Maidens build confidence in closely-contested games Class A's elite

The Ronan High School girl’s softball team may have dropped three games in a row, but it was the style in which they competed that has their coach Kellie Manyhides “excited” about the prospects of her team’s chances as they approach the second half of their team’s schedule.

The Maidens lost closely-contested ball games to some of the toughest competition in Montana High School Activities Association Class A competition this past week.

The bad news is Ronan lost to three quality opponents: including one-run losses to both Polson and Frenchtown and a second-consecutive loss to Libby, a team they lost to 16-4 during the opening week of the season.

“We had some really close games and great games (this week),” Maidens’ coach Kellie Manyhides said. “I don’t know what it is about playing Libby, but we didn’t show up. We were able to get 12 hits off of Hamilton and we got only four against Libby.”

The Maidens were able to take a lot from closely-contested losses against top-notch competition, according to Manyhides.

“I think as long as we stay healthy we can be right there (with some of our top teams in the conference),” Manyhides said.

The goal for Ronan, who transitioned from Class B to Class A, hasn’t diminished because of the higher classification where they are pitted against larger schools. It remains the same: a state bid.

“I think we can get to state,” Manyhides said. “This is our first year in (Class A) and I know (our team) can do it. I hope the girls bring their “A” game every single game from here on out. If we are able to stay healthy, remain focused and keep working hard, I believe the pieces will fall into place.”

The end result of the Maidens three-game week series with Polson, Hamilton, and Libby was three consecutive losses. A few additional variables and Ronan could have easily won two out of three of its most recent series of games.

“I saw a lot of great things with their bats (this week)” Manyhides said of her team’s progress.

The Maidens, who will now enter the second half of the season starting at the Frenchtown Invitational April 27, have a significant chance to upset anyone in their conference or the state with the amount of offense they are currently generating.

“I feel the girls are playing some great ball and I know as a coach you are always looking at your team and seeing the potential they have,” Manyhides said. “You really try to hope for the best. I am just really proud of the girls last year and whoever we play in Class A, every team has a chance of going to state or competition. Class A is a dogfight and (our girls) need to focus on what we do well from here on out.”

Currently, the games and roster are being shuffled around in the Frenchtown Tournament. The scheduled games may come with an asterisk that states “subject to change” but Manyhides is confident her team can get the playoff simulation if they are one of the three teams in the conference to qualify for the MHSA Class A state softball tournament.

For Manyhides, who was a catcher for some state-championship caliber Frenchtown teams, it is a homecoming.

“Frenchtown has a great team over all and fortunately for me, it’s my old stomping ground where coach (Eli Field) has done an amazing job,” Manyhides said. “We’ve been able to go to Frenchtown the last few years as a Class B school and I just feel lucky our team is included with some of the great competitors.”

Manyhides said this will give her team the tournament simulation they may need in order to be prepared headed into the postseason format.

“It’s different when you go on the road and play one game versus playing a game in a tournament situation,” Manyhides said. “When we are playing in a state tournament, especially if you get into the loser’s bracket, sometimes you might play three or four games in a day.”