The C.M. Russell High softball team sent a powerful message ahead of the postseason, and they didn't waste any time delivering it.
In a dominant regular-season finale on Friday, May 15, the Rustlers (13-7 overall, 7-5 Eastern AA) crushed crosstown rival Great Falls High 15-0 in just three innings at the Multi-Sports Complex. The victory was sweet redemption for CMR, which had fallen to the Bison by a single run just a week earlier.
The Rustlers came out swinging—literally. Five home runs highlighted the offensive explosion, with nine runs crossing the plate in the first two innings alone. The game was put away in the bottom of the third when Ella Cron delivered a two-RBI single, triggering the 15-run mercy rule and ending the contest in just over an hour.
"I was so proud of them," CMR head coach Alex Hurley said. "They showed resiliency. They just came out to compete today. They had a message to send. I think it helped make a statement before we go into the playoffs next week."
Leading the charge was Kaylei Schultz, who went 2-for-2 with two home runs, five RBIs and a walk. She wasn't alone in the power display—Rilee Mares and Myli Adams each launched two-run blasts, continuing a torrid stretch that saw both players collect five homers over the final six games of the regular season.
"Rilee and Myli have been consistent and our big power hitters," Hurley added. "It was good to see Kaylei Schultz crack out of her shell today. She's a great hitter, and for her to get two home runs in probably her last crosstown, I'm so proud of her."
With the regular season in the books, CMR enters the Eastern AA playoffs as the No. 4 seed. The Rustlers will host No. 5 Billings Skyview (6-13) in a state-tournament play-in game on Thursday, May 21, at 2 p.m. at Multi-Sports. As the higher seed, CMR needs just one win to punch their ticket to state, with an "if-necessary" game scheduled for 4 p.m.
Great Falls High, meanwhile, enters the play-in round as the East's No. 6 seed and will travel to face No. 3 Billings Senior (9-8) on May 21. The Bison will need to win twice to reach the state tournament, which runs May 28-30 in Missoula.
For the Rustlers, Friday's performance was more than just a rivalry win—it was a statement that this team is ready for the challenges ahead. And with bats this hot, they're a dangerous opponent for anyone.