier, Polson, Libby and Ronan.

The Class AA state tournament begins today at the Multi-Sports Complex in Great Falls where the Glacier Wolfpack have a tall task ahead on their road to a 2014 state title.

A fourth seed out of the Western division, the Wolfpack square off against Great Falls C.M. Russell, the top seed in the Eastern division and owner of Class AA’s best record.

While C.M. Russell earned a bye into the state tournament, Glacier swept a best-of-three series with Helena High in dominating fashion, defeating the Bengals 11-3 and 14-2.

“I think we’re in a good place right now,” Glacier head coach Andy Fors said.

“Anybody has a shot at the state tournament if they show up and play well at the right time. If we play our game and stick to what we do well, I think we can have a very successful tournament.”

Sophomore Ali Williams, who pitched all 14 innings in the playoff sweep and hit two home runs in Game 2, leads a Wolfpack team determined to make some noise in Great Falls.

“She’s been very focused this week,” Fors said.

“She’s really stepped up. For her teammates to see her focus and her drive and what she wants to accomplish, she has stepped up into that leadership role which is great for us.

“We’ll obviously lean a lot on our seniors for their experience. We have batters, one through nine, who can step up and hit the ball, and to be honest, were going to need that this tournament.”

First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. today. Win or lose, Glacier will play at 3 p.m. this afternoon against the opponent of the same fate in the Helena Capital-Great Falls contest.

 In Class A, the Polson Lady Pirates will have a bit of home field advantage on their side with the state tournament being held at Polson Softball Complex.

“Some kids do very well and others feel the pressure a bit,” Polson head coach Larry Smith said.

“With all of the home fans and family members there you can feel the pressure a bit, but they get to sleep in their own beds, get a home-cooked meal. I think the girls will be up to the task.”

Polson (16-3) is led by senior ace Jessica Bagnell.

The righty has dominated the circle for the Lady Pirates this year, leading her team to a first round matchup with Laurel (12-8).

“Jess is one of those girls that doesn’t get too high and doesn’t get too low.,” Smith said.

“She’s one that can shed a negative thing off her back and go on to the next play. She just wants to compete.”

Aiding Bagnell’s pursuit of a state title is senior catcher Jaylin Kenney, who’s hitting well at the right time.

In Polson’s regular season finale, a win over        Northwestern A foe Libby, Kenney finished 3 for 3 with two doubles.

“Jaylin Kenney has just been on fire lately,” Smith added.

“She’s another one who doesn’t let things get to her. She’s really just an extreme competitor.”

The humble battery will take charge against Laurel with hopes of advancing to face Hamilton at 5 p.m., who received a first round bye as the Southwestern division’s top seed.

Joining Polson in the quest for a state title are the Libby Loggers.

Their recent defeat to the Lady Pirates has acted as motivation for a team on the verge of a breakthrough at just the right time.

The Loggers (16-5) are led by ace Hannah England.

Her partner in crime, catcher Devon Gallagher, is coming off a 4 for 4 performance against the Lady Pirates, where she drove in a run in the 7-5 loss.

Libby takes on Butte Central today at 1 p.m. A win would put them in a second round contest against Belgrade, the top seed from the Central division.

The Class B-C state tournament is also being played at the Multi-Sports Complex in Great Falls, and the Ronan Maidens have earned the Western division’s top seed.

They’ll face Glasgow, the Eastern’s fourth seed, at 1:30 p.m. in their only game of the day.