Junior class brings optimism to Niwot softball

Anne Booth and Autumn Rutherford were both major producers in nearly every facet of the game last year for Niwot High School softball. Now entering their junior seasons, expectations have only risen as the Cougars begin their quest for a second consecutive playoff appearance.

Niwot's pair of junior stars combined for 13 home runs last season and were the only Cougars to hit over .500, plus Rutherford led the team in stolen bases and Booth won 12 games in the circle.

CeCe Smith, Zoe Cameron, Jenna Hobson and Maddie Stimack are also returning juniors who could impress. "We have a lot of girls in the junior class who are really dedicated to the sport and they really love the game," Rutherford said.

Twelfth-year head coach Bobby Matthews saw his juniors' passion result in some big strides over the summer.

"They've taken on a leadership role all summer and put in the work in their club softball season," Matthews said. "I think they look a lot better."

That junior class and senior Zoie Chociej, whose ability to reach base would intrigue Billy Beane in Moneyball, are responsible for stepping up after four-year varsity starters shortstop Ayva McComas and third baseman/pitcher/center fielder Jasmine Aldama graduated in May.

Matthews believes it will take some lineup tampering early in the season to best fill those spots, not to mention that first baseman Hannah Bassett has also graduated. In the circle, for example, Booth has only been relieved by Aldama the past two seasons. The plan now is for Hobson and Stimack to "split it out" behind Booth, Matthews said.

Just behind the juniors, Niwot's sophomore class also brings a few key pieces. Saleen Amaya was asked to be the starting catcher last season and she'll be back behind the plate again for her second year. Matthews also predicts big things from sophomores Simone Paterno and Julia Philofsky.

"Julia Philofsky has grown a lot in the summer, skills-wise," Matthews said. "She's going to break out of her shell and have a really solid year."

A couple of senior newcomers, Libny Molina and Valeria Navarrete, are also expected to make the jump from junior varsity this season.

Looking at Niwot's schedule, the Cougars open at 4A Longs Peak rival Frederick on Aug. 16 before hosting Skyline on Aug. 18. Another non-league game at Silver Creek follows on Aug. 20 to round out the first week. In addition to their league slate, Niwot is set to play in a round-robin tournament with Lyons and Peak to Peak on Aug. 27 for the second consecutive year. During Homecoming week, Niwot has a tournament in Berthoud.

"They're excited to get the season started," Matthews said. "Obviously, we play in a tough conference, so we've got to see what we can do and put things together and hopefully get to the Sweet 16 this year."

Matthews will once again be joined by longtime assistant coach Jason Johnson and Adam Strah who is entering his second season heading up the JV squad.