Trotters wrap up regular season with battle against Kalispell

One of the things that concerns coaches at this point of a season, with playoffs knocking at the door, is momentum.

Not just winning and losing, but keeping the players focused and the rust out as the post-season begins is paramount to success. 

That was the primary reason behind a hastily scheduled game for the Plains Trotters softball team and a team from Kalispell. 

“We had a hole in the schedule right before the playoffs,” said Trotters’ head coach Jon Zigler.  “We tried to find a team from Idaho, but they are already into their playoffs, but we were able to get this team from Kalispell. Good to keep the girls ready to go”. 

And while the non-conference, “no-counter” game was won 11-7 by the visiting Kalispell squad this past Thursday in Plains, the goal of staying competitive was achieved. 

Plains got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first on a run-producing double by Karissa French, giving the home team a 1-0 lead after one inning of play on a sun-splashed afternoon. 

But the visitors erased that lead in the top of the second, pushing three runs across the plate via a pair of singles.  Plains scored one in the bottom of the second to cut the lead to 3-2. 

Kalispell answered that solo run with four runs in the top of the fourth and added four more in the top of the sixth to stretch their lead to 11-2. 

The Trotters answered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth, then held Kalispell scoreless in the top of the seventh with the visitors ahead 11-4. 

Plains rallied for three runs in the bottom of the seventh, topped by a three-run home run to centerfield by third baseman Taylor Saner, pulling to within three at 11-7. 

But the rally ended there, preserving Kalispell’s four-run victory. 

Saner led the Trotters with a 2-4, three RBI day at the plate.  In addition to her round tripper, Saner also whacked a double. Sophomore Aubree Butcher with one RBI, while French was 1-3, including a double, and eighth grader Emily Josephson was 1-4 with a two-bagger to her credit. 

Both teams had seven hits during the game, but Kalispell was aided by seven Plains fielding errors. Kalispell’s Tensley and Mack each had two hits for the visitors, with Tensley driving in three runs. Kalispell pitching struck out 11 Trotters during the game. 

Next up for Plains is a game today (Tuesday, May 13) against Eureka, in Plains, with a spot in the Divisionals this Friday and Saturday (May 16-17) at stake. The Tuesday game is set for 4 pm at Plains High.  Divisional play will be held in Florence, with the State tournament a week later in Glasgow. 

    A Kalispell runner slides safely into second base ahead of a tag attempt during their game versus the Trotters this past week in Plains.  (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)