Young, deep Libby softball squad aims for return to state

Expectations remain unchanged for Libby softball under head coach Kellen McDonald.

“Our expectations are to make it to state every year — this year is no different,” McDonald said. “In order to do that we are going to have to learn to beat teams even when maybe we aren't supposed to. That will be our challenge for this season. Winning games we are not expected to win.”

Libby finished 12-10 a year ago and lost to Hamilton in the Western Class A playoffs.

Libby enters the spring with strong turnout numbers and a roster loaded with youth and potential. The Loggers bring 25 players into the program, including eight eighth graders, five juniors, eight sophomores and four freshmen, a group that McDonald believes can grow into a formidable unit.

Despite having no seniors on the roster, Libby returns a significant amount of varsity experience from last season. The Loggers graduated just three seniors, allowing much of last year’s lineup to return.

“I would say this is one of the deepest teams as far as talent that I have seen in a very long time,” McDonald said.

That depth brings both opportunity and challenge.

“We only have so many spots on the field and so many innings to play, so there is going to be some serious talent sitting in the dugout,” McDonald said. “It's frustrating as a coach because I want them all in the game, but that's just not realistic.”

Libby will also have to navigate a competitive Northwest A Conference, where familiar contenders remain strong.

“The conference is very strong as usual,” McDonald said. “Jamie Hanson (Polson head coach) and Rick Lawrence (Columbia Falls head coach) always find a way to reload their programs and they are extremely tough competitors.”

While the Loggers will rely on growth and internal competition to push the program forward, they will also enjoy a new home environment this spring. Libby opens the season on its newly completed Logger softball field, a project that has brought added excitement to the program.

“I’m excited about the season and look forward to playing all our home games on the new Logger softball field,” McDonald said. “We have put a ton of work into that thing and it's awesome. It feels like home.”

Libby is scheduled to open the season Saturday at Frenchtown, the defending Class A state champ. The first home game is set for March 31 against Eureka.