Ponies will again be tough on the diamond

Editor’s note: This version corrects the name of Blue Pony girls fastpitch team member Selah Dawson.

Spring can be late arriving to Havre. But, whether spring is truly here or not, spring sports are and that includes the return of Havre High girls fastpich softball.

The Blue Ponies are once again led by longtime head coach Tony Vigliotti, and the 2024 squad returns to the diamond as the Eastern A champions from 2023.

HHS is hoping to make a similar run again this season. And weather permitting, that season is supposed to start this weekend at the Billings Central Invite. The fields at Stewart Park in Billings are going to be a theme this season, as Havre hopes to end up there playing for a Class A state championship in May.

Before the Ponies can get there, though, they'll navigate a tough schedule that includes conference trips to Miles City and Glendive, as well as home and away games against arch rival Lewistown. In April, the Blue Ponies will also play Class B Glasgow, as well as Sidney and others. The start of May also includes more games against the Eagles and others before Havre travels to the Eastern A Divisonal Softball Tournament May 17-18 in Lewistown.

After graduating a big senior class a year ago, the Ponies will be a younger team this season but still includes experienced players throughout the lineup.

Shelby Huston, Elle Verploegen and Jersi Morse will be Havre's senior leaders. A huge junior class that includes All-State catcher Camille Kelley, as well as Adisyn Olson, Callie Bebee, Brenna Hanson, Makree Oliver, Rachel Jette and Heydon Olson will also help lead the way. Ainsley Courtnage, Tahlyn Olson and Bree Hanson, as well as Daceen Verploegen, Lunden Brown, Ella Davison, Alaura Moore, Allison Moore, Paisley Brandon and Selah Dawson round out the Blue Pony roster this season.

Havre's first weekend on the diamond is set to take place Saturday at Billings Central.

The Ponies' first home games will be April 6 against Miles City.