Lady Pirates looking to future
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
POLSON — After a devastating loss at State last year to Frenchtown and a couple of losses to the Lady Broncs already this season, Polson softball is ready to put it in the past and focus on the future. Lady Pirate long time coach Larry Smith feels the girls are right on track and showing improvement.
“We’re doing fine,” he said, adding with a laugh, “just not against Frenchtown.”
With a 8-3 record thus far, the Lady Pirates are ahead of the game in wins, although after losing key seniors last year, this could be called a building season for Polson.
“We’re still adjusting from last year,” Smith said. “But we’re coming around.”
On Thursday the Lady Pirates took on their Frenchtown foes, falling to the Lady Broncs 4-8 behind a shaky five-error defense. Despite the loss, Jessica Bagnell racked up eight strikeouts and Jaylin Kenney went a perfect 4-4 at the plate. Hannah Potter logged the only Lady Pirate RBI.
“We both had seven hits,” Smith said. “Frenchtown just made theirs count. We gave them more opportunities.”
The Lady Pirates have had no problems picking up senior leadership on the team. Pitcher Jessica Bagnell has been a dominant force both from the circle and with a bat.
“Jess just keeps getting better all the time,” Smith said.
Catcher Jaylin Kenney has been racking up hits all season, including the 4-4 against Frenchtown’s Morgan Ray.
“Nobody goes 4-4 against Ray,” Smith said.
In the outfield senior Kyrie Bitterman has made some great defensive plays, according to Smith, and all three seniors are leading their team by being model athletes both on and off the field.
“They are quiet leaders,” Smith said.
As for postseason contentions, Smith is keeping his eye on the gold, believing they will at the very least be a top-four team.
“The batting order is not quite set and probably won’t be until State,” Smith said. Although Smith has an idea of what’s working and what’s not, movement may be possible among the team.
“They’re coming around,” he said. “I’ve got lots of options coming off the bench.”
The Lady Pirates hope to pick up a few more wins going into a busy week of ball playing. Polson will head to Kalispell to take on Glacier May 8, return home to host Columbia Falls May 10, and travel to Columbia Falls May 12.
Results
Polson 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 – 4
Frenchtown 0 0 4 0 0 2 2 – 8
Jaylin Kenney 4-4, Jaiden Toth 0-4, Jessica Bagnell 0-3, Hannah Potter 1-3, Kaelen Wall 0-4, Taylor Brackey 1-3, Ashley Benson 0-3, Sarah Rausch 0-2, Kyrie Bitterman 1-3.
RBI – Potter.
