Niwot softball blanks Silver Creek 10-0 on Senior Night

Niwot's varsity softball team experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and results last week, demonstrating both the challenges and triumphs that come with the sport.

The week began with a difficult matchup against Broomfield High School, resulting in a lopsided 15-0 loss. The loss marks the first game of the season that the Cougars were not able to put a run on the board.

The Cougars, who average 7.2 runs per game this season, bounced back with a dominant 10-0 mercy rule victory over Silver Creek High School on Senior Night. The team's ability to shake off the previous loss and come back strong showcased their mental toughness and team spirit.

Niwot exploded with 11 hits against Silver Creek. Senior catcher Saleen Amaya, a four-year starter, went 3-for-3 at the plate, to lead the Cougars in hits. Sophomore May Herrera, who leads the team in batting, went 2-for-3, with three runs batted in, and senior Evelyn Majka collected two hits and her first home run of the season. For Majka, who transferred from Silver Creek to Niwot early in her high school career, the home run came at just the right time.

Niwot played flawless defense behind senior pitcher Kianna Butler, who posted a shutout.

The win over Silver Creek not only marked the last regular season home game for the Cougars, it also marked the last high school career home game for seven graduating seniors.

In an emotional tribute, Niwot honored the seniors after the game, as teammates and JV players gathered on the field to pay tribute to the seniors. Comments from the underclassmen as well as the seniors were interspersed with tears as the teammates described the seniors as respected leaders both on the field and off.

"Kindness" is a word that was used often to describe the seniors, which was highlighted in a tribute from NHS Principal Eric Rauschkolb, who also commended the seniors for their leadership off the field. Rauschkolb spoke openly of his respect for the team, naming them as players who will be remembered and talked about "ten years from now."

Coach Bobby Matthews, who spoke candidly to each of his senior players, also displayed his gratitude to parents for raising such great players and trusting the coaching staff with their daughters.

Niwot traveled to Johnstown to play Roosevelt High School under the lights the next night.

Niwot was first on the scoreboard, with sophomore Anna Halverson coming home on a passed ball in the second inning.

The Cougars put their second run on the board in the fourth inning that began with a single by Halverson. Amaya singled on a line drive to left field, driving in Halverson.

A walk to freshman Mandy Roth in the fifth inning and Roosevelt's intentional walk of Colorado's number one ranked pitcher, Kianna Butler, set up Halverson for a two-RBI single, increasing the Cougar lead to 4-0.

Roosevelt made a comeback effort in the sixth inning, scoring three runs. However, they were no match for the Cougars who scored two more runs in the seventh for a final score of 6-3.

Niwot will play at Skyline High School on Tuesday Oct. 8 before heading to Mead on Thursday for their last regular season game.