Ames to play volleyball for Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona University volleyball coach Craig Choate has announced that Ashley Ames has received a full-ride scholarship to play volleyball for the Lady Lumberjacks. She had previously intended to walk on at Utah State until the offer came from NAU.

A 5-foot-11 middle blocker, Ames achieved a rare "Triple Crown" for Capital High this year, earning All-State honors in volleyball, basketball and softball. She helped the Lady Bruin spikers to two fifth-place finishes at state, and set two school modern blocking records. Ames was also part of state runner-up teams in both basketball and softball for CHS.

"We are very pleased to have such a great athlete join the ranks of the Lumberjacks," Choate said. "For Ashley to be named All-State in three sports in one year is a credit to her hard work and determination, and we're looking forward to working with her."

Ames sported a 3.85 GPA and received a U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award. Ashley is the daughter of Greg and Susan Ames.

Colvin among three to sign with UGF softball

GREAT FALLS (AP) -- University of Great Falls softball coach Gary Ehnes has announced the signing of three softball recruits.

Jessica Bequette and Ashley Densmore are transferring to UGF from Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Ore. Ehnes has also signed Ashten Colvin of Capital High.

Bequette is a catcher whose father, Tom, is the coach at Blue Mountain. She was a two-time team MVP and earned all-league honors.

Densmore is a pitcher with a 62-mph fastball. She was named her team's most valuable pitcher. Densmore, a native of Vancouver, Wash., had 102 strikeouts in 108 innings.

Colvin was an outfielder for Capital High.

Shrine Bowl to be broadcast across state

The historic 62nd East-West Shrine Football Game will once again be heard on network radio across the state with Helena's KMTX 950 AM in broadcasting locally.

Ten radio stations plan to broadcast the game that is set to be played in Great Falls on July 19. The pre-game show of the East-West Shrine Game will begin at 6 p.m.

Handling the play-by-play will be Rocky Erickson, Sports Director of the Northern Sports Network, along with Jim Sargent of KSEN Shelby and Troy Mellinger of KQDI in Great Falls.

The following stations will also be broadcasting the game:

KURL Billings 730 AM

KBOW Butte 550 AM

KDBM Dillon 1490 AM

KXGN Glendive 1400 AM

KXGF (ESPN RADIO) Great Falls 1400 AM

KXLO Lewistown 1230 AM

KMMR Malta 100.1 FM

KMTA Miles City 1050 AM

KSEN Shelby 1150 AM

Thunder take 3rd at state softball tourney

The Capital City 18U Thunder fastpitch softball team took third place at the State ASA Softball tournament in Kalispell this past weekend. It was their third top-three tournament trophy this season.

Josie Grotbo and Carly Grant handled the pitching duties, combining for 31 strikeouts and allowing only nine earned runs for the tourney.

The Thunders' top hitters were Sarah Jackson (.500 average and six runs batted in), Kalli Heller (.316), Jacie Vonada (.313), Sarah Sesselman (.313, with three doubles) and Carly Grant (.278, with four RBI).

"It was a total team effort and every Thunder player either scored a run or had an RBI during the tournament," coach Mike Miller said.

The Thunder -- whose roster is a blend of Capital High and Helena High players -- qualified for Regionals, but has chosen not to participate. Other teammembers include Cassie Baker, Ashley Blanton, Jordyn Gillespie, Megan Graff, Brittany Mayer and Kendra Silverthorne.

State champions need help for Regionals

The Helena All-Star 12U Babe Ruth baseball team won the Montana state championship and has qualified for the regional tournament in Eugene, Ore.

Tournament play begins July 24 with the championship game on July 27.

The players, coaches and families are making the five-day trip and are asking members of the community for their support. Donations to help with travel expenses would be greatly appreciated. For further information, contact Debbye 465-5361.