Bats hot for CMR softball as new season gets into full swing

The new season is underway for the C.M. Russell High softball team.

The Rustlers have come out swinging to start the new campaign, taking three out of four contests in Eastern AA play.

CMR has also racked up 40 runs in that span as Alex Hurley returns for her seventh season as head coach. The schedule was shifted this year as teams went straight into conference play rather than the traditional route of starting with two non-league games.

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“It was a different year going right after tryouts into conference games, so we kind of had to have a locked-in mindset getting ready for conference play right away,” Hurley said. “But (the Rustlers) were disciplined and they were hungry and they got the job done.”

CMR started off with an 11-10 victory over Billings Skyview and an 8-5 triumph over Billings Senior, both on the road, before falling 7-0 to West in Billings. The Rustlers got back on the winning track on April 7 with a 21-5 win at Bozeman Gallatin.

“It was good to see the bats going,” Hurley said. “We probably gave up too many runs than I’d like, but our pitchers are working through stuff, and they got the job done and it was exciting to see that.”

Ruby Dean, a returning all-conference third baseman, has thus far led a group of eight CMR seniors with a .538 average at the plate with six RBIs and three doubles.

“It’s great to have her as some power and consistency in our lineup,” Hurley said.

Senior Aspyn Zuelke has also had a highly productive start, hitting .500 with a team-leading seven RBIs while also starting again at shortstop.

Signe Hanson, also a star volleyball player for CMR in the fall, is sitting at .500 at the dish with a pair of doubles. The junior is versatile in the field, playing second base and in the outfield as needed.

“We’ve been trying her out as a leadoff (hitter) and she’s good at seeing pitches and having discipline up there and she’s pretty consistent,” Hurley said.

Hailey Marr is a senior returner at catcher and is hitting over .400 through four games with three RBIs.

“(Marr) has always been pretty consistent,” Hurley said. “She’s got a strong bat.”

Joining Dean and Zuelke in the infield is senior first baseman Rilee Mares, who is hitting just under .400 so far. Mares is welcomed back into the lineup after missing all of last season due to injury.

“We’re lucky to have her back,” Hurley said. “She’s a solid first baseman for us.”

Senior Emma McGraw will get some time at second base along with Hanson as well.

Seniors Kieva Mapes and Kaylei Schultz-Palagi headline the outfield in left and center, respectively, while Hanson and sophomore Ella Cron will have right-field duties.

“Our outfield is quick and athletic,” Hurley said.

Myli Adams is back in the circle as the starting pitcher and is 3-1 with a 5.06 ERA so far this spring. Cron started the contest against Skyview and will also see some innings to spell Adams, who also has knocked in five runs on three doubles at the plate.

“(Cron) is still getting some spins and pitches figured out as a sophomore,” Hurley said. “So, Myli’s been stepping up, she’s our senior leader and she’s done really well, staying disciplined on the mound and getting the job done. But we’ve got some depth on our pitching staff. We’re going to see a lot of different things between those two.”

The Rustlers return to the field at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, with the first crosstown game against Great Falls High at the Multi-Sports Complex.

“These girls are hungry and they’re working hard,” Hurley said. “A lot of potential there. So, we’re hoping to keep moving forward and we’ll see what happens.”

This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Bats hot for CMR softball as new season gets into full swing