Lady Pirates bring ample experience to 2024 squad
Polson's Avery Starr delivers pitch to host Frenchtown in last year's Western A Divisional Softball Tournament. She's among the promising players on this year's squad. (Bob Gunderson photo)
Polson softball enters each season with a long legacy of championship play. In 2024, 10 upperclassmen are on the roster for a campaign the Lady Pirates hope will last deep into the season.
“I see Polson challenging this year for a conference title and bringing home some hardware at state,” Polson Head Coach Jami Hanson said. “There are many teams with increased firepower in the conference and throughout the state.”
In Northwestern A, Columbia Falls is the defending Class A State Champion. Polson finished fifth at state last year and has 20 girls out, including four seniors, six juniors, one sophomore, and nine freshmen.
“All of the upperclassmen have varsity experience and postseason experience,” Hanson said.
Starting pitchers Samantha Rensvold and Avery Starr have many wins and bring a lot of experience to the circle, while the Pirates’ hitting is also steady and strong. Polson also has two all-staters on the roster: Mckenna Hanson and Carli Maley. There is also a lot of depth in various positions and up and down the batting lineup.
“Our hitting is extremely powerful and consistent,” Hanson said. “Pitchers are expected to throw a plethora of pitches all around the zone, and defense will bank the routine places and some spectacular ones as well.”
Hanson said Ronan will be a tough matchup this year, as usual, while Frenchtown is always competitive in the west.
“Hamilton has shown increased strengths in many areas, and the eastern part of the state has Billings Central and, of course, Havre,” Hanson said. "I’m just really looking forward to this year’s season and can’t wait for some nice weather to creep back into the state so the season can get going strong.”