Central, County meet in Pueblo softball battle
The following is a look at the marquee games this week in softball, volleyball and boys soccer in Classes 5A and 4A. All rankings and records are current as of Monday.
SOFTBALL
Pueblo Central (6-2) at Pueblo County (8-0) ,6 p.m. Tuesday: In a South Central League showdown, sophomore second baseman Thalia Amaro, sophomore first baseman Kyleigh Espinoza and senior pitcher Taylor Puga — whose big bat complements her explosive arm — lead Central against undefeated County, one of 4A’s sleeper teams, as highlighted by the talents of sophomore center fielder Kaylin Mares and senior shortstop Makaila Bueno. Legend (5-5) at Mountain Vista (8-2), 4:30 p.m. Friday: Legend’s .500 record deceives, as the Titans lost three games to top 10 teams and two more to a pair of Oklahoma prep powers. The going doesn’t get any easier for coach Kristen Shirk and No. 8 Legend, whose second Continental League game comes against Bret Grammerstorf’s well-coached No. 5 Golden Eagles team featuring two viable senior arms in Erin Kerby and Makayla Hoselton.
VOLLEYBALL
Castle View (6-1) at
Rock Canyon (6-1), 6 p.m. Thursday: Castle View is one of the biggest surprises of the 5A volleyball season, as coach Scott Dowis and the No. 5 Sabercats already boast quality wins against No. 9 Chaparral and 4A No. 3 Holy Family. Senior outside hitters Kate Menz and Laney Hershiser lead the team into its Continental League opener against No. 2 Rock Canyon, whose elite offense is powered by junior setter and captain Abi Leitner. Niwot (5-1) at Longmont (7-0), 6:30 p.m. Thursday: Early returns indicate Niwot has what it takes to make a repeat 4A state tournament showing, as senior Mackenzie Fidelak and junior Emma Falk give the No. 5 Cougars ammunition at the net in what will be a well-contested Northern League rivalry match against Longmont. The Trojans have flown under the radar so far despite an undefeated record and the high-level play of senior outside hitter Rachel Kusbel.
BOYS SOCCER
Hinkley (2-1) at Gateway (4-0), 4:30 p.m. Thursday: Hinkley posted impressive wins over No. 7 Cherry Creek and Legacy to open the season, and now the Thunderbirds aim to regain their momentum from a loss last week to No. 9 Grandview. The East Metro Athletic League battle against the Olympians is sure to test the Thunderbirds again, as Gateway enters the match undefeated thanks to junior forward Josh Guzman and an array of other potent scorers. Denver North (4-0) at Golden (4-1), 5 p.m. Friday, NAAC: This enticing nonconference showdown pits two of the most underrated sides in 4A against each other. Coach Luke Vanderglas’ Demons are paced by three goals apiece from forwards Alex Huston and Colton Gomez, while coach Clay Porter and the Vikings’ chances in the match and throughout the rest of the season rest squarely on the shoulders of senior striker and team captain Uriel Rico.