Lady Loggers split opening week games

The Libby Lady Loggers softball team opened their 2025 campaign with a powerful performance against Eureka on Thursday, March 27, but fell to Frenchtown two days later.

Libby 22, Eureka 2

Libby exploded out of the gate on Thursday, cruising to a dominant 22-2 win over the Eureka Lady Lions in a five-inning mercy-rule victory on the road. The Logger bats were electric, racking up 10 hits and drawing numerous walks in a 17-run third inning that blew the game wide open.

Dakota Allen led the charge with a home run and four RBIs, going 1-for-3 at the plate. Peyton Waggoner continued the onslaught with a 3-for-5 performance, knocking in three runs. Rachel Kosters made her presence known with a hit and two RBIs, while Leah Rusdal added a hit and two more RBIs of her own.

In the circle, junior Carmen Kohler tossed four innings of one-hit ball, striking out eight and allowing just two earned runs despite seven walks. Maddi Willis closed things out with a scoreless inning, striking out two.

Libby scored two in the first, added five more in the second, and a seven-run third inning put an exclamation point on a statement win. Eureka managed just two hits on the day and couldn’t contain Libby’s red-hot lineup.

Frenchtown 14, Libby 1

Back on their home turf Saturday, the Lady Loggers faced a much tougher challenge in Class A powerhouse Frenchtown. The Broncs showed why they’re a perennial contender, using an eight-run third inning to pull away for a 14-1 victory in another five-inning contest.

Libby was held to just two hits — a double by Peyton Waggoner and a single from Rachel Kosters. Kosters drove in the lone Logger run in the fourth inning.

The Logger pitching staff was tested heavily. Kohler started the game and went 1 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs on two hits and four walks. Waggoner followed, struggling with command in her one inning of work, issuing six walks and surrendering eight runs. Willis finished the game with 2 1/3 innings of relief, giving up two earned runs and recording a strikeout.

The Loggers are set to host Flathead at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Remp Field.

    Libby pitcher Carmen Kohler delivers to a Frenchtown batter during a game Saturday, March 31, 2025, at Remp Field. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)