ST. IGNATIUS — Ronan's senior Kayla Couture started the softball season off right by striking out eight and not allowing a single walk during last Friday's 5-4 victory over valley rival Mission (0-1).

The Maidens (1-0) started swinging early when Ronan's Brittany Bilile smacked the ball, picking up two RBIs. Ronan took the early 2-0 lead in the first inning and both teams remained scoreless until the top of the fourth.

Couture not only made her impact on the mound, but she also connected with the ball in the fourth, picking up a triple and scoring Jessica Wunderlich and Bridget Taylor to put Ronan up 4-0.

But Mission was far from throwing in the hat to Ronan. Mission's Tarn Potter dialed up her number and jacked one of Couture's pitches over the left field fence. Potter knocked her first home run against valley rival and personal friend Couture. Potter was greeted at third base by coach Steve Woll with high fives. As Potter was crossing home Couture walked down from the mound to congratulate her, a true sign of class.

"She (Potter) hit it right on the screws. It's called 'heat meeting the bat,'" said Ronan coach Doug Fisher.

Potter's home run was the first of her career and a great way to start off her senior season.

"Tarn jumped on it and she has that kind of power," said Woll.

Potter was wide eyed and could not help smiling as she made her way back to the dugout, cheered by the rest of the Bulldogs.

"It was a perfect pitch. It was right in the sweet spot. I have come close but never put one over the fence," said Potter.

With Potter's solo shot the Bulldogs were on the boards, but trailed Ronan 4-1.

Mission's Erin Snyder picked up a single to score Jen Gariepy from second as Mission's bats started to connect, cutting the lead to 4-2.

Mission's Phylicia McDonald helped out her team by knocking in Snyder making it 4-3 now. Mission's Sam Morigeau picked up a RBI by scoring Ebensteiner and tied it up 4-4 in the bottom of the fourth.

"We came out and played with a lot of heart," said Potter.

The fifth inning was scoreless and in the top of the sixth Ronan's Couture got another RBI scoring Wunderlich giving the Maidens the 5-4 advantage.

The Bulldogs were unable to score during their final two at bats.

"I thought we hit the ball well. The difference was catching and throwing," said Woll.

Both teams picked up six hits each, but the difference was who could finish plays and not give up errors.

"Kayla pitched a great game. Kallia Orr made some great catches in outfield. I was really proud of our kids," said Ronan coach Doug Fisher.

Mission's faced Plains at home Tuesday but scores were not available by press time. The Bulldogs will face Florence at home today (Thursday) at 4 p.m.

Ronan traveled to Stevensville Tuesday and will face Libby at Libby today (Thursday).

Ronan 5, Mission 4

Ronan 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 - 5 6

Mission 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 - 4 6

W - Couture (1-0), L - Ebensteiner (0-1)

RONAN: Lauryn Lynch 1-4, Kayla Couture 1-4, Liz Krantz 0-4, Charlie Cordier 0-4, Brittany Bilile 2-4, K. Corduer 0-4, K. Duell 0-4, K. Orr 0-4, J. Wondelich 2-3.

MISSION: Ashley Mitchell 0-4, Kristin McClure 0-4, Tarn Potter 2-3, Jennifer Gariepy 1-3, Erin Snyder 1-3, Trista Ebensteiner 0-3, Felicia McDonald 1-3, Sam Morigeau 0-2, Darlette Thackery 0-1, Kendra Coburn 1-3.

2B: Gariepy, Snyder. 3B: K. Couture, Potter. HR: Potter. RBI: K. Couture 2, Bilile, Potter, Snyder, McDonald, Morigeau.