The Columbia Falls Wildkats’ state softball run is over.
In a loser-out game Friday morning, the Wildkats lost to the Libby Loggers in an extra-inning contest 8-5.
The game was a defensive battle early on, with the teams tied 1-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. Then Columbia Falls rallied when senior Amanda Milliard knocked a two-out double down the third base line, scoring two.
Libby had a huge sixth inning, however, scoring four runs on a series of strong hits including third baseman Nickole Lapka’s two-run double.
Down 5-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, Columbia Falls’ Jaylynn Cantu beat out the throw to first on an infield blooper. Third baseman Tia Yaeger brought her home with a single over second, and her substitute runner Madison Sandefer scored on an Amber James single to send the game, tied 5-5, into extra innings.
Both teams went three up, three down in the eighth inning. But in the ninth, Libby came out swinging. LaRona Luscher dropped a single into short left field, and Lapka drew a walk. After a caught line drive, Alysha Martin hit a blooper just over second, loading the bases. When Candace Hendrickson hit a grounder to the Wildkats pitcher, Columbia Falls picked up the force-out at home. But when catcher James threw to first to try to pick up the double play, her throw sailed into right field and the Loggers scored two. A Libby line drive scored a third run before a flyout ended the inning.
The Wildkats weren’t able to come back in the bottom of the ninth, and Libby picked up the win 8-5.
Libby moves on to play Corvallis in a 3 p.m. loser-out game Friday.
Polson, the No. 1 seed from Western A, won its morning game against Laurel 4-2. The Pirates will play another loser-out game Friday at 3 p.m. against Ronan.