Schad, Jonart, Becker hit bombs as Bulldogs rout Capital, 7-0

The “if-necessary” game was not necessary.

Butte High’s softball team left little doubt this afternoon, routing Helena Capital 7-0 in a Western AA play-in game at Stodden Park. (Boxscore)

The win sends the Bulldogs, winners of six straight and seven out of their last eight, to the Class AA State tournament, which is next week in Missoula. It will be Butte High’s first appearance in the Class AA State tournament since 2022.

Kendallyn Schad and Gracie Jonart hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning, giving the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead. Schad’s blast was a two-run shot, scoring Brittyn Klima.

Allie Becker hit a three-run bomb in the third inning, scoring Schad and Jonart. Moments later, Cliry Conway singled in Reese Johnson to cap the scoring.

That was more than enough run support for freshman ace Brea Henderson, who was lights out in the biggest game of her career. Henderson scattered three hits, struck out nine batters and walked one in the win.

Becker went 3 for 3 on the day, while Schad went 3 for 4. Jonart added a single, as did Johnson.

Klima walked twice, while Jonart, Becker, Johnson and Henderson walked once.

Madi Emmert, Addi Allen and Selley Schwenk singled for the Bruins.

Butte High, which entered the playoff with the higher seed, only needed to win once. Capital would have had to beat the Bulldogs twice to advance to state.