Butte High takes on Great Falls High Saturday at Stodden

GREAT FALLS — Great Falls Russell scored seven runs over the first three innings Friday, and the Rustlers opened the prep softball season with a 7-2 non-conference win over Butte High. (Boxscore)

The Rustlers did their damage on eight hits. The biggest was a three-run home run by Brie Ginnati. Her shot extended the lead to 7-0.

Ginnati also pitched seven innings, striking out three and walking three for the victory.

Sarah Faulk hit a triple and a single for CMR, which got a double from Laura Lindseth.

Butte High coach Ryan Stasich said his Bulldogs did some good things in their first game.

“Overall, I was pretty happy with our effort,” the coach said.

One particular bright spot was freshman Ashlinn Mullaney. She came in and pitched three shutout innings of relief.

“She looked sharp,” Stosich said.

Mullaney also blasted a home run to get the Bulldogs on the board in the fifth inning.

Joscelyn Cleveland followed with a double, and the senior scored on a single by Rian Ferriter.

Stosich said the Bulldogs had a chance to score more runs in the inning, but the team ran into a double play to end the inning.

“We’ve got to clean up a few things on defense,” Stosich said. “I thought we’d hit better today, but that will come as the season goes on.”

Kodie Hoagland, Gracie Ferriter and Bryn Godbout singled for the Bulldogs. Mullaney also added a single.

Hoagland, Grace Ferriter and Cami Kautzman worked walks.

Butte High will play its home opener Saturday against Great Falls High at Stodden Park. The junior varsity plays at noon, and the varsity follows at 1:45 p.m.