Wildkats struggle in 13-1 loss to Libby

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

For the second time this season, Columbia Falls struggled in Western A Conference softball action against Libby on Friday at CFHS.

Brooke Hageness limited the Wildkats to five hits and struck out 11, pitching the Loggers to a 13-1 victory in six innings. The win kept Libby unbeaten in league play, with co-leader Polson yet to play twice, and dropped the Kats to 4-3 in the conference and 8-5 overall.

The Kats scored their only run in the first inning as Amanda Milliard singled and later slide in safely to beat a throw to the plate after a Logger error.

"They didn't even come out ready," CFHS coach Dave Kehr said. "It wasn't a solid game whatsoever on either side of the ball."

Libby built an early lead, scoring six times in the second inning with the help of four hits, two walks and a Kats error.

Starting pitcher Jessica Owens took the loss. She was relieved by Morgan Rowe in the fifth inning. They allowed a combined 15 hits.

Hageness also led the Loggers at the plate, going 3-for-5 with three runs batted in.

All five of CFHS' hits were singles. Lindsey Nelson was 2-for-2.

The Kats play Thursday (May 8) at Polson, the first of three remaining conference games. Those are "three really big ones," according to Kehr, as the Kats strive to stay in third place in the Western A.

CFHS competes in the Butte Central Tournament this weekend. On Friday (May 9), the Kats face Huntley Project at 11:45 a.m. and Conrad at 5 p.m. In Saturday (May 10) action, the Kats play Dawson County (Miles City) at 9 a.m. and Laurel at 2:15 p.m.

Libby 062 023 — 13 15 1

Columbia Falls 100 000 — 1 5 2

Hageness and Barton; Owens, Rowe (5) and James. WP — Hageness. LP — Owens.

Libby

Hageness 3-5, Barton 1-4, Lapka 1-4, Dedrick 2-4, Martin 2-4, Wedel 2-3, Klin 0-4, Monroe 2-3, Cirian 2-4.

Columbia Falls (4-3, 8-5)

Milliard 1-2, Yaeger 1-3, L. Nelson 2-2, James 0-3, Skiles 0-2, Toavs 0-1, Stinger 0-3, Owens 0-2, R. Nelson 1-2, Smith 0-2.