Maidens win in extras

RONAN — Kenzie Dulmes knocked in the winning run with the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth inning, sending the Ronan Maidens to a thrilling 9-8 win over Deer Lodge in their season opener. The walk-off victory completed a dramatic comeback in which the Maidens overcame an 8-2 deficit they faced midway through the fifth inning.

Dulmes’ extra-inning heroics were part of a 2-for-4 effort at the dish. Other Maidens contributing multiple hits on the day were Kaitlyn Sassaman and Kendra Starkel. Starkel and Sadie Wirz paced the squad with two RBIs apiece.

In the pitcher’s circle, Alaina Madsen emerged with the victory, despite being tagged with four unearned runs. The senior struck out 10 and limited the Lady Wardens to seven hits while helping her own cause with a triple.

Box Score

Ronan 9, Deer Lodge 8, 8 innings

D. Lodge 204 020 00 – 8 8 X

Ronan 200 033 01 – 9 15 X

Kelsie Gray and Dani Walker. Alaina Madsen and Kaitlyn Sassaman. W – Madsen. L – Gray.

DEER LODGE – Natalie Padovich 0-5, Gray 1-4, Walker 2-4, Michele Christnacht 1-4, Courtney Goff 1-4, Elena Carroll 0-4, Sara Forbes 1-4, McKenna Stefalo 1-4, Crystal Dean 1-4.

RONAN – Madsen 2-5, Jordyn Clairmont 1-5, Sassaman 2-5, McKenzie Dulmes 2-5, Kendra Starkel 3-4, Jasmine Bocksnick 1-2, Kiana Brown 0-2, Amanda Morency 1-2, Sadie Wirz 1-2, Danielle Richwine 2-4 2B, Courtney Taylor 0-4.

2B – Walker 2, Starkel. 3B – Madsen.