Polson SB: QUEST FOR THE BEST

POLSON — The Class A state softball tournament has been held in Billings and Miles City over the last two years, but considering how the Polson Lady Pirates have owned it, a change of venue should be in order.

A full-fledged dynasty, having won back-to-back state championships and six of the past 11 overall, the Lady Pirates enter the 2012 campaign with another stacked roster in the hopes of a coveted three-peat. Head coach Larry Smith is understandably excited about his team’s prospects this season. Polson boasts experience, talent and strength in the field, on the mound and at the plate.

POLSON — The Class A state softball tournament has been held in Billings and Miles City over the last two years, but considering how the Polson Lady Pirates have owned it, a change of venue should be in order.

A full-fledged dynasty, having won back-to-back state championships and six of the past 11 overall, the Lady Pirates enter the 2012 campaign with another stacked roster in the hopes of a coveted three-peat. Head coach Larry Smith is understandably excited about his team’s prospects this season. Polson boasts experience, talent and strength in the field, on the mound and at the plate.

Despite losing seniors Kodi “K” Woods, “Slammin’” Sallie Sams, Kylie Knutson and Kayla “Mighty KC” Duford, Smith is confident his team is prepared for another great season.

“We have plenty of experience and the vacated positions we filled with talented girls,” Smith said.

Junior ace Shay “The Tiger” Duford is the first line of problems Polson will throw at their opponents. A twotime all-tournament, all-state and all-conference firstteam pitcher and 2010 tournament MVP as a freshman, Duford is a strikeout machine. Oh, and she’s coming off a season at the dish where she hit .521 with 14 extra-base hits and 34 RBIs.

“She’s gotten better, has a great work ethic and is extremely competitive,” Smith said. “She’s a big key.”

Leadoff hitter Ashley “Bust a Move” Johnson sets the tempo atop the batting order, bringing speed and a penchant for reaching base on a regular basis. Last year a .517 hitter with 13 stolen bases, the senior shortstop creates runs with her legs, but takes them away with a strong arm, nailing runners at first on a regular basis.

“Ashley is quick, speedy, gets on base and is a good slap hitter,” Smith said.

Johnson’s throws find their way to two-time all-conference second-team senior Makaliah “Smackin’ Mak” Wilson, who’s coming off a .325 season. Despite her gaudy offensive numbers, Smith noted that the first baseman is critical to the team defensively.

“She’s very solid with the glove,” Smith said.

The Lady Pirates have several other weapons they’ll unleash on the Northwestern A Conference this year, but the trump card could be the return of senior Riley “The Cannon” Kenney. Kenney missed her junior year with a shoulder injury, but if her first two seasons are any indication, when she earned all-conference first-team honors, she’s going to be another obstacle for opponents to deal with.

While the Lady Pirates have a lineup capable of smashing the ball seemingly at will, their prowess on the basepaths and their deep team are going to be key.

“Our greatest assets are our team speed and position depth,” Smith said.

Despite having a stacked team on paper, Smith is taking nothing for granted, noting that only through hard work and commitment will Polson compete for a third-straight state title.

“We’re looking to improve our defense and offense at every practice,” Smith said. “We don’t want to be satisfied.”

That said, Smith has noticed a team that is loose and having fun while staying focused as they prepare for the regular season.

“We have an upbeat spirit, we’re feeling good and our goals are set high,” Smith said. “We expect to be in the state tourney and playing for a championship.”

The path to the three-peat begins on Friday with a home doubleheader against Anaconda and Belgrade before facing Belgrade for a second time in Polson on Saturday.

Following that, the Lady Pirates encounter Frenchtown and Columbia Falls on the road. All of those teams reached state and won their opening round game, with Belgrade and Frenchtown reaching the quarterfinals. The Lady Broncs eventually reached the championship round, where Polson dispatched them in their third-game rubber match.

“It’s the toughest start I’ve seen in a while,” Smith said.

As tough a start as the Lady Pirates have, it will be a good test for a team that hopes to be holding a third consecutive state trophy in two months.