Ronan Maidens seek third state softball title
By John Heglie
Special to the Leader
The Western B-C Divisional repeat champion Ronan Maidens have their sights trained upon a three-peat as they embark upon a new season to defend their crown.
Standing in their path will be a menagerie of the usual suspects that include Falcons from Florence, Breakers from Loyola, Bulldogs from Mission-Arlee-Charlo and others. To negotiate their way past such intimidating adversarial mascots will require that their softball game sparkle at multiple levels.
Ronan graduated a trio of players in all-state, all-conference 1st-team pitcher Alaina Madsen (.575AVG, 46H, 1HR, 38R, 20SB in 2014), all-conference 2nd-team infielder Courtney Taylor (.297AVG, 14H, 1HR, 20R) and catcher/outfield Jasmine Bocksnick (.200AVG, 5H, 6R, 1SB).
Anchoring the 2015 Maidens are three seasoned seniors. Leftfielder Kendra Starkel (.440AVG, 30H, 1HR, 24R, 5SB in 2014) is the third installment of a trio of softball playing Starkels. Eldest sister Cambrie holds the distinction of being the first Maiden pitcher to notch a Ronan victory over the Lady Pirates in May 2004. Middle sister Carli played three seasons of Maiden softball, whose multi-sport accolades include all-conference recognition in both volleyball as well as basketball. Kendra’s multi-sport accolades thus far include a trio of all-conference second-team nods, two for volleyball and one for basketball.
Another seasoned senior is two-time all-conference (1st-team 2014, 2nd- team 2013) shortstop Kenzie Dulmes (.550AVG, 39H, 2HR, 30R, 4SB), who anchors the infield. Dulmes has also played summer softball with the Missoula-based Avalanche for a pair of seasons.
The third member of the senior trio is centerfielder Danielle Richwine (.400AVG, 25H, 1HR, 26R, 3SB), who also holds volleyball all-conference second-team credentials.
Hurling from the mound will be a pair of proficient pitchers whose differing styles will help keep batters off balance.
Junior hurler Carton Rhine qualified for state in golf last spring, but compensated for her absence from softball by playing for the 16U ASA MT Avalanche last summer. Freshman pitcher Gabrielle Wiz honed her craft on the mound playing for the 14U ASA Ronan Maidens last summer and is slated to accelerate her development further next summer playing for the 16U ASA MT Avalanche as part of their roster.
The Maidens have numerous options for catchers.
The most decorated veteran is two-time all-conference second-team junior Kaitlin Sass man (.490AVG, 32H, 28R, 2SB), who played for the 16U ASA MT Avalanche last summer and is slated to compete with the Washington-based 18U Explosion Gold -Thompson this coming summer. Another returner is sophomore catcher/second base Sadie Wiz (.333AVG, 4H, 3R), who like her sibling played for the 14U ASA Ronan Maidens last summer and will join the roster of the 16U ASA MT Avalanche this summer.
A third contender is freshman utility Marissa Mock, who brings in tow multiple Punt, Pass and Kick competition credentials. The contributions of Sass man and Wiz have been delayed due to recovery from injuries; Sassaman’s return anticipated to be within a few weeks, while Wirz remains indefinite.
Covering first base will be freshman Courtnee Clairmont. Her sister Kelsey stroked a crucial extra inning RBI during the 2009 State A tournament that plated the winning run to eliminate Polson from contention.
Junior Jordyn Clairmont (.400AVG, 23H, 14R, 2SB) shores up the second base infield position.
Junior third base Amanda Morency (.492AVG, 31H, 22R, 1SB) has an accurate glove for snaring liners down the left field line.
Rounding out the varsity roster is junior right fielder Kiana Brown (.275AVG, 8H, 10R).
Fleshing out the junior varsity roster will be a half dozen freshmen that include infielders Tanya Ulutoa, Kaitlyn Santos, Taylor Tobol and outfielders Jaylin Hakes, Heather Pospishil and Shailee Courville.
The 2015 Ronan Maiden softball squad opened their season with a conference clash with the Mission-Arlee-Charlo Lady Bulldogs Tuesday.
Upon the completion of their regular schedule, the Maidens will once again host the Western B-C Divisional Tournament in Ronan May 15-16.