Colorado Preps Primer: Continental softball showdown

The following is a look at the marquee games this week in softball, volleyball and boys soccer in Classes 5A and Class 4A. (All rankings and records are current as of Monday.)

Softball

Douglas County (6-5) at

Legend (6-6), 3:30 p.m. Wednesday: In a Continental League showdown, firstyear Huskies coach Dane Craig looks to his captains, senior second baseman Abbey Montoya and junior third baseman Alley Kim, to earn a statement win over the No. 8 Titans, whose deep lineup is highlighted by senior Hailee Swanson’s .621 average and four home runs. Pueblo West (7-2) at Thomas Jefferson (10-1) ,10 a.m. Saturday: No. 5 Pueblo West is coming off consecutive blowout wins over Pueblo East, Pueblo Centennial and Pueblo County, and the Cyclones look to carry that momentum into a road showdown against Thomas Jefferson. This will be the biggest test yet for senior pitcher Zoya Robbins and the No. 10 Spartans following their Wednesday game against Conifer (10-2).

Volleyball

Mountain Vista (8-1) at Castle View (8-1), 6 p.m. Tuesday: This Continental League battle is not only important in terms of conference title implications, it could be a preview of a potential state tournament pairing. The No. 1 Golden Eagles are bouyed by senior libero Sam Novak and the blocking ability of senior middle hitter Amanda Keller, who will be crucial

against the No. 2 Sabercats’ attack led by senior outside hitters Kate Menz and senior middle hitter Ashley Echols. Eaton (8-0) at LewisPalmer (8-0), noon Saturday: In a cross-classification clash between two reigning state champions — Eaton in 3A, Lewis-Palmer in 4A — and a pair of programs that have combined for 14 total titles, managing momentum swings will be key for the team aiming to stay undefeated. The topranked Reds are led by junior outside hitter Mackenzie Harris, who will be opposite a varied No. 1 Lewis-Palmer attack.

Boys soccer

Denver East (7-0) at Thomas Jefferson (6-0), 4 p.m. Tuesday: A cross-classification Denver Prep League clash pits 5A No. 1 Denver East against 4A sleeper Thomas Jefferson. Senior striker Sam Carson will no doubt be the biggest worry for the Spartans’ defense, but Thomas Jefferson also has viable offensive firepower in senior midfielder Malek Abusnina and sophomore striker Randy Soetedja. Broomfield (5-1) at Fairview (5-1), 6:15 p.m. Saturday: This match will do much to clear up the early, crowded Front Range League title chase, as Fairview sits alone atop the standings at 3-0. Junior Cooper Harmon has paced the No. 5 Knights with five goals, while senior Michael Mooney has the same number of scores for No. 3 Broomfield.