Polson remains undefeated in conference

POLSON - After a hard loss to Kalispell Glacier, the Polson softball team stayed undefeated in conference play with a win over Columbia Falls.

Against Glacier, Polson led 3-1 after the first, but Glacier produced a five-run fifth inning to pull ahead 8-3. During that inning, Polson committed three errors.

Head coach Larry Smith said the errors were made due to the team's youth.

"We have improved since the beginning of the year," he said.

Never to let down, the Pirates started a rally and three runs crossed the plate, but were unable to overcome Glacier.

Smith said he was pleased with Polson's play against a top team in Class AA.

"We felt okay about [our performance]," he said. "It was a loss and nobody wants to lose, but we were satisfied with our performance. We still had runners on in the bottom of the seventh."

Senior Staci Benson led the Pirates as she went 3-for-3, including a home run.

Smith said Benson, a four-year varsity player, has led the team by example.

"She's quiet," he said of the team's lone senior. "You don't hear her say too much, but she stands out loud and clear."

Junior Kodi Woods went 2-for-3. Junior Kayla Duford and sophomore Makaliah Wilson each added a pair of RBIs.

The Pirates produced just six hits in their 7-1 win over Columbia Falls. Benson got things started when she reached the bases on an error. She made it to second on a Woods sacrifice and stole third. She scored on another error.

"We knew our conference was going to be young this year," Smith said. "Columbia Falls was the only other team that had less then three losses."

Freshman Shay Duford allowed only two hits while striking out eight.

"For a freshman, she is doing fantastic," Smith said. "She knows she can't strike everybody out, but she understands she has a great defense behind her."

Junior Sallie Sams went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and sophomore Riley Kenney turned in a solid performance for the Pirates, including a double.

"She had a tough game against Glacier," Smith said. "She was beating herself up about it."

The Pirates travel to Butte Central today to play in a tournament. Smith said the tournament is a good chance for Polson to face teams from the east. The Pirates will play Butte Central today, Belgrade and Laurel tomorrow and Glendive and Miles City on Saturday.

"It'll be a good test for us," he said. "Our hopes are to sweep, but we will see."