Rifle is a perfect 10-0 against Cedaredge since September of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Bears will square off against the Bruins at 2:00 p.m. Each of these teams will be fighting to keep a win streak alive as Rifle comes in on 13 and Cedaredge on five.
Rifle will bounce into Friday's matchup after beating Palisade, who they had gone 2-7 against in their nine prior meetings. The Bears came out on top against the Bulldogs by a score of 8-4 on Wednesday.
Gia Keithley
| 10/08/25 vs Palisade | 2 |
| 10/07/25 @ Basalt | 1 |
| 09/27/25 vs Montezuma-Cortez | 1 |
| 09/23/25 @ Eagle Valley | 1 |
| 09/09/25 vs Eagle Valley | 1 |
Gia Keithley was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, she struck out six batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned (and two unearned) runs off four hits (and only one walk). She has been consistent: she hasn't tossed less than five strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double. Those two stolen bases gave her a new career-high.
In other batting news, Brynn Axelson was incredible, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two runs, one double, and one RBI. That's the most hits she has posted since back in September of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Aaliyah Mangnall, who went 2-for-4 with two stolen bases, two RBI, and one run.
Rifle was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .394. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Palisade only posted a batting average of .148.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Cedaredge). They were the clear victors by a 23-3 margin over Moffat County two weeks ago. The result was nothing new for the Bruins, who have now won 13 games by seven runs or more so far this season.
Tia Homedew made a big impact no matter where she played. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing three innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off two hits. Homedew was even better at the plate, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with four runs and two stolen bases.
In other batting news, Cedaredge got a massive performance out of Kiera Stroh, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with three stolen bases, four runs, and five RBI. Jewel Laliberte was another key player, going 3-for-4 with five RBI, three runs, and three doubles.
Rifle's record is now 18-4. As for Cedaredge, their record now sits at 14-5.
Friday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Rifle has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .488. However, it's not like Cedaredge struggles in that department as they've averaged .577. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Rifle came out on top in a nail-biter against Cedaredge in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, sneaking past 8-7. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Bears since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
