Havre softball is just getting started

It has been a magical season for the Havre High softball team, there is no question about that and nothing that happens at the Class A state tournament is going to change that.

The Blue Ponies, who entered state as the second-seeded team from the Central A, dropped their opening game of the tournament 5-3 to Butte Central Thursday in the opening round in Frenchtown. HHS gave up three runs early in the game, before tying things up in the fifth. Yet, the Maroons added two runs late in the game and notched the 5-3 victory.

The loss dealt a blow to the Ponies, who were hoping to contend for a trophy, but since the state tournament is double elimination, things aren't over yet for HHS.

However, regardless of what happens there is no doubt that the Havre High softball team has had a tremendous season and what's even better, is that under the direction of first-year head coach Tony Vigliotti, the future looks bright.

After spending years as an assistant for the Havre Northstars American Legion Baseball Team, it was no surprise to see Vigliotti pass on his fundamentally-sound style from the baseball diamond to the softball field. Defensively, Havre has taken great strides this season and part of that has been the development of Alex Barkus, who settled in nicely to the role of starting pitcher for the Ponies.

Another aspect of it, though, is simply the growth within the program of some young players, such as Sydney Wilting, Janae Boles, Sam Oliver, Kinzee Peterson, Peyton Brown and more. Boles and Wilting have given the Ponies a solid foundation in the outfield, while at the same time setting the table for the offense as the top-two hitters in the batting order. Boles is a sophomore and in her second season of batting leadoff. But right behind her is Wilting, a freshman and Oliver, a sophomore. Kinzee Peterson, who led Havre in home runs this season is also just a junior, meaning Havre is stocked up well for the future.

But before looking ahead to what could be in the next few years, let's not forget about what the Ponies have achieved this season, because there have been a number of memorable moments.

Sometimes in sports, it can be hard to measure progress. But for Havre softball, there was no question coming into the season that beating Lewistown was a major objective. Prior to an 8-5 win against the Eagles back in April, the seniors, Barkus and Camryn Huston had never beaten Lewistown before. The three-run home run Peterson hit to help win that game will always be one of the iconic moments of this season for Havre softball, but it's not the only one.

Wilting had an equally important home run in the Central A Divisional tournament, as the freshman took Lewistown starting pitcher Kinsey Irvin for a ride, homering to deep center field, in what proved to be the winning runs in the Central A semifinals. It was the Ponies second straight win over a Lewistown team that had dominated them in recent seasons. So that alone was a huge step forward, not to mention, the 12-6 record heading into the state tournament and the fact that Havre managed to play for the Central A title.

Sometimes, certain coaches and certain programs just fit together and judging from the first season under Vigliotti, it seems like he and Blue Pony softball are a perfect fit. The small ball tactics he learned from the legendary Mickey Williams have certainly been on display and if you are a purist of the game, you would find yourself attracted to Havre's style of play.

The Ponies didn't use some magic formula to beat teams in 2018. They just played, as Vigliotti terms it, "Good, fundamental, softball."

It's all about making the smart play on defense, putting the ball in play at the plate and doing the little things right. Havre lays down a lot of bunts and has been exceptional at hitting the ball to the correct side of the field to advance a runner, even when it turns into an out.

All those little things have made a huge difference and that's why even if the Ponies fall short of their dreams this weekend at the state tournament, there should be plenty of reasons for optimism. Vigliotti has successfully changed the culture and with a bevy of young talent to build around, there's no telling what the future could bring.