Lady Bulldog softball building mental toughness

Building mental toughness and cleaning up the fundamentals. Whitefish softball coach Travis Krause believes success in those two areas will get Whitefish softball back on the winning track.

“We’re trying to get them to understand how to react to the negative things on the field and to stay strong and keep competing,” the first-year coach said. “We always have a chance until the last out is called.”

In all, 16 girls came out for the team this year, including six seniors, two juniors, seven sophomores and one freshman.

“Several of the seniors have quite a bit of experience,” Krause said. “There is a core group that will be good.”

While the team has a lot to learn with the fundamentals, Krause says he’s already seen vast improvement from day one.

“They’ve been sponges since we could get on the field,” Krause said. “It’s all new to them. They’re excited and learning.”

The team focused on fielding and defense before even picking up a bat.

“Routine ground balls and fly balls were beating them,” he said. “If we clean those routine plays up we give ourselves a chance.”

Senior Jordan Sletten will lead the pitching rotation, joined by Lauren McDonald and Becca Catina.

Whitefish opens the season Thursday at home against Columbia Falls.

“I want to see them compete for seven innings,” Krause said. “We’re not going to be error free, but I want them to keep battling and playing hard.”

First pitch is at 6 p.m. at Smith Fields.