Softball opens with Libby doubleheader

Hungry Horse News

The Columbia Falls girls softball team was supposed to kick off its season with a doubleheader Monday, March 26 in Libby.

But the schedule, as softball schedules often do, has been changed. The game is now March 30 at Libby, coach Dave Kehr said.

Setting up a softball schedule in March and April's fickle weather can be a crap shoot. You schedule the games and hope for the best. So far, the Kats have been outside just a couple of times in the first week-plus of practice.

While the snow is gone, the fields have been too wet or in some cases, too icy.

So Kehr said he hasn't finalized his lineup - he wants to get a look at his outfielders before he does. He said he has some sophomores coming up that could help as well as a transfer student from Libby.

Twenty nine athletes tried out for the team and 22 were selected, including the JV roster. Kehr said he expects to have some swing players that will likely see time on both teams.

Everyone who was on last year's squad has returned, he said. Last year's starting team at state had seven frosh who played pretty well considering their youth. This year they'll hope to make a bigger mark on a conference that should be tough with Libby, Polson and Eureka in the mix.