Lady Loggers sweep weekend softball games
The Lady Logger softball team responded to their first loss of the season with three significant weekend wins, fueled by an offensive outburst and a pair of no-hitters.
Libby (2-1, 10-1) began the two-day Frenchtown Invitational on Friday with an 11-0 victory against Hamilton (5-0, 8-2), highlighted by pitcher Hannah England’s no-hitter. The junior pitcher struck out eight batters and allowed two walks against the top team in the Southwest A Conference. Centerfielder Kelsey Klin and catcher Devon Gallagher each hit home runs and scored three runs. Sophomore Kyra Lauer also produced two RBIs.
The no-hitter was Libby’s second of the season. England and Regh combined to throw a no-hitter against Thompson Falls during a 30-0 win on April 12.
“Hamilton did not throw their top pitcher against us, but all their position players were out there,” Coach Dean Thompson said. “Mahalah (Wedel) had a great catch at shortstop in the last inning to preserve the no-hitter.”
The Lady Loggers continued their winning ways Saturday when they beat Corvallis (0-5, 2-9) and Belgrade (3-0, 4-4).
Not to be outdone, Regh matched England’s pitching exploits from Day 1 of the tournament, flirting with a perfect game against Corvallis before surrendering a one-out walk in the fifth and settling for a no-hitter. Regh also took care of business at the plate, driving in four RBI with a single and a double. A nine-run first inning by the Lady Loggers made Regh’s pursuit of perfection the only uncertain matter.
“We hit the ball well and Staci followed Hannah’s example,” Thompson said. “The defense continued to play well.”
The Lady Loggers wrapped their weekend with a 9-7 victory against Belgrade, the Central A Conference’s top team.
Libby jumped to a 6-1 lead after two innings, and sailed to a win that got a bit too close for their coach’s comfort.
“That got a little scary at the end,” Thompson said.
Belgrade’s comeback effort fell short, scoring three runs in the final two innings.
Libby’s successful weekend at a tournament featuring seven of the 12 teams that qualified for last year’s state tournament leaves little doubt that the best, and perhaps only, competition they will face this season will come within their own Northwest A Conference.
Frenchtown (1-0, 7-0) leads the conference after picking up three victories at their home invite. Polson (3-1, 8-2) split the weekend with an 18-1 win against Loyola and a 12-9 loss to Hamilton.
“There is a lot of softball ahead,” Thompson said. “We need to keep improving. Frenchtown is probably the best team in Montana.”
Libby hosts Whitefish (0-3, 1-8) at 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Glacier (4-3, 5-3-1) at 3:30 p.m. Friday. Libby hosts Frenchtown on May 10.
Libby 9, Belgrade 7
Libby 240 102 0 – 9 14 4
Belgrade 103 001 2 – 7 10 0
LIBBY – Hannah England 2-4, Mahalah Wedel 4-4, Kelsey Klin 1-4, Devon Gallagher 3-3, Auria Benefield 0-3, Dayln Germany 2-4, Rachel Rebo 0-3, Staci Regh 1-4, Kyra Lauer 1-4.
BELGRADE – Skyla Newbauer 2-5, Kristina West 3-5, Hanna Goulet 1-3, Autumn Rollins 2-4, Alli Alstrom 0-3, Rylee Cigan 0-3, Kendall Bethke 1-4, Jordan Branch 1-4, Julie Taylor 0-3.
Libby 18, Corvallis 0
Corvallis 000 00 – 0 0 1
Libby 908 1x – 18 13 0
CORVALLIS – Taia Tully 0-2, Kira Doyle 0-2, Sabrina Friday 0-2, Taylor Gagnon 0-1, Gabi Jessop 0-0, Bobbie Stephen 0-2, Hannah Brown 0-2, Kenley Fields 0-2, Kabrey Powell 0-1, Nicole Turner 0-1.
LIBBY – Hannah England 1-2, Bailey Rosling 1-1, Mahalah Wedel 0-1, Taryne Luscher 0-1, Kelsey Klin 1-1, Ashley Walker 0-1, Auria Benefield 1-3, Devon Gallagher 3-3, Jordan Turner 1-1, Dayln Germany 2-3, Abbey Ennenga 0-0, Rachel Rebo 1-2, Madison Monigold 0-1, Staci Regh 2-3, Kyra Lauer 0-2.
Libby 11, Hamilton 0
Hamilton 000 000 – 0 0 3
Libby 032 312 – 11 10 0
HAMILTON – McKayl Rothie 0-3, Brie Clifford 0-2, Taylor Goligoski 0-3, Tayler Reynolds 0-1, Mohn 0-1, Lauren Dolcater 0-2, Sydney Bergren 0-2, Lacey Dolcater 0-2, Kloie Nye 0-2.
LIBBY – England 1-3, Mahalah Wedel 0-2, Abbey Ennenga 0-1, Kelsey Klin 3-4, Gallagher 1-3, Auria Benefield 0-3, Taryne Luscher 0-0, Dayln Germany 2-3, Ashley Walker 0-1, Rachel Rebo 0-2, Madisen Monigold 1-2, Staci Regh 1-3, Kyra Lauer 1-2, Jordan Turner 0-1.