Kats softball 1-1 in Polson

The Columbia Falls girls softball team split the bill to open its season in Polson Saturday. The Wildkats lost to Belgrade 9-2 in the opener, but beat Butte Central 4-1 in non-conference action.

Senior Katie Price hit two home runs, a triple and three RBIs against Butte Central in the victory. KJ Schweikert got her first win as a varsity starter on the mound, holding the Lady Maroons to just three hits. Samantha Collins went 3 for 3 at the plate with home run, a triple and an RBI.

Coach Dave Kehr was pleased with the team, noting they really only have three starters back from last year. He was impressed with Schweikert on the mound.

“She pitched well,” he said.

And Price’s two homers were great, he said. Price weighs all of 110 pounds.

Belgrade also hammered conference rival Polson, 17-0. Kehr said it was the first time he could remember Polson being a victim of the 10-run rule.

The Kats were scheduled to play Ronan Tuesday away after presstime. They face Whitefish away Thursday. Game time is 6 p.m. for the varsity squad. They then have a tourney in Belgrade over the weekend and face Glacier at home Monday. That game starts at 5:30 p.m.

Columbia Falls 001 110 1 — 4 9 1

Butte Central 010 000 0 — 1 3 0

K. Schwelkert and n/a; Gallager and Holm. W — Schwelkert. L — Gallagher (0-1).

COLUMBIA FALLS — K. Price 3-4, P. Kehr 0-2, K. Volkman 0-1, L. Ellis 1-4, K. Lanners 0-3, M. Campbell 0-2, T. Putman 0-1, S. Collins 3-3, S. Hovde 1-3, H. Freeman 0-3, Schweikert 1-3.

BUTTE CENTRAL (1-1) — Thatcher 0-3, Hjelt 0-3, Peoples 0-1,, Hom 0-2, Piazzola 0-3, Wahl 1-2, Criscuolo 0-2, Gallager 0-3, Michelotti 2-3.

HR — Price 2, Collins. 3B — Price. 2B — Collins. RBIs — Price 3, Collins; Michelotti.