Holmes' homer can't lift Lady Bulldogs over 'Kats

Team heads to state softball tournament in Butte this weekend

By DAVID ERICKSON/Whitefish Pilot

The Lady Bulldog softball team ended the regular season last Thursday with a tough 7-12 loss to the Columbia Falls Wildkats, but they're looking ahead to the state tournament in Butte this weekend.

Whitefish's Shannon Holmes belted a solo homer against Columbia Falls in the first inning, sparking her team's enthusiasm, but the Lady Bulldogs just couldn't hold off their cross-valley rivals down the stretch.

The Wildkats scored four times in the first inning and three in the sixth to take a lead that the Lady Bulldogs just couldn't erase.

"It was a good game by both sides," said head coach David Dachs.

Desiree Clarke had two hits for the Lady Bulldogs, as did Holmes and Camille Williams. Shelbi Long, Hailey Mortensen and Devyn Ost each had one hit.

The Lady Bulldogs will be seeded fourth in the west, and will be playing Frenchtown at 1 p.m. on Thursday.

"We're working on some good team defense, working on more situations, special situations you see with better teams like bunters and slappers," Dachs said. "We're glad to be heading down there. It should be a fun weekend."

Whitefish ended the regular season 4-6 in their Northwestern A conference and 7-15 overall.

C-Falls 422 013 x - 12 10 5

Whitefish 220 021 0 - 7 10 3

Libby 13, Whitefish 3

The Western A showdown between Libby and Whitefish was tight for five innings on May 13, but the Lady Loggers blew the doors off in the sixth to run away with it.

The Lady Bulldogs wound up losing 3-13, but they kept it close for most of the game.

Libby led 5-3 after five innings but scored five runs in the sixth and three in the seventh to ice it.

Adele FauntLeRoy and Devyn Ost had doubles for Whitefish, who fell to 4-5 in conference and 7-14 overall.

Camille Williams, Desiree Clarke and Hailey Mortensen each had a hit for Whitefish.

Libby's Brooke Hageness, who is one of the fastest pitchers in the conference, only allowed five hits the entire evening.

Libby 201 205 3 - 13 18 1

WF 201 000 0 - 3 5 1