Hawks, Trotters battle in Missoula contests

The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks and Plains Trotters took to the road this past weekend to play softball in Missoula taking on opponents from across the state.

The Lady Hawks took on the Three Forks Wolves first, falling 22-10.

Three Forks came out swinging, gaining eight runs in the first inning to take the lead over the Lady Hawks. While in the bottom of the first Thompson was able to score one run. The Wolves would be able to sneak in three more runs in the second while keeping the Hawks from scoring. It would flip in the third and fourth innings as the Lady Hawks found their groove keeping Three Forks scoreless in the third while gaining one run. Thompson would gain seven runs in the fourth inning to put the game 9-12. The Wolves would find their own groove in the fifth to once again take a large lead over the Lady Hawks. Thompson would sneak in one more run in the sixth inning but it wasn’t enough to take the win.

The Lady Hawks fell 2-16 in their contest against the Manhattan Tigers. In the end, the Lady Hawks took on the Manhattan Tigers falling 2-16.

Manhattan came out on fire getting two runs in the first inning while keeping the Lady Hawks scoreless. They were able to make the score five to zero in the second inning, Thompson was able to gain a run in the third inning. The Tigers were quick footed in the fourth inning sneaking in three more runs over the Lady Hawks. Thompson Lady Hawks would gain one more run in the fifth inning, but Manhattan was able to gain seven to take the win.

Olivia Harnett led with three hits, Gabi Hannum led with two, and Mackenzie Robinson and Brooklyn Cork each sent one into play.

It was the Plains Trotters' turn against the Three Forks Wolves, where they would fall 8-2.

The Trotters got on the board quickly in the first inning after Jaelyn Carr stole home and Taryn Meredith singled, each scoring a run. Three Forks was able to answer with three runs of their own in the bottom of the first. The Wolves would keep the Trotters scoreless in the second inning while gaining two more runs to take the lead. Plains would remain runless for the next two innings, while Three Forks was able to sneak in three more runs to take the win.

Plains was able to steal eight bases, with Carr and Taylor Saner each stealing multiples for the Trotters.

Carr, Saner, Meredith, Montana Taylor, Tia Bellinger, and Andreanna Nelson each collected one hit for Plains.

The Lady Hawks shook off their loss and got ready to face the Ennis Mustangs taking the win 12-10.

Quickly in the first inning Thompson was able to take a three-run lead, keeping the Mustangs scoreless. The Lady Hawks were swift to earn five more runs in the second inning, while once again keeping Ennis from scoring. Both teams would go runless in the third inning, and by the bottom of the fourth Thompson held a massive nine point lead over the Mustangs. Ennis found their groove and was able to slide in six runs in the fifth inning, making the score 9-6, both teams were able to gain three runs in the sixth inning. Although the Mustangs were able to get one more run in the seventh inning it wasn’t enough to take the win.

Sarah Koskela led in hits for the Lady Hawks with four, with Olivia Harnett and Olivia Fitchett each getting two.

Even though Plains collected 15 hits to Ennis’ five they still fell 16-6.

Ennis was able to get on the board at the bottom of the first due to a Trotter dropping a third strike and a grounded out ball, each of which scored a run.

Aubree Butcher hit a solo center field home run in the top of the second for the Trotters, getting them on the board early on. The Mustangs were able to score six runs on no hits after several walks drew runs. Ennis was able to keep Plains to just one run in the third. Ennis was able to score five more runs on one hit in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Trotters were able to sneak in three runs in the top of the fifth inning while keeping the Mustangs to only two. Both teams would score a run in the sixth inning, but it would be Ennis who would take the win.

Tia Bellinger led Plains with two RBI, Butcher, Trirainy Bellinger, Montana Taylor, and Taylor Saner each collected multiple hits for the Trotters.

“Our goal this year was to just improve from day one, and I think we are doing just that. I want to turn this team into a hitting team.” Plains coach Kati Mitchell said.

The Trotters tried to hold their own with the Manhattan Tigers but were shut out 15-0.

The Tigers were quick to get on the board in the bottom of the first. After getting six runs, they would keep Plains scoreless. Manhattan would score seven runs on three hits in the second, putting the score 13-0. A steal of home plate would put the score 14-0 in the bottom of the third inning. The Tigers were tenacious in keeping the Trotters scoreless in the game.

Aubree Butcher, Teirainy Bellinger and Marissa Young each collected one hit for Plains.

“The girls are having fun and that's one of the most important parts of the game, we look forward to this week's games and improving.” Mitchell stated.

The Hawks are set to face Whitefish on Wednesday at home, and will host Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) on Saturday, while the Trotters will take on MAC on Thursday and Eureka on Saturday at home.