Badger softball shakes off jitters, focused on improving

ST. MARIES - Although the Badgers lost both games of a softball doubleheader at St. Maries on Saturday, March 13, their coach said they learned a lot and were able to shake off first-game jitters.

The varsity softball team lost Saturday's nonconference games 19-0 and 16-5.

Bonners Ferry softball coach Kassy Skeen said most of her players have not played a game in over two years due to the COVID pandemic, so many are working to improve their performance.

“We found out where players belong, we tried them out in a bunch of different positions, so now we have a better idea at where players are their strongest,” Skeen said.

“Anna Bliss did amazing; she pitched very well,” Skeen said, “Jodie started off strong but got a little tired, and so we threw Anna back in.”

According to Skeen, in the second game, the hitting came alive, pitching and communication improved.

“We took being down and just played softball in the second game,” Skeen said.

Rose Owens went 3 for 3 with two doubles for the Badgers, and Anna Bliss tripled twice and drove in a pair of runs.

Badger softball looks to make improvements and will now be able to use their field, which they haven’t played on in two years.

During practice, the Badgers are working on their steals, pickoff plays and using live pitching; this helps the team learn to time their swing properly.

Although the Badgers lost both games, they never put their head down, according to Coach Skeen, and they are using the opening doubleheader as a learning opportunity.

“I’m very proud of the girls and the team, we are young and growing, but I’m so excited to be on the field; I can’t wait to see where they go,” Skeen said.

Bonners Ferry softball travels to Orofino for a three-game series starting Friday, March 19, at 2 p.m.

FIRST GAME

Bonners Ferry 000 00 — 0 1 3

St. Maries 208 9x — 19 15 2

Game called in 5th inning due to 10-run rule.

Anna Bliss and Rikki Cowin; Taci Watkins and Jenna Holder.

HITS: BF — Fredrickson. SM — Fuller 2, Mitchell 4, Watkins 2, Holder 2, Miller 2, Telford, Pel, Spray. 2B — Fuller, Holder, Miller 2, Mitchell 2, Peel, Watkins. 3B — Fuller, Holder, Watkins. HR — Mitchell.

SECOND GAME

Bonners Ferry 111 02 — 5 11 5

St. Maries 281 5x — 16 9 2

Game called in 5th inning due to 10-run rule.

Jodee Curtis and Savannah Rickter; Gracie Barden, Darriene Todd (5) and Jenna Holder.

HITS: BF — Owens 3, Rickter 2, Bliss 2, Pruitt, Falck, Sumpter, Curtis. SM — Mitchell, Watkins, Holder, Miller 3, Telford, Dockery 2. 2B — Owens 2, Dockery, Miller 3. 3B — Bliss 2.