Pounding out 15 hits, Columbia Falls erupted for seven runs in the fifth inning, rallying for a 16-8 Western A victory over Whitefish on a cool, windy evening in Whitefish.

It was the season opener for the Wildkats and the second game for the Bulldogs, who fell to 0-2.

C-Falls wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, sending five runs home in its first at-bat. Leadoff hitter Renae Nelson opened the game with a single and the Wildkats were off and running. Kayla Stinger supplied a three-run double in the big inning.

Whitefish scored four times in the second inning to tie the game at 5-5, then C-Falls scored two unearned runs in the third. The 'Dogs took an 8-7 lead in the fourth, but the 'Kats responded with seven in the top of the fifth. The first six runs scored with no outs.

C-Falls starting pitcher Morgan Rowe struggled with her control early in the game, but shut out Whitefish over the last three innings.

Stinger had a great game at the plate, collecting hits in her first four at-bats — three of them doubles. She finished 4-for-5.

"That's exactly what we talked about," C-Falls coach Dave Kehr said of being aggressive at the plate to start the game. "We wanted to have a fast start and give Morgan some support."

Kehr was pleased that the 'Kats came back after falling behind in the fourth inning.

"We hit the ball well. The girls did a great job, they kept hitting all night long," the coach said.

Amber James was 3-for-3 with a walk and was hit by a pitch. The senior catcher also picked two Whitefish runners off base.

Rowe and Cassidee Skiles each had two hits.

Kehr gave credit to Whitefish for the way the 'Dogs swung the bat.

Rowe went the distance, allowing 10 hits, striking out four and walking five. Carolyn Sharpe took the loss.

C-Falls lost to Polson 11-3 Thursday. The Wildkats host Browning on Monday (April 20) and entertain Libby on Tuesday (April 21).

C. Falls 502 070 2 — 16 15 6

Whitefish 140 300 0 — 8 10 2

Morgan Rowe and Amber James; Carolyn Sharpe and Hailey Mortensen. WP — Rowe. LP — Sharpe.

COLUMBIA FALLS — Renae Nelson 1-5, Tia Yaeger 1-5, Amanda Milliard 0-5, Amber James 3-3, Kayla Stinger 4-5, Cassidee Skiles 2-4, Shaun Rowe 1-4, Morgan Rowe 2-4, Cedar Smith 1-4.

WHITEFISH — Adele FauntLeRoy 1-2, Sharpe 1-3, Heather Bailey 0-5, Mortensen 3-4, Kaitlyn Wehrli 1-3, Kristi Whisler 0-4, Shannon Holmes 0-4, Madison Tveidt 3-4, Nicole Schilling 1-3.