Sisters in arms

For the Ronan Maidens, the 2012 softball campaign could have been called a Sister Act. Two weeks ago, the Maidens wrapped up a thrilling season that saw them capture second place at the divisional tournament and earn a win at state in Anaconda.

For the Ronan Maidens, the 2012 softball campaign could have been called a Sister Act. Two weeks ago, the Maidens wrapped up a thrilling season that saw them capture second place at the divisional tournament and earn a win at state in Anaconda.

It was fitting for the senior class, that earned a state berth as freshmen and got back to the mountain three years later in its final chance.Holding down the pitching circle for most of the season was the sister duo of senior Bethany Colman and freshman Samantha Colman.

Bethany, one of the area’s dominant pitchers, had won eight of 12 decisions through-out the first half of the season, but mechanical issues forced her off the mound with an injury.

That’s when head coach Tom Peterson turned to Samantha, who saw instant success.

“It was pretty exciting for me, being a freshman,” Samantha said.

That excitement carried over from the last weeks of the regular sea-son into the divisional tournament, where Ronan defeated its rivals to the south, the MAC Bulldogs, for the first time in three tries on the sea-son before being downed by even-tual Class B state champion Florence in the championship game. At state the following weekend, Samantha had a great run, pitching very well, despite winning only one of three games.

Some of the credit for her immediate success can be con tributed to her older sister, who helped her ease into the role on the mound that Bethany held for the early part of the year.

“She gives me a lot of advice,” Samantha said. “She’s one of the people who’s always by my side no matter what, giving me a positive attitude and tell-ing me I can’t let the game beat me.”

Being thrust into a position like Samantha wouldn’t be easy, especially when playing on a highly-talented team like the Maidens with the pres-sure of the postseason looming, but Bethany was a calming influence for her sister from the beginning.

“She really encouraged and helped me, giving me confidence,” Samantha said.

The ride was a memorable one, not just for the Colmans, but for the entire Maiden roster, which had a terrific year, winning 18 games overall. According to Bethany, the team was tight-knit and felt like a sisterhood in its own right.

“I enjoyed every minute of it,” Bethany said. “Being a senior, you always want to go out with a bang. It was a really fun year.”

While the two sisters are only separated by a few years, the Ronan squad was the first softball team they’ve played together on since their 10U team about a decade ago.

Reuniting for the season was a special experience for the Colmans.

“Being able to play together again was really nice,” Bethany said.

With the season now in the rearview mirror, Bethany will prepare for her venture to North Dakota to play college softball with Dakota College in Bottineau.

“I feel pretty good,” Bethany said. “It’s always been my dream to play softball in college.”

Samantha, meanwhile, has a few years at Ronan remaining before her career moves on, but while nothing is set in stone for the younger sister, reuniting for another year of softball with Bethany is far from out of the question.

“I’ve been thinking about it and it seems like a really good college,” Samantha said.

For now, Samantha has three years at Ronan to build her own legacy, while Bethany will do the same at Dakota College. Maybe, in four years, the two will get back together for one last year of memories, tutelage and success together.