After knocking off Livingston 4-2 in the first round, the Columbia Falls Wildkats fell 7-5 to the Billings Central Lady Rams in the second round of the State A Softball Tournament.
Down 7-2 heading into the bottom of the sixth innning, the Wildkats mounted a late rally. Shaun Rowe drew a walk to start off the inning, followed by a Cassidee Skiles fly ball that dropped into shallow center field. A bunt advanced both runners, and after a pop out, Niki Birky singled up the middle to score one.
The Wildkats held Central in the top of the seventh, then with one out, Kayla Stinger knocked a single for Columbia Falls, scoring one. Rowe followed that up with another RBI single, before a fly ball and ground out ended the game.
Central mounted a consistent offensive attack, scoring in each of the first five innings. Catcher Brynn Burke continued her streak, having hit safely in every game this season. Pitcher Jenny Harrington picked up the win for the Rams.
Columbia Falls will move to the consolations bracket, facing Libby tomorrow at 11 a.m. Central plays Butte Central at 1 p.m.
In their first game, the Polson Lady Pirates, ranked first in the northwest conference, lost 5-0 to Frenchtown. They’ll face Laurel in a 9 a.m. loser-out game.