Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Lauren Kato, Havre Softball

No spring sport has been immune to delays, cancellations and postponements and the Havre High softball team is no different. But after playing three games last week, the Blue Ponies are finally set to host their home opener this Friday against Lewistown.

Of course, it's always a big deal when the Ponies and the Eagles get together. It's an important game and with it being the first contest for Havre inside the Sixth Avenue Memorial, emotions should be riding high.

One player that is looking forward to the matchup is Havre junior Lauren Kato, a pitcher and third baseman, who is playing yet another season of varsity softball for HHS. Last year, Kato was a mainstay at third base, while also seeing some time in the outfield and on the mound.

While Kato is a key part of Havre's defense, whether she is on the mound or manning the hot corner, she is also a big part of the offense and is one of the hitters the Ponies will rely on for extra-base hits and RBIs. And during the early part of the season, the offense has been a force for the Ponies.

In the opening game of the season against Lewistown last week, Havre only managed four runs in a 14-4 loss to Lewistown in the first conference game of the season. However, when the Ponies returned to Lewistown last Saturday for an invitational tournament, HHS went off in two wins over Hardin and Laurel. The Ponies plated a total of 34 runs and 46 wins in the two victories over Class A opponents. Kato helped wrap up the second win on the mound, pitching the final four innings in the win over Laurel.

Throughout her high school athletic career, Kato has been busy. Not only has she played softball since she was a freshman at Havre High, she has also played volleyball and this past season, played basketball for the third straight year for the Ponies. However, softball has been the sport that has seen Kato make the biggest impact and with conference games against Lewistown and Belgrade on tap for Friday and Saturday, she and the Ponies are ready to reach the heart of their 2018 schedule.

Leading up to Havre's game Friday at home against Lewistown, the Havre Daily News caught up with Kato for five questions.

HDN: Are you excited to play at home this week?

Kato: "Yes I am really excited. It's always exciting to see who comes out to cheer for us and comes to watch."

HDN: From an athlete's perspective, what has it been like dealing with this crazy weather this spring?

Kato: "It was a pain to be inside because we couldn't do a lot of the stuff that we could do outside. Even with our infield work, we didn't get to practice on dirt, so everything was hit straight to you, there was no rocks or anything like there normally is. But we have been doing really good since we went outside, so it hasn't set us back too much."

HDN: How fun was it for you guys to finally get some games in last week?

Kato: "It was fun. It was good to get on the field. It's also more fun when you win, but it felt good."

HDN: Lewistown has always been a big rival for Havre and a team you guys have struggled against; how much would beating them at home Friday mean to you guys and the season?

Kato: "It would mean a lot because they are one of the teams we are always competing with at divisionals. They have always been really tough competition. It would be nice to get that confidence and if we beat them now, we will know that we can beat them later."

HDN: What are some of your goals for this season?

Kato: "I want to hit a home run, that's one of them. And then I want us to place at divisionals and get to state. I was looking at our banner and we don't have any places from state up there and that's something we want to change."