Maidens eyeing postseason
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There’s a lot of spirit floating around the Maidens dugout and though we all know good vibes come from within – winning doesn’t hurt. After a blow to the club of losing a coach, the Maidens gained momentum and raised their chins with a new skipper at the helm. New Head Coach Dakota Peterson is filling that position well, boasting an 11-1 record since taking over the team April 15. Peterson, filling her first head coach roll, is ecstatic about leading the girls and even more proud of their achievements.
“I didn’t know how rewarding coaching could be,” she said. “It’s so much fun.”
Three seniors have stepped up in the leadership roles greatly appreciated by Peterson. Pitcher Alaina Madsen, first baseman Courtney Taylor, and right fielder Jasmine Bocksnick all fit the bill of senior leaders and have each have tailored their rolls on the field.
“Alaina has done really well keeping the team going overall,” Peterson said. “Courtney’s been doing her job at first, and Jasmine’s been leading the outfield.”
On Thursday in Ronan the Maidens took their only hit since Peterson has taken over with a loss to MAC’s Lady Bulldogs, 11-9. After only allowing MAC to score in two innings, an explosive nine run blowout by the Lady Bulldogs in the third inning was enough to hold back the Maidens from the win. Kendra Starkel batted 3-4 with a double and catcher Kaitlyn Sassaman drove in a couple of runs. The Maidens and the Lady Bulldogs are an even 1-1 against each other for the season.
Peterson won’t let a loss get in the way of her team’s morale, feeling the team as a whole is just getting stronger.
“Everybody gets along so well,” she said. “They’re pushing themselves each day.”
Saturday provided redemption for the Maidens as they swept a double-header against Thompson Falls in front of their hometown fans. In game one, the Maidens offered no mercy, shutting down T-Falls 16-0. While only giving up four hits from the circle and picking up the win, Madsen also went 4-4 with a double, batting in three runs. Taylor and McKenzie Dulmes also logged a double each with Taylor adding two RBIs.
In the nightcap the Maidens continued their domination, dropping the Lady Blue Hawks 14-3. Madsen picked up her 12th win for the season while Danielle Richwine, Amanda Morency, Jordyn Clairmont, and Taylor all batted 2-3 with Richwine blasting yardage with a homerun. Sadie Wirz batted a game-leading four runs.
With postseason looming Peterson is confident the Maidens will see another Divisional win and a very competitive State tournament in their future. After taking second in state last season with a loss to Florence, and an earlier loss to the Lady Falcons this season, Peterson said the Maidens are ready to compete.
“I am expecting a Divisional championship,” she said and as for State and the possibility of facing their Florence foes, she stated, “It’s going to be a good game.”
The Maidens will travel to Deer Lodge May 15, return to host Troy May 17 and then will prepare to host Divisionals May 23-24.
Results
Ronan 1 0 2 1 2 0 3 – 9
MAC 0 0 9 2 0 0 0 – 11
Alaina Madsen 2-4, Kaitlyn Sassaman 2-5, Danielle Richwine 1-4, Mckenzie Dulmes 0-4, Kendra Starkel 3-4, Amanda Morency 1-4, Alison Roberts 1-3, Courtney Taylor 1-4, Jordyn Clairmont 0-2, Sadie Wirz 0-0.
2B – Starkel, Taylor. RBIs – Sassaman (2), Starkel, Morency, Roberts, Taylor.
Ronan 3 9 2 0 2 – 16
Thompson Falls 0 0 0 0 0 – 0
Alaina Madsen 4-4, Kaitlyn Sassaman 0-3, Alison Roberts 0-4, McKenzie Dulmes 2-3, Kendra Starkel 0-3, Amanda Morency 0-2, Danielle Richwine 0-2, Courtney Taylor 1-3, Jordyn Clairmont 1-3.
2B – Madsen, Dulmes, Taylor. RBIs – Madsen (3), Taylor (2), Clairmont (2), Sassaman, Starkel.
Ronan 2 1 1 4 6 – 14
Thompson Falls 0 0 1 1 1 – 3
Alaina Madsen 1-3, Sadie Wirz 2-4, Alison Roberts 0-1, Jasmine Bocksnick 1-3, McKenzie Dulmes 0-4, Kendra Starkel 0-2, Amanda Morency 2-3, Danielle Richwine 2-3, Courtney Taylor 2-3, Jordyn Clairmont 2-3.
2B - Morency (2), Wirz. HR – Richwine. RBIs – Wirz (4), Richwine 3, Roberts, Bocksnick, Starkel, Morency, Clairmont.
