Batters Up

The Polson High School Softball team started off their season on March 22nd at the Lady Pirate Hardball Classic with a tied game against the Belgrade Panthers with an ending score of 4-4. The girls followed up their next game with a win against their rivals Ronan on March 27th. Moving into April the team secured another win during their game against Browning on the 4th. As the season progressed the team upheld their winning streak during their games against Columbia Falls and Libby. Their wins didn’t end when they traveled to Whitefish on April 14th. During the game senior Olivia Jore made it to three bases out of her four plate appearances. Junior Emma Smith also made a contribution to the game with a one run, and one double. The game ended without a hitch when the girls won 19-0. This game was their third straight win. At their next game on April 18th against Browning they gained their fourth straight win with a score of 24-0. Sophomore Madison Turner ended up striking out seven batters over six innings, which gave the Pirates an advantage. The girls continued their winning streak when they played Whitefish for a second time on April 21st. The game ended with a score of 16-0.

One of the things that the team has been focusing on this year is working as one unit. Senior Lizzie Cunningham said, “Anything we do together is always really fun.” The girls have lots of different ways of bonding as a team such as team runs and dinners. During these events they focus on enjoying themselves and bonding together as a team. 

Bonding as a team has helped the girls overcome their rare losses. Their winning streak came to an end on April 22nd when they played Frenchtown. Though they fought hard, the game ended in a  7-2 loss. However, senior Samantha Rensvold didn’t allow a single earned run over seven innings pitched. After the game the team moved on to play Glacier High School on April 29th. The game ended in a loss with a score of 15-5. Still, two players hit home runs: junior Emma Smith and senior Jaja Nichols. Even though the team lost the two games, they still remain undefeated in their conference. The girls are excited to play against Frenchtown again because they are on their “same level,” said Cunningham. 

On May 6th 2025, the PHS softball team held their senior night. The team honored their six seniors: Samantha Rensvold, Elizabeth Cunningham, Oliva Jore, Alyiah Adams, Sierra Perez and Jaja Nichols. During the game against the Columbia Falls Wildcats the girls fought hard, but lost with a score of 15-12. 

As the team prepares for divisionals and state they are focusing on their technique and team structure. The girls are excited to continue building their bond as the season progresses.