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Mar. 27—Class AA softball welcomes a new playoff format in 2025, but the goal for Glacier and Flathead remains the same. Earn your spot and have a chance to make a run.
The new state tournament layout sees only eight teams making the field — four teams from each conference — similar to basketball and volleyball. The top two in each conference earning a spot, while the final two spots are decided by a best-of-three series between the next four teams in the standings.
The Wolfpack come off their second consecutive appearance in the state championship game — they brought home the title in 2023 with a 19-7 victory over Helena, and fell 3-2 to Capital in a weather-delayed tournament a year ago — and coach Abby Snipes says the team is feeling good as they hit the dirt this spring.
"We have a great first couple weeks of practice," Snipes said. "It's great to be outside for pretty much the whole time, not something we have been able to do before in the history of the program."
Leading the way for Glacier are senior middle infielder Nakiah Persinger and catcher Cazz Rankosky.
"(Rankosky) continues to really improve her craft, both hitting and catching," Snipes said. "(Persinger) has been super consistent at the plate."
Joining the pair is fellow senior Olivia Gibbons, who is back after rehabbing from ACL surgery. Gibbons is expected to make a difference in the circle. Also making an impact is junior Taylor Vivian, who Snipes said put in a lot of time to hone her craft during the offseason.
Snipes also mentioned a pair of talented freshmen who she hopes play a key role for the team in Ava Grady and Chloe Farrell. Farrell is the sister of graduated Wolfpack pitcher Ella Farrell.
"We have the opportunity to be really competitive," Snipes said. "Western AA saw a lot of teams graduate a good number of seniors and we think we have a good shot to get into the playoff positions."
Across town, Flathead coach Brittany Williams returns for her third season after leading the Bravettes to the state tournament in both prior attempts.
"We have a good group of core returners," Williams said. "Getting to the state tournament is tougher this season, but that is the ultimate goal."
If the new format was in effect for 2024, the Bravettes would have faced eventual champions Capital in a three-game series with the winner earning a spot in the field.
Williams says the strength of her team comes in the circle and at the plate.
Flathead returns a pair of experienced pitchers in senior Lacie Franklin — she has played varsity for all four years — and junior Macey McIlhargey.
At the plate, Williams highlighted a pair of returning all-conference players in senior Mackenzie Brandt and sophomore Olivia Nyman. She also noted Reese Conley — who missed time in 2024 — was among the top hitters in the conference.
Out in the field, Danica Hennell and Kinsie Lake hope to be do-it-all players for the Bravettes.
"They will be asked to do a couple different things, but they are super versatile," Williams said. "They came up with big hits and defensive plays when we needed them to last year."
Both teams start their season on Thursday with a doubleheader against Great Falls and CMR at the Glacier softball fields. Flathead's games were moved to Glacier from Kidsport as the complex is currently closed to the public.
First pitch is set at 2 p.m. for game one and 4 p.m. for game two.
Continue reading...
The new state tournament layout sees only eight teams making the field — four teams from each conference — similar to basketball and volleyball. The top two in each conference earning a spot, while the final two spots are decided by a best-of-three series between the next four teams in the standings.
The Wolfpack come off their second consecutive appearance in the state championship game — they brought home the title in 2023 with a 19-7 victory over Helena, and fell 3-2 to Capital in a weather-delayed tournament a year ago — and coach Abby Snipes says the team is feeling good as they hit the dirt this spring.
"We have a great first couple weeks of practice," Snipes said. "It's great to be outside for pretty much the whole time, not something we have been able to do before in the history of the program."
Leading the way for Glacier are senior middle infielder Nakiah Persinger and catcher Cazz Rankosky.
"(Rankosky) continues to really improve her craft, both hitting and catching," Snipes said. "(Persinger) has been super consistent at the plate."
Joining the pair is fellow senior Olivia Gibbons, who is back after rehabbing from ACL surgery. Gibbons is expected to make a difference in the circle. Also making an impact is junior Taylor Vivian, who Snipes said put in a lot of time to hone her craft during the offseason.
Snipes also mentioned a pair of talented freshmen who she hopes play a key role for the team in Ava Grady and Chloe Farrell. Farrell is the sister of graduated Wolfpack pitcher Ella Farrell.
"We have the opportunity to be really competitive," Snipes said. "Western AA saw a lot of teams graduate a good number of seniors and we think we have a good shot to get into the playoff positions."
Across town, Flathead coach Brittany Williams returns for her third season after leading the Bravettes to the state tournament in both prior attempts.
"We have a good group of core returners," Williams said. "Getting to the state tournament is tougher this season, but that is the ultimate goal."
If the new format was in effect for 2024, the Bravettes would have faced eventual champions Capital in a three-game series with the winner earning a spot in the field.
Williams says the strength of her team comes in the circle and at the plate.
Flathead returns a pair of experienced pitchers in senior Lacie Franklin — she has played varsity for all four years — and junior Macey McIlhargey.
At the plate, Williams highlighted a pair of returning all-conference players in senior Mackenzie Brandt and sophomore Olivia Nyman. She also noted Reese Conley — who missed time in 2024 — was among the top hitters in the conference.
Out in the field, Danica Hennell and Kinsie Lake hope to be do-it-all players for the Bravettes.
"They will be asked to do a couple different things, but they are super versatile," Williams said. "They came up with big hits and defensive plays when we needed them to last year."
Both teams start their season on Thursday with a doubleheader against Great Falls and CMR at the Glacier softball fields. Flathead's games were moved to Glacier from Kidsport as the complex is currently closed to the public.
First pitch is set at 2 p.m. for game one and 4 p.m. for game two.
Continue reading...
