Cougars softball battles this week with mixed results

Sometimes a battle is in the batter's box between a hitter and a pitcher. Sometimes it's the entire game or series. After a mixed week of play, where the Cougars lost against Northridge by a score of 13-3, and won against Thompson Valley, 10-0, a battle is what the team had on Saturday in their matchup against Severance. During the game, the women proved that their defense and ability to show fortitude is one of their biggest strengths even if it doesn't bring the outcome they desire.

The Cougars started off strong in their game against Severance. Niwot's lead-off batter, shortstop Autumn Rutherford, hit a triple followed by successive hits by teammates, including outfielder Josephine Gravelle which produced an early three runs.

As Severance's pitcher appeared to settle down during the second inning, the Cougars were unable to score although they got close. Severance nearly caught up when they scored two runs in the bottom of the second inning. They added four runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead, 6-3. In the top of the fourth, Rutherford scored after a double and a base hit by pitcher Anne Booth, but the Cougar offense was shut down for the rest of the game as Severance won, 7-4.

Coach Bobby Matthews summed up the week by noting some struggles, but also encouragement for the bright spots of how the women have been handling their play.

"We had an up and down week. Defensively we have been playing really well. We have seen some great improvement from some players, especially Simone Paterno. Her defense Saturday was amazing," he said.

Niwot Cougars 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 4

Severance Silver Knights 0 2 4 0 0 1 7

Niwot (not in order): (AB, R, H, RBI) Z. Cameron (1B) 3 1 0 0; J. Gravelle (CF) 4 0 4 2; R. Pacheco (RF) 3 0 0 0; Z. Chociej (2B) 4 0 0 0; P. Johnson 1 0 0 0 ; J. Philofsky (LF) 3 1 0 0; A. Booth (P) 4 0 1 1; A. Rutherford (SS) 4 2 3 0; S. Amaya (C) 3 0 1 0; S. Paterno 3 0 1 0.

Booth (W/L) (IP, H, R, ER, BB, K) L (6 9 7 7 1 1)