Softball team looks to have big season

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

Despite not being able to practice outside, the Whitefish High School softball team is gearing up for another season, with or without cooperation from Mother Nature.

"We're hoping to get out there as soon as we can," head coach David Dachs said. "Right now, we're just running drills in the gym, that's all we can do. It's just a little bit too muddy out there."

In his third year as the softball coach, Dachs said he's returning four seniors this year, including three All-Conference players — Torey Ost, Devyn Ost and Desiree Clarke. Senior Camille Williams will be playing outfield, although Dachs said the roster isn't set in stone just yet.

Dachs said that he's excited to have experienced players at the games most important positions.

"It's going to be great having Torey Ost back as our starting pitcher," he said. "We will also have her sister Devyn, who is a great anchor, and Desiree Clarke is in her third year as starting varsity catcher."

Dachs said he is looking at possibly having Clarke step into some other role, but he wouldn't speculate on what that might be just yet.

Carolyn Sharpe, a junior, is expected to fill the role of relief pitcher.

Two sophomores who took to the field as varsity players last year, Hailey Mortenson and Shannon Holmes, will be among the younger girls to keep an eye on.

"I'll be looking for them to come back and really help out as varsity players," Dachs said.

Dachs said the first week of practice has been dedicated to evaluating each girl's abilities.

"We're just going through, seeing where everybody is at," he said. "We're doing some bunting drills. We're practicing fielding ground and fly balls, and catching the ball while moving."

The first game for the Lady Bulldogs will be a non-conference match-up against Flathead in Kalispell on April 1.

"No foolin', it's the first day in April," Dachs said with a laugh. "I think the kids are really excited. We're very optimistic. I think we're going to bring our 'A game' and have a great season. The kids have been working really hard."