Colorado state softball tournament takes center stage

When Loveland put to rest a half-decade softball title run by Legacy last season, it looked like a one-and-done proposition.

The Indians, who ousted Legacy (Broomfield) in the semifinals and went on to defeat Dakota Ridge (Littleton) in the Class 5A championship game, were senior-heavy, particularly among their chief contributors.

Don't look now, but Loveland (15-4) is right back in the thick of things on the eve of this season's state tournament (Friday and Saturday, Aurora Sports Park). The Indians earned a No. 8 seed and will open against No. 9 Brighton.

Loveland hardly is the favorite — that designation belongs to top-seeded Douglas County (Castle Rock) — but you can bet opponents will be well aware of the Indians.

"No one in the Front Range League thought we would make it to state this year," Loveland coach Mike Felton said. "We lost our best four from last year."

Included was all-everything pitcher Cassidy Smith, but the Indians replaced her with Holly Posegate (15-2, 1.67 ERA). Included was top hitter Addie Coldiron, who had 10 homers and 53 RBIs last season. The Indians haven't had anyone quite match that output, but a squadron of others have breathed life back into the offense.

Center fielder Tes Hass has batted .475 from the leadoff spot. Senior captain Annika Anderson has hit .368 with two homers and 24 RBIs. Freshman Tatum Rembao has batted .542 with 13 steals. And, perhaps the biggest surprise, fellow freshman Wendy Dykstra has clubbed six home runs and driven in a team-best 27.

"Wendy Dykstra has bat speed and a very athletic swing," Felton said. "Her homers are not just barely clearing the fence. They are no doubters."

To be fair, the Indians weren't the champions of their own league. Fossil Ridge (Fort Collins) and Legacy tied atop the Front Range League with 10-1 marks, and the SaberCats earned the No. 3 seed. Legacy, which will seek its sixth title in seven seasons behind pitcher Haley Smith (15-5, 139 strikeouts), is seeded fifth.

Also keep an eye on No. 2 Rock Canyon (Highlands Ranch), which coach Debbie Kortbawi has developed into an annual contender, and No. 4 Dakota Ridge, which is looking to end a near-decade title drought for 5A Jeffco League schools. Junior Cassidy Creekmore (.436, six homers, 23 RBIs) leads a cadre of Eagles hitters.

MaxPreps Colorado Class 5A state brackets

In 4A, many eyes will be on Wheat Ridge sophomore Ann Marie Torres. She has produced 12 homers, 14 doubles and a ridiculous .671 average. The ball simply explodes off of her bat.

The top-seeded Farmers are clearly the favorite, particularly after Erie stumbled a bit in regionals. The Tigers, seeded No. 2, lost 15-13 to No. 15 Mullen and had to win a playback against Evergreen to get into state. The loss dropped the Tigers to a No. 6 seed for state.

"We'll just deal with it and play our game," Erie catcher Tiffany Maul said. "I don't think seed necessarily matters because anyone can win at this point."

While Erie undoubtedly remains a factor, Ponderosa (Parker), which makes its living in the mostly-5A Continental League, jumped up to No. 2. Reigning champion Pueblo East, which defeated Niwot for last season's title, is right there at No. 3. Eagles pitcher Katie Orona, who won last season's championship game, is 16-2 with a 1.40 ERA and 147 strikeouts.

Discovery Canyon (Colorado Springs) and junior standout McKenzie Surface is the No. 4 seed and freshmen-heavy Broomfield is No. 5. The Eagles got a walk-off homer in the regional final from Taylor Gilmore to beat Silver Creek (Longmont).

"Freshmen (batting) 4-5-6, and there's lots of pressure, but we have a lot of confidence in them that they can handle it," said Broomfield coach Paul Seifried, whose youngsters rely on the leadership of senior pitcher Shelby Grandt.

MaxPreps Colorado Class 4A state brackets

In Class 3A, Strasburg won last season's championship in something of an upset against Valley (Gilcrest), and the Indians have never stopped. They enter state as the top seed and unblemished at 21-0.

"There always seems to be a little added pressure but most of those are from outside the program," Strasburg coach Michelle Woodard said of being undefeated. "They are all supportive, but we try to keep it low key and treat each day and game as an individual situation. . . . We talk about being 0-0 for our record right now."

Seniors Logan Losh and Danni Klein have combined for 65 RBIs and a 20-0 pitching record.

"Logan Losh and Danni Klein have done a great job for us in the circle and in their respective spots on defense," Woodard said. "Both have had a few no-hitters or held hitters off their game. Logan has really come on strong as a hitter lately and hopefully she can continue that form through the state tournament."

Strasburg will find challenge from at the top from Sterling, Holy Family (Broomfield) and Valley, the Nos. 2-through-4 seeds, respectively. The top four seeds earn a first-round bye in 3A, so if the bracket holds, Strasburg and Valley could meet in the semifinals. Valley pitcher Trinity Harrington's 162 strikeouts are by far the most in the classification.

MaxPreps Colorado Class 3A state brackets