KALISPELL – A first-inning run held up for Butte High as the Bulldogs posted a 1-0 win over Flathead High of Kalispell in a Western AA Conference high school girls’ softball game played Friday on the Bravettes’ home field.
Mattie Stepan was hit by a pitch to lead off the game and Savannah Stosich was inserted as a courtesy runner. With one out, Kendallyn Schad was also plunked and Stosich advanced to second base. Designated player Brittyn Klima delivered Stosich home with a two-out single.
The Butte High defense and freshman pitching ace Brea Henderson took it from there. Henderson registered eight strikeouts in a complete game for the fifth time this season. She finished with a three-hitter and walked only one batter.
“Brea pitched well and we played just good enough defense to hold on,” head coach Ryan Stosich said.
The Bulldogs were charged with three errors, but they did no damage. They also came up with some highlight plays.
“(Allie) Becker had a couple of amazing defensive plays,” the coach said about the athletic junior shortstop, describing one as a “Willie Mays (type) caught straight over her head.”
Flathead pitcher finished with a credible four-hitter, also with eight strikeouts. She walked two batters.
All of the hits in the game were singles. Gracie Jonart, Becker and Cliry Conway, along with Klima, each had one for Butte High. The Bravettes’ were by Stickney, Macey McIhargey and Kinsey Lake.
The 4-3 Bulldogs are to play Glacier on Saturday to finish their weekend trip to Kalispell. Friday’s win, combined with a 6-2 victory over Flathead to open the season earlier this month, gave Butte High a sweep over the Bravettes this regular season.
Butte High 100 000 0 – 1 4 3
Flathead 000 000 0 – 0 3 0
Brea Henderson and Mattie Stepan. June Stickney and Tegan Strauss. W – Henderson (4-3). L – Stickney.
BUTTE HIGH (4-3, 4-3) – Mattie Stepan ( C) 0-2, Savannah Stosich (CR), Reese Johnson (2B) 0-3, Kendallyn Schad (1B) 0-2, Gracie Jonart (RF) 1-3, Brittyn Klima (DP) 1-3, Allie Becker (SS) 1-3, Ally Godbout (LF) 0-2, Brea Henderson (P) 0-3, Cliry Conway (3B) 1-3.
KALISPELL FLATHEAD (3-8, 3-5) – Sophia Torgison (LF) 0-4, June Stickney (P) 1-3, Makenna Korf (CR), Olivia Newman (SS) 0-3, Macey McIlhargey (RF) 1-2, Lily Anderson (3B) 0-3, Reece Rosenberg (CF) 0-3, Tegan Strauss (C ) 0-3, Kinsey Lake (1B) 1-3, Danica Hennell (2B) 0-3.
Extra-base hits – None.
Runs batted in – Butte High 1 (Klima), Flathead 0.
