The Great Falls High Bison softball team proved that it's never too late to ignite a rally, storming back from a four-run deficit to claim a thrilling 9-8 crosstown victory over C.M. Russell High on Friday at the Multi-Sports Complex.

Head coach Robb Soltesz saw the fire in his squad from the very first inning, even as the Rustlers jumped out to a 4-0 lead. Senior Drew Swingley sparked the response with a leadoff double, and then Ava Newmack crushed a home run to deep left-center field, cutting the early deficit in half.

"They showed they didn't have any quit in them from the get-go," Soltesz said. "They just kept chipping away."

That no-quit mentality paid off in spectacular fashion during a five-run sixth inning, capped by clutch relief pitching from Kinslee Reeves. Newmack continued her power display with two home runs and three RBIs, while Swingley added a solo shot and a crucial two-out RBI during the decisive rally.

The Rustlers (9-5 overall, 5-4 conference) countered with a powerful performance of their own, as Rilee Mares and Myli Adams combined for five home runs. Mares launched three solo jacks, while Adams crushed a three-run blast in the first inning and added a solo shot in the fourth. Mares' third homer of the night put CMR ahead 8-3 in the top of the fifth, prompting Reeves to enter the circle in relief of Swingley.

Newmack answered immediately with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, cutting the lead to 8-4. The Bison then erupted in the sixth, starting with freshman Nina Newmack's RBI double. Landry Moog followed with a run-scoring hit, and Swingley made it a one-run game four batters later with an infield single. With two outs, the Rustlers elected to intentionally walk Ava Newmack, loading the bases for senior Avery Rains, who delivered the game-winning hit.

The victory lifts Great Falls High to 4-10 overall and 2-7 in Eastern AA play, showing that this Bison squad has the fight and firepower to compete with anyone.