It’s crunch time for the GHS softball team. Currently sitting fifth in the 3A Western Slope League, the Cowboys look ahead to the final five games of the season against key league rivals. Doubleheaders against Aspen and Basalt will determine the Cowboys’ playoff seed, and their likelihood of advancing past the first round.
Last week, GHS rebounded off a 15-5 loss to Alamosa with a split doubleheader against Meeker. The 10-3 victory in the second Meeker game propelled the Cowboys to a massive, 12-2 victory over Florence on Sept. 28.
Head Coach Leslie DiLorenzo is confident the girls will kick into gear in the final regular season matchups.
“All five of our seniors are really stepping up, and have been willing to play wherever to get wins,” DiLorenzo said. “I think they’re starting to realize it's near the end of the line for them, and they’re tired of slipping in the sixth and seventh innings, when we should be winning.”
On Sept. 26, GHS hosted the 6-8 Meeker Cowboys, who sat fourth in the league. Meeker opened the scoring in the first inning, and despite key RBI’s from Reese Japuntich and Kylee McDougal in the first and third, the away Cowboys ran up the score. The first game ended 9-3 for Meeker.
In the second game, the Cowboys returned to the diamond without key catcher Maddy Bacalis due to injury. Junior Kaylee Vincent filled in behind the plate, and Emma Commerford and Ashlyn Cowan filled in for banged-up starters.
Despite the roster changeup, the Cowboys flew out of the dugout. Senior captain Maddie Vollendorf led from the batter's box, knocking in one run with a double and triple. GHS led 5-0 after the third inning, and held Meeker to a single run. A three-run fifth inning sealed the victory, and the Cowboys added to their win column.
GHS continued its budding win streak on Saturday, with a dominant, 12-2 victory over the Florence Huskies. Seniors Isabella Crown and Nella Gardner each earned an RBI at the plate, steering the Cowboys to a 7-10 overall record.
Now, GHS looks ahead to one final home matchup against Cedaredge on Oct. 7. Then, the Cowboys will wrap up the regular season on the road in games against the 0-9 Aspen Skiers and the 5-13 Basalt Longhorns.
(Alex McCrindle can be contacted at 970.641.1414 or alex@gunnisontimes.com.)
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