NHS softball wins three, surpassing 200 wins for Coach Matthews

The Niwot High School varsity softball team extended its winning streak with an 11-1 win over Fairview High School on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at home, followed by a 15-3 win at Longmont High School, and a 3-0 win over The Academy High School at home on Saturday.

The Cougars scored six runs in the first inning against Fairview, beginning with a solo home run to right field by pitcher Kianna Butler. RBIs from Anna Halverson, Simone Paterno, Saleen Amaya, and Butler added to the lead, resulting in a final score of 11-1.

The Cougar powerhouse team did not let up in the game against Longmont, which began with a diving catch by Butler, who turned the out into a triple play when she threw to first base, followed by out number three at second base as the runners were unable to get back. The Cougars finished the game with 11 hits, 18 stolen bases and a final score of 15-3.

The triple header week ended with a win against The Academy, a game that was postponed earlier in the season due to weather. Butler struck out eight, and allowed two runs with no walks, leading to a final score of 3-0.

Not only does the winning streak continue for the Cougars, but the win over Fairview was the 200th career win for Head Coach Bobby Matthews.

Matthews, who has been head coach for the NHS softball program since 2010, said, "It feels great to have been able to coach as long as I have. Getting text messages from former players is really the best thing about it. Hearing from the former players that actually did the work on the field for the 200 wins is what it's all about."

After thanking each one of them, Matthews added, "The only reason I have had any success is because of them."

Matthews, who takes one season at a time, doesn't look back much at the past seasons. "One day I will look back at the totality of my career but now it's about this year and this team," he said.

When asked what he enjoys most about coaching, Matthews said he "enjoys seeing players develop over their high school careers, gaining confidence in themselves and reaching goals they set for themselves." He added that although he likes the competition and winning, "It is not my main focus or goal."

Reflecting on the strengths of the team as mid-season approaches, Matthews said, "This team has been coming together. The strength of this team is all of them as a whole competing together as well as our pitching, which has been amazing this season."

"Bobby is a tireless worker," commented Athletic Director Joe Brown. "Win 200 is an acknowledgment of an outstanding career."

Niwot will take on Monarch High School at home on Tuesday, Sept. 17, followed by an away game at Horizon High School on Thursday, Sept. 19.