Another week of softball saw a couple of games get pushed back and cancelled due to the rainy weather. While Ronan’s only game against Stevensville was rained out, Polson and Mission/Arlee/Charlo both got to play despite the weather.

Here is how both teams performed in week two of the high school softball season.

Lakeland (Idaho) Softball 13, Polson Softball 12

A unique opponent faced off against Polson on April 4 at Frenchtown High School as the Lakeland High School Lady Hawks of Rathdrum, Idaho came to town.

For the first four innings, it looked like Polson had this one locked up. The Lady Pirates scored expertly in the first two innings with a strong pitching start from Maddie Turner.

JJ Pierre had a phenomenal game for Polson, starting with a three-run home run in the top of the first inning to take the early lead. Despite Lakeland scoring at the bottom of the first, Gracie Hammer responded with a double in the top of the second to drive in Peyton Wirz. Logan McCrea doubled on the ensuing at-bat to put Polson up 5-1.

A scoreless third inning from both teams gave signs of hope for Polson fans who made the trip down to Frenchtown. However, the fans of the Lady Hawks knew this game was all up for grabs. Lakeland nabbed a run in the fourth inning to close the gap but Polson responded immediately.

A three-run fifth inning from Polson was highlighted by another Pierre home run that helped score two of those runs.

Even with an 8-2 lead going into the bottom of the fifth, Lakeland had saved all of their momentum for the end. The Lady Hawks put up nine runs in response to go ahead 11-8.

Polson and Lakeland held each other to one run each in the sixth inning. With the game on the line, the Lady Pirates put up three runs in the top of the seventh, with a McCrea fly ball to centerfield putting Wirz and Aleysia Black through to home plate, tying the game up 12-12.

However, Lakeland needed just one run to earn the victory and the Lady Hawks got it on a walkoff bunt with a runner in scoring position. Lakeland won 13-12.

Pierre and McCrea were the standouts for Polson. Pierre led the game in RBIs with five on just two hits. She also had two runs of her own off the home runs she hit. McCrea had four RBIs and two runs on three hits.

MAC Softball 17, Troy Softball 15

It was a first for MAC softball this year as they took a win on April 3 against Troy after rescheduling due to weather.

This game was set to take place in St. Ignatius but it quickly switched to Troy as the weather continued to cause problems. Despite the quick turnaround, the Lady Bulldogs responded.

It didn’t take long for MAC to get on the board, as after a scoreless first inning, the Lady Bulldogs' bats were warmed up with nine runs in the top of the second inning. Six of MAC’s nine batters drove in a run, with Ysabell Smith scoring the first and last runs of that inning.

The Lady Trojans had no responses until the fourth inning and, even then, MAC was still rolling. They scored six more runs in the top of the fourth inning with GG Hawk hitting a grand slam deep center to bring MAC up 15-0.

Troy managed to start the scoring streak with a run to close out the fourth inning and they weren’t stopping there. MAC didn’t score in the fifth inning as Troy piled on five runs to close the gap 15-6.

Two more runs from the Lady Bulldogs in the sixth inning capped off the scoring for the road team, while Troy continued to cut the lead. Three runs in the sixth inning set the Lady Trojans up for a big seventh inning.

Six runs were good, but not enough for Troy to make a comeback. MAC held on with a game-ending line out to first baseman Kieran Incashola. MAC won 17-15.

Hawk led the team in RBIs with five and tied with teammate Johanna Long for the most runs with three on just two hits. Smith led the team in hits with four, scoring two runs and notching three RBIs. 

Florence Softball 11, MAC Softball 0

It was a far more disappointing result for the Lady Bulldogs on April 4 when they traveled south to take on Florence.

The game started with the Lady Falcons putting up four runs while keeping MAC scoreless. Another scoreless inning from MAC kept Florence rolling with a massive seven runs in the second inning.

While Florence went scoreless for the rest of the game, MAC never managed to find a way into this game. Florence pitcher Jaden Fisher allowed just four hits the entire game as the Lady Bulldogs couldn’t muster a run through five innings.

MAC lost 11-0 in five innings due to the run rule.

Only three batters had hits in the game, with GG Hawk leading the team with two hits.

    MAC batter Alecia Steele takes a swing against Florence on April 4 at Florence High School. (Christa Umphrey Photo)
  

Polson pitcher Maddie Turner pitches in a game against Lakeland, Idaho, on April 4 at Frenchtown High School. (Max Dupras/Leader)

    Polson junior Natalie Nash watches for a hit ball in between first and second base in a game against Lakeland (ID) on April 4 at Frenchtown High School. (Max Dupras/Leader)