Kats scheduled to open softball season Saturday

The Columbia Falls softball team didn’t get on the field for the first full week of practice, but they’re still scheduled to play a doubleheader this Saturday at home against Class B Conrad and Shelby — whether their feet have felt grass or not.

Snow, rain and soggy conditions have kept the team indoors this spring. But with plenty of talented players returning, the Wildkats are sure to be a force in the Northwest Class A conference this season.

Last year, the Kats took third at the Class A state tournament — their only tournament losses were to conference foes Frenchtown and Polson.

The Wildkats will rely on the arm of junior pitcher Ashley Trueblood and an excellent squad of returning hitters and fielders, including junior Winter Kemppainen, senior Tiffany Hummer, senior catcher Courtney Murray and speedy outfielder Carlee Brown, to name a few.

The Kats were 4-4 in league play last season and 17-10 overall. The Northwest A conference looks to be the toughest in the state again this year. Last year’s state champion, Frenchtown, will return several key players this year, and so will state runner-up Polson.

The Wildkats will be tested early and often. After spring break, they’ll dive into conference play and open with Polson at home on April 8 and Whitefish on April 10.

This year’s state tournament will be held close to home. Polson is host of the games, which start May 29.