Familiar bats, gloves return for Lady Loggers

With only two seniors in the lineup, one may think the Libby High School softball program is rebuilding with young players.

But that’s not the case. Sure, the Lady Loggers lost three players to graduation – including Nicky Lapka – but they return four of their top six hitters, their No. 1 pitcher and a defense that shows plenty of potential.

“We played some in the offseason … summer league helped us,” LHS coach Dean Thompson said. “The girls had a good summer and are really working well together.”

Libby is coming off a 12-13 season that included a berth in the Class A state playoffs. The Loggers finished fourth last year in the conference.

Taylor Armstrong, junior, returns as the team’s top pitcher. Armstrong was a workhorse last season who put up exceptional numbers.

“She will be No. 1 again this year,” Thompson said. “We’re also hoping these other girls can step in and provide some relief.”

Among those other girls are junior Stacey Oedewaldt, who is penciled in as the No. 2 starter, and sophomore Alyssa Walker.

Lexi Hageness, sophomore, is a returning starter at catcher.

The two seniors back in uniform are LaRona Luscher at second base and Emily Monroe in the outfield.

Around the rest of the infield, junior Taylor Barton will play first base, Alysha Martin will take over at shortstop after playing in the outfield last year, and Candace Hendrickson will be back at third base. Jaime Gilden is slated to roam center field and Walker will fill the other outfield position.

Sophomores Kim Tangen (outfield, third base, pitcher) and Ariana Faris (outfield) are a couple of top prospects for varsity playing time.

At the plate, Barton and Hendrickson have exhibited power while Gilden offers an all-around athletic presence. Hageness hit over .300 during her freshman season.

Thompson, now in his 11th year as head coach, said he was happy with the numbers this season, which included eight freshmen.

Thompson’s coaching assistants include returnees Jeremy Hageness and Ruth Fenn along with newcomers Lea Caster and Sam Hannah.

Libby’s varsity is scheduled to open the season this coming Tuesday at Ronan. The Loggers will then make their first home appearance on Saturday, April 10 with games against Frenchtown and Timberlake, Idaho.

Varsity Schedule

April 6    at Ronan    5:30 p.m.

April 10    Frenchtown    Noon

April 10    Timberlake, Idaho    4 p.m.

April 13    Ronan    6 p.m.

April 17    Whitefish    3 p.m.

April 22    Columbia Falls    6 p.m.

April 23-24    at Frenchtown Tournament    TBA

April 30    at Polson    3 p.m.

May 1    Belgrade (at Frenchtown)    TBA

May 7    at Glacier    6 p.m.

May 8    at Columbia Falls    Noon

May 8    Stevensville (at C. Falls)    4 p.m.

May 11    at Flathead    6 p.m.

May 14-16    at Butte Central Tournament    TBA

May 20    at Whitefish    6 p.m.

May 21    Polson    6 p.m.

Note: The Class A state playoffs are scheduled for May 27-29 at Billings.