Even in a weather-affected week, softball was alive in Lake County with Ronan and Polson battling it out for their first rivalry game of the season.

It was a close one early as these two teams highlighted a short week on the softball diamond.

Polson Softball 14, Ronan Softball 6

The first Battle for the Paddle of the softball season took place on April 21 and the score does not tell the story of what was an action packed first three innings.

In a game that has been defined by Polson’s dominance in recent years, Ronan was looking for a fight early. The Lady Pirates started the scoring off with two runs in the first while leaving the Maidens scoreless.

However, Ronan tied it up in the top of the second with two runs of their own. Polson couldn’t match that in the second as Ronan carried their momentum into the top of the third inning.

The Maidens rattled off three runs to go up 5-2 in a game set up to be exciting. However, Polson notched five runs in response in the bottom of the third to retake the lead. Despite a strong effort from the Maidens, Polson’s bats were ready to go as they outscored Ronan seven to one to close this game out with a 14-6 win.

Logan McCrea and Aleysia Black both led the Lady Pirates with three RBIs. Elizabeth Cheff led the Maidens with two RBIs of her own.

Ronan Softball 23, Whitefish Softball 7

Despite a rivalry loss, Ronan kept it rolling with a dominant victory over conference foe Whitefish on April 27.

It was decently close to start this game, with Ronan taking the early 4-3 lead after the first inning. Despite a tied inning in the second, the Maidens cruised forward with an outstanding 10 run third inning. They didn’t allow Whitefish to score again as the Maidens cruised to a 23-7 victory, earning the season sweep over the Lady Bulldogs.

Keeley Jackson was the workhorse of this game for Ronan, pitching early before taking home five RBIs to lead the game.

MAC Softball 8, Thompson Falls/Noxon Softball 3

Mission/Arlee/Charlo softball has been on a tear recently and it didn’t stop when they took on Thompson Falls/Noxon on April 24.

It was the Alecia Steele game as she played her way into one of the best performances of the week across any sport. MAC scored four runs in the first inning, finding a way to completely derail on changes that Thompson Falls/Noxon were going to have of winning.

They couldn’t get runs on the board as the Lady Bulldogs fought through some scoring slumps in the third inning. MAC kept it defensive the rest of the way as they won out 8-3 to keep their strong season afloat.

Steele was the offensive star with five RBIs on three hits, leading both teams in RBIs.

    Polson's Aleysia Black lines up for a hit against Ronan on April 21 at the Polson Softball Complex. (Max Dupras Photo)
  

    Ronan's Sierra McGreevey runs to third base against Polson on April 21 at the Polson Softball Complex. (Max Dupras Photo)