Colorado softball moves to the postseason

The rise has been steady, not meteoric, for the Castle View (Castle Rock) softball team. But it is now safe to say the Sabercats have officially arrived as one of the state's elite in Class 5A.

One could easily see the tangible growth in the year-to-year evolution of the Sabercats, who are based on the west side of Castle Rock. This season, they have taken the gigantic step of winning the rugged Continental League to earn a host site for the regional round.

Castle View (16-3, 9-1) earned the No. 5 overall seed, one ahead of league rival and fellow emerging program Legend (Parker). The Titans, state runners-up last year, finished with the same overall and league records as Castle View but lost the head-to-head matchup, so the Sabercats were chosen as the Continental's top squad.

"We have a solid group of young kids this year, led by a few great seniors that have really come together as a team," Castle View coach Caley Mitchell said. "Last year we set the tone that we were a competitive team and should have high expectations for this year. We have worked hard, worked together, and are very excited for the playoffs."

Leading the way is University of Houston-bound pitcher Savannah Heebner, who has been clocked in the mid-60-mph range and has struck out 203 batters in 130 innings. She carries an 0.92 ERA and has chipped in at the plate with a .474 average and three home runs.

"She is an excellent pitcher and all-around athlete, but has also grown into a great team member," Mitchell said. "She has been a wonderful motivator and role model to her younger teammates. Her athletic ability allows her to not only pitch well, but also field her position as well, if not better, than anyone in the state."

Junior Kayla Gau has also provided thump in the Sabercats' lineup by peppering her .390 average with five homers, including a grand slam.

Another group of SaberCats – this one with an upper-case "C" – earned 5A's top overall seed. That would be Fossil Ridge (Fort Collins), which edged defending-champion Legacy (Broomfield) for the Front Range title. Coach Dave Philop's squad (17-1, 11-0) has been buoyed by an otherworldly season from pitcher Murphy McRoberts.

Few will count out Legacy. The No. 2-seeded Lightning has won six of the past seven state titles and has reigning player of the year in senior pitcher Haley Smith. Sophomore catcher Emily Taggart also has provided clout with seven home runs.

Other regional hosts include Jefferson County League champ Dakota Ridge (Littleton) at No. 3, potent Brighton at No. 4, Centennial champ Grandview (Aurora) at No. 7 and Broomfield at No. 8. Of note, it is Broomfield's first year up from 4A.

Class 5A regional brackets

In Class 4A, Frederick never slowed down after its sizzling start and cruised to the top seed with a 19-0 record. Several Warriors, including sophomore right fielder Paris Woods, have had career-type seasons.

It's hard to argue, though, that any team in the classification enters regionals hotter than Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch). The Eagles ended Wheat Ridge's seven-year stranglehold on the Jeffco League title by shutting out the Farmers 2-0 in Friday's league finale.

But it wasn't just a shutout. It was a no-hit, 13-strikeout masterpiece by freshman Alexandria Kilponen.

Kilponen sports an 0.33 ERA and has struck out 163 in 84 innings, nearly two per inning. Makenna Roth and Abby Zuschlag also have been huge for Valor Christian (18-1, 7-1) with batting averages approaching .600. The Eagles endured their lone loss on Sept. 13, a 1-0 decision to D'Evelyn (Denver).

"Following up on a successful 18-1 regular season, topped off with our first ever Jeffco League championship, we're excited to host the Region 8 as the number 2 seed," Eagles coach Dave Atencio said. "We are proud and excited of our accomplishments to date, but we expect to compete for a title."

Wheat Ridge, the defending champs and perennial contenders, slid into the No. 4 seed and it wouldn't be surprising to see a rematch with Valor sometime at state. The Farmers have gotten balance throughout the lineup, as five players enter regionals with at least 20 RBIs.

Other regional hosts include South Central champ Pueblo West at No. 3, Northern League stalwarts Silver Creek (Longmont) (No. 5) and Mountain View (Loveland) (No. 8) and premier Pikes Peak programs Vista Ridge (Colorado Springs) (No. 6) and Discovery Canyon (Colorado Springs) (No. 7).

Class 4A regional brackets

In Class 3A, all eyes are on Strasburg. Still. That's what happens when you haven't lost a game in more than two years. The Indians have won 48 straight and are seeking a third straight crown. But you won't hear them crowing much about the streak.

"As for the undefeated record, we do not talk about it," Strasburg coach Michelle Woodard said. "In fact, yesterday we talked about every team is 0-0. I think our team has always focused well and we go one practice at a time and look only as far ahead as our next opponent."

Valley (Gilcrest) (16-3) earned the No. 2 seed and holds the distinction as the last team to knock off Strasburg. Valley won 8-5 on Oct. 4, 2012. The Vikings, many might recall, were the beasts of the classification prior to Strasburg's reign.

Other contenders include No. 3 La Junta (16-2), No. 4 Sterling (14-5) and No. 5 Eaton (13-5). And don't count out No. 6 Lamar (13-6), No. 7 Skyline (Longmont) (15-4) and No. 8 Burlington (12-7).

Of note, Skyline had won only one game in each of its previous three seasons in 4A. The move down, coupled with an intact roster ready to take the next step, has worked wonders for the Falcons.

Class 3A regional brackets