The Wildkats were riding high on a six-game winning streak, but sometimes in softball, the bat flips the script. Columbia Falls had been on a tear, cruising past Glendive 18-2 at the Laverne Combo Softball Invitational on Friday—just one day after an 11-8 league win over Polson. But then the Miles City Cowgirls stepped into the box and made a statement.

Miles City launched three home runs to snap the Wildkats' streak with a 14-8 victory. The tournament, featuring 21 Class A teams from across the state, wraps up Saturday, but the Cowgirls already made sure their presence was felt.

For Columbia Falls (14-6), Katie Bulawsky was a one-woman show at the plate, crushing two home runs—a solo shot in the second inning and a three-run blast in the fourth. She also added an RBI single during the Wildkats' explosive eight-run first inning. Bella Mann chipped in with two doubles, two RBIs, and three runs scored, while Onnika Lawrence collected two hits, two RBIs, and three runs. Ella Branstetter drove in three runs on two hits and shared pitching duties with Bulawsky, combining for a one-hitter with three walks. Bulawsky struck out five, and Branstetter added one.

But the Cowgirls (9-10) turned walks into runs, taking advantage of eight free passes and some serious power. Jacie Chapweske roped a two-run double, and Ryleigh Eurich smashed a solo homer during a seven-run second inning that pushed Miles City ahead 9-0. Eurich's two-run shot in the first inning had already set the tone, and Danaka Clifford's two-run homer in the fourth kept the momentum rolling. Chapweske wasn't done—she added another RBI double in the third and a grand slam in the fourth to cap an 11-run inning.

Despite the loss, the Wildkats fought back. Ella Branstetter tripled and scored on Kahlan Baumgardner's single in a three-run third inning, and Kendal Moultray added a two-run double in the fourth. But the game ended after five innings, with Miles City's power proving too much.

In other tournament action, Whitefish bounced back for just their second win of the season, blanking Deer with a 13-0 mercy-rule victory. Allie Stuart tossed a four-inning shutout, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out six. Elyse Sharpnack led the offense with three doubles and three RBIs, while Grace Inabnit went 4-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs, and three runs scored. Elliot Gallagher had three hits and two RBIs, and Jaylynn Johnson also drove in two for the Bulldogs (2-10).

Browning also found success, combining four hits with 16 walks from Deer to secure a win. Maya Andreas had two hits and three RBIs to lead the way.

For softball fans, this tournament is a reminder that momentum can shift in a single inning—and that a power-hitting lineup can turn any game into a highlight reel. Whether you're a Wildkats fan looking for the next big bat or a Cowgirls supporter celebrating a statement win, the Laverne Combo is delivering drama from start to finish.