Cougar softball roars

The Niwot High School softball team has been turning heads this season with an impressive performance on and off their home field. With a solid overall record of 14-8 for the 2024 regular season and a commendable 7-4 standing in the competitive 5A/4A/3A Granite Peaks league, the Cougars have proven themselves a force to be reckoned with.

The team's performance has been particularly stellar on the home turf, with the Cougars boasting a 6-2 record. Their away game resilience is evident in their 7-6 record on the road. The Cougars' offensive prowess is reflected in their impressive team totals: 178 hits, 116 RBIs, 39 doubles, four triples, and seven home runs.

Several players have shone brightly throughout the season.

May Herrera leads the team with a remarkable .476 batting average. Her 30 hits, 14 RBIs, seven doubles, and two triples have been crucial to the team's success.

Kianna Butler has been a dual threat, excelling both on the mound and at the plate. With a 1.41 ERA, she's been a force in the pitcher's circle. At bat, she's contributed 27 hits, 12 RBIs, 10 doubles, and two home runs.

Anna Halverson has been a consistent performer with 23 hits, 17 RBIs, two doubles, and one home run.

Payton Johnson has shown power at the plate with 22 hits, 22 RBIs, five doubles, and two home runs.

Payton Stokes has displayed versatility with 23 hits, seven RBIs, and a mix of extra-base hits including a triple, three doubles, and a home run.

Angela Arosemena has been a menace on the basepaths, leading the team with 13 stolen bases.

The Cougars' defense has been equally impressive. Simone Paterno has been flawless in center field, maintaining a perfect fielding percentage while contributing 10 hits, 13 RBIs, and two doubles offensively.

Catcher Saleen Amaya leads the team in fielding at .989 from behind the plate, adding nine hits, six RBIs, and two doubles to the offensive tally.

Other notable contributors include Madison Dodge (10 hits, 7 RBIs, 3 doubles, 1 triple), Mandy Roth (10 hits, 8 RBIs, 2 doubles), and Evelyn Majka, who has also notched a home run this season.

As the Niwot Cougars prepare for the first round of the CHSSA State Tournament, their balanced attack of strong hitting, solid pitching, and reliable defense makes them a team to watch. The top 16 teams will advance to quarterfinals Oct.25.

The entire Niwot community rallies behind these young athletes as they aim to extend their successful season and make a deep run in the playoffs.