Lady Hawks' Koskela gets All-State nod

The fast pitch softball honors keep rolling in for Thompson Falls’ dynamic senior duo of Sarah Koskela and Olivia Fitchett.

Koskela, who completed an outstanding softball run for the Lady Hawks, was named to the All-State B/C first team for her work as a catcher and pitcher, including a third-straight trip to the state finals. 

She was also selected to the first-team All-Western Conference team, while Fitchett, who shared the bulk of pitching duties for Thompson Falls-Noxon along with Koskela, was named to the Western Conference second team all-star roster. 

Koskela, who is headed to Miles City Community College this fall on an athletic scholarship, was widely regarded as the top catcher in the Western Conference.  She also was one of the leading hitters for the Lady Hawks and was among the leaders in runs batted in. She walloped six home runs during her senior year. 

Fitchett was a key player in coach Jared Koskela’s “small ball” offense, which produced runs via aggressive base running and timely hitting. 

Plains had one player, sophomore Aubree Butcher, who was named to the Conference second team. 

Western Conference champion Florence had the most players from the West chosen to the All-State team with four players (Jayden Fisher, Maggie Schneider, Kenzy Pickering and Kaylene Crawford) named to the all-state squad.  All four were also chosen on the conference's first team roster. 

Florence finished third in the state championships, losing 12-2 to eventual champion Shepherd (22-0) in the finals.   

Mission-Arlee-Charlo had three players chosen to the All-state team, including juniors Maia Christopher and Jada Domebo, along with sophomore GG Hawk. MAC placed fourth in the state tourney, falling to Florence 8-7 in the consolation final.