Girls of spring take to the diamond

This year's Lady Bulldogs softball team may be young — the team features six freshman — but coach Alan Compton thinks the girls could be a surprise success.

"I think people will take us for granted," Compton said. "Teams will overlook us, and I hope they do. I think we have really good potential."

Only 12 slots were filled on the 2010 roster, down from years past, which means every player will have to fill a roll for the wins to come.

"It will be a team effort," Compton said. "Everyone has to bond together, suck it up and get it done."

Three returning seniors, Shannon Holmes, Hailey Mortensen and Kaitlyn Wehrli, will help boost the team's on-field experience level.

"We have three key spots with seniors at them," Compton said.

Wehrli is a starting pitcher, Mortensen is behind the plate and Holmes is at first base.

Compton is upbeat about the underclassmen, too.

"We have some freshmen that defiantly have talent," Compton said. "It might take a few weeks to get the game experience they need."

Compton said the team has good power, and he expects good things to happen once the team finds its groove.

"Team chemistry and believing in each other is the key to success," he said. "The sooner they bond and trust each other, the sooner we'll win."

Polson and Columbia Falls come into the season as favorites, while the younger teams, Whitefish, Ronan and Libby, are looking to make some noise and sneak into the playoffs.

The Lady 'Dogs open league play this Friday when they host Polson at 6 p.m.