BILLINGS — After enduring unpredictable weather delays, losing in the undefeated semifinal, and then emerging victorious in not one, but two championship games, the Columbia Falls Wildkats successfully defended their title as the Class A softball state champions.
“It just demonstrates how badly we wanted this and the extent of our determination,” stated senior Haden Peters. “Every other team had the same desire, but we are the ones who emerged victorious.”
The Wildkats faced defeat against the previously unbeaten Billings Central with a score of 7-3 in the undefeated semifinal on Saturday, placing them behind in the double-elimination tournament. However, they rallied back, displaying immense heart and resilience.
“It required a lot, but primarily it was all about heart, sheer heart, that’s what it took,” explained senior catcher Demye Rensel. “It wasn’t just about defeating a formidable team like Billings Central once, but doing it twice, which demanded nothing but heart.”
Despite the setback after losing to the Rams, the Wildkats never doubted their ability to come out on top.
“All along, from the moment I woke up this morning, I knew we had it in the bag,” said senior pitcher Maddie Moultray. “I had complete faith in our victory, I never once questioned it.”
Moultray not only pitched a total of 200 pitches across the two championship games but also contributed a crucial three-run homer in the second game, propelling Columbia Falls to an 8-3 lead in the sixth inning.
“That was an incredible feeling,” expressed Moultray. “I would do anything for my teammates, and that moment allowed me to demonstrate how much I care for them.”
With only three seniors on the team—Moultray, Rensel, and Peters—the Wildcats had a young team, and these three players took it upon themselves to lead by example on the grand stage.
“It’s quite significant, honestly, and it’s something we have emphasized throughout the season, that there are only three of us,” Peters noted. “We have a lot of younger players who showed outstanding performance in this game.”
“Throughout the season, we knew that the younger players might be more nervous because they hadn’t experienced this level before. So, we had to act confidently since we had been here before,” added Peters.
Regarding the significance of winning a second state championship consecutively for both the team and the broader Columbia Falls community, Rensel remarked, “We are a sports-driven school, we hold our sports in high regard. The support we provide to each other in sports is immense, and bringing back a victory like this means the world to us.”
“It’s something the entire community eagerly anticipates, even the younger kids, like those in elementary and middle school. They approach us with such excitement, just as thrilled for us as we are for our teammates. It’s truly amazing,” Rensel concluded with a smile.
