Scotties seek first State B-C softball crown
Wednesday morning the Glasgow girls’ softball team received a fire truck escort out of town.
Come Saturday the Scotties might be getting a championship ride aboard the same outfit.
“It’d be the greatest thing,” said Glasgow head coach Gil Johnson, whose Scotties are considered one of the favorites when the State B-C softball tournament convenes Thursday in Frenchtown. “I know my girls on this team have their heart set on it this weekend. And they’re ready.”
Glasgow, 23-2 overall, meets Mission Thursday afternoon at 2 in a first-round game. The Scotties have rewritten the program record books this spring thanks to Johnson’s daughter, ace pitcher Tyra, and an offense led by slugger Khloe Krumwiede.
Tyra Johnson, whose twin sister Tiana is another Glasgow star, is a three-time All-State selection in B-C and holds most of the program pitching records. Krumwiede has a school-record 27 career home runs.
Gil Johnson was asked about the special spring with his daughters.
“It sure has been great,” he said. “They’re both seniors and we’ve got five others. They’re all been with us a long time. It’s really nice to see.”
Glasgow’s program, which was started by Mark Falcon until Johnson – his former assistant – took over two years ago, has made it to the state meet 14 of the last 15 seasons. The Scotties’ best finish has been second place.
Meanwhile, Great Falls Central, coached by Eric Vincent is a three-year-old program advancing to its second state tournament. The Mustangs have several talented players, including Allison Cantley, Sydney Hill and Sara Tarum, and will meet Libby Thursday afternoon at 4 in a first-round game.
The double-elimination tournament concludes Saturday afternoon.
There will be a new state champion, as the two-time defending winner Conrad-Choteau did not qualify for a shot at a three-peat. Former Conrad-Choteau star pitcher Tristin Achenbach transferred to C.M. Russell High for her senior season.
Nobody in B-C misses her.
“That’s for sure,” Gil Johnson said with a laugh. “I’m sure all the AA teams are just dreading it to have to face her, too. She’s amazing.”
AT THE STATE A meet Thursday in Sidney, meanwhile, teams from Lewistown and Havre are competing. Lewistown meets Polson in a first-round game at 11 a.m., while Havre takes on Columbia Falls Thursday afternoon at 1.
Frenchtown-Alberton, which earned a first-round bye, has won the last four State A championships.
Lewistown, coached by Mike Mangold, is led by star hitter Val Kolstad and excellent pitcher Carley Carpenter. Havre, coached by Whitney McNally, features Kinzy Peterson, Alex Barkus and Jacelyn Hassa.