Troy softball continues victories

The Trojan softball team has been on the offensive, maintaining its third place position in the league.

In Troy last Monday, the Trojans trailed by three in the third inning, only to power past St. Ignatius with four runs in the fourth inning and three runs in the sixth, stealing the lead, 8-6.

Junior Alicia Anderson pitched a complete game, striking out seven, while senior Teresa Wagner paced the Trojans, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs and a double.

Against Plains, Troy developed their winning streak, 16-8, at their April 7 home game and again April 14 on the road against Plains, 15-3, in five innings, due to the 10-run margin rule.

“I'm very happy,” said Troy softball coach Russ Thompson. “The improvement has been great - they are getting used to the system and developing a winning attitude.”

Senior Delsey Olds and junior Molly Harpole had some hot hitting against Plains, April 7th at home, each going 3-for-5 with doubles.

Olds also tacked on a triple, scoring three times, while Harpole scored once.

Sophomore Ashley Pasch was 2-for-4, scoring twice, while sophomore Rachel Garcia was 2-for-3, scoring three times.

Of the 14 varsity girls who played, nine had at least one hit in the team's 15 hit day.

Senior Liz Straley pitched the final four innings, getting her second win with zero losses, allowing one run on one hit, walking two, and striking out two.

Against second place Loyola in Missoula April 12, the Trojans faltered, losing 10-0, bringing their record to 4-2 - third in conference behind Loyola and Thompson Falls, undefeated and first in the league.

Thompson said although the Trojans hit the ball well, they were stopped by some good fielding.

“Even though the score didn't indicate it, our team hit the ball quite well,” he said. “Two very fine fielding plays on their part snuffed out rallies we had with two runners on base and no outs in two different innings.”

Straley had two of the six hits in the game, with Garcia, Harpole, Olds and Anderson each contributing a hit.

Anderson allowed 10 runs on eight hits, walking five and striking out two.

“The consensus of the coaches and players is that we can compete with Loyola and look forward to playing them later in Troy,” said Thompson. “I am very proud of the team's progress and look forward to a rewarding season for them.”

Against Plains again on the road, Monday, April 14, Garcia had three hits, three runs and three RBIs to go along with a double play, pushing the Trojans past Plains in five innings, 15-3.

Garcia helped Troy get off to a fast start with doubles in both the Trojans' five-run first inning and second inning, as well as a two-run single in Troy's eight-run fifth inning.

Pasch went 2-for-4 with a two-run single in the first inning, driving in three more runs to finish the game, while senior catcher Megan Etienne contributed a single and two RBIs.

Harpole had two hits and three runs, while Olds added two runs.

Anderson, who contributed a hit, pitched a complete game, allowing one earned run on six hits, four strikeouts and four walks.

Next, the Trojans play Deerlodge in Plains, Friday, April 25.

April 14 (Troy 15, Plains, 3)

Rachel Garcia 3-4, Liz Straley 0-4, Molly Harpole 2-3, Desley Olds 0-3, Ashley Pasch 2-4, Etienne 1-2, Teresa Wagner 0-2, Megan Cummings 0-3, Anderson 1-3.

2B - Garcia 2. RBIs - Garcia 3, Harpole, Pasch 3, Etienne 2, Jones, Catalanello

April 15 (Troy 8, St. Ignatius 6)

Alicia Anderson and Megan Etienne. W - Anderson (5-5).

Rachel Garcia 1-4, Liz Straley 0-4, Molly Harpole 1-4, Delsey Olds 1-4, Ashley Pasch 2-3, Megan Etienne 1-2, Teresa Wagner 2-3, Michelle Cummings 0-2, Dolly Blata 1-1, Anderson 2-3.

2B - McDonald; Garcia, Harpole, Wagner, Blata. RBIs - Apland, Montgomery; Garcia 2, Olds, Wagner 2.