Softball team struggles to score runs

Hungry Horse News

The Columbia Falls softball team suffered their most lopsided defeat of the season last Tuesday, this time at the hands of Eureka, and ended up going winless over the weekend at the Butte Central Tournament.

The Wildkats' offense continued to struggle in a 19-2 non-conference loss to Eureka, moving the Kats to 3-10 on the season and keeping them in fifth place in the conference.

Senior Kalee Wolf and sophomore Jenny Johnson were the only Wildkats with hits and senior pitcher Kym Island was credited with the loss.

On Thursday, the team lost to Ronan 11-1 as the offense continued to stagnate.

At the tournament over the weekend, the girls didn't fare well either, as they were held to one hit by Hamilton in a 13-1 loss on Friday in the first game of a doubleheader.

Sophomore Venesha Riley collected the team's only hit against Hamilton, a single, which is more than the team had against Butte Central.

Against the Maroons, the Wildkats lost 11-1 and were no-hit in a rain shortened game. Aside from the offensive stagnation, the Kats also struggled in the field, committing four errors.

Saturday, the girls performed a little better, but still lost, this time to Cut Bank by a 3-2 margin.

For the Kats, senior Stephanie Davis had two hits and seniors Kym Island and Lea Bukowski had the team's other hits.

With three games left before the state tournament, the Kats sit with a 3-15 record and have almost been eliminated from post-season contention.

Craig Moore photo

Amanda Puryer rifles in a pitch against Ronan last week.