The softball season started with a 18-6 win for the Blue Hawks against the Plains Trotters. The stands were packed with excitement and support for the teams at Thompson Falls High School on Monday. The Trotters were first up to bat and the Blue Hawks took the field. The Blue Hawks starting line-up was: Liv McCormick at center field, Captain Mackenzie Robinson on second base, Olivia Fitchett on the mound, Sarah Koskela as catcher, Gabi Hannum on first base, Callie McGills at right field, Olivia Harnett at shortstop, Cheyla Irvine at left field and Teagan Saner at third base.

In the first inning the Trotters got a fast three outs with the help of Fitchett's pitching and the Hawks were able to land three runs. In the second inning with Trotter Piper Bergstrom pitching and the outfield on both sides catching the fly balls the score ended at 7-0. In the third inning the Trotters had the bases loaded and with Kassidy O'Keefe getting the walk to first base, the Trotters got their first run. The bases were again loaded, the Lady Hawks caught a fly ball and with Maddi Blood and Piper successful batting the Trotters gained three runs. The Blue Hawks came back with five runs with the help of some base stealing to end the inning 12-4.

In the fourth inning right fielder McGillis caught a fly ball and then the Trotters with the bases loaded gained two runs. With the bases loaded the Blue Hawks captured six runs. In the fifth inning and Koskela striking out the Trotter batters the game was over.

"First game couldn't have gone any better honestly. Defensively we did not commit any errors and the chemistry these girls have was outstanding this early. Offensively we were patient at the plate, made Plains pitch to us and found unique ways to get on base," said Blue Hawks coach Jared Koskela.

For the Plains Trotters; Carlie Wagoner made two runs, O'Keefe one run, Faith McGonagle two runs and Aubree Butcher one run. Bergstrom and Wagoner both pitched one strike-out. For the Lady Hawks; Saner made four runs, McCormick, Koskela, Irvine and Harnett made three runs. Fitchett pitched two strike-outs and Koskela pitched three strike-outs. Plains achieved seven hits and Thompson Falls garnered 16 hits for the game.

Koskela said that what stood out in the game were the extra base hits. "I don't think we have had that many doubles in one game before. Both teams had good pitching and let the defense work. We don't need to strike out a ton of batters to win a game, actually it's probably more fun for everyone else if they hit the ball in play."

Jennifer Curran

Trotter Piper Bergstrom tags Olivia Harnett as Harnett tries to make it back to third Monday in Thompson Falls.

The Plains Trotters will be playing in Florence this Saturday and the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks will play in Troy.