Boulder Softball Dominates Fort Lupton 22-5, Improving to 10-6

The Boulder Panthers continued their hot streak, cruising to a 22-5 victory over Fort Lupton on Saturday. With the game stopped after the fourth inning due to the mercy rule, Boulder improved its record to 10-6 on the season. Senior Channing Wheeler led the Panthers, going 3-for-3 and reaching base five times, while driving in two runs and scoring four.

Early Offense Sets the Tone

The Panthers jumped out to an explosive start in the first inning, putting up 7 runs. Senior Ellie Jones got things rolling with a double that drove in two runs. Wheeler followed with an RBI single, and Ria Ushakova added another RBI with a single of her own. Sophomore Kendal Evans kept the momentum going with a two-run double, and Lillian Vaughn grounded out but scored another run, pushing Boulder to a quick 7-0 lead.

In the second inning, Boulder added two more runs on a single by Annali Langenegger, extending the lead to 9-2.

Third Inning: Capitalizing on Fort Lupton's Errors

The third inning saw Boulder take advantage of some Fort Lupton miscues, scoring five runs on just two hits. An error brought in one run, followed by another RBI double from Ellie Jones. Another error, combined with a dropped third strike, allowed two more runs to cross the plate, and Vaughn capped the inning with an RBI single. By the end of the third, Boulder was firmly in control with a 14-5 lead.

Fourth Inning: Game-Sealing Offensive Barrage

The fourth inning was a massive offensive explosion for Boulder, as the Panthers plated eight runs on just two hits. Wheeler's third single of the day drove in one run, followed by a bases-loaded walk drawn by Ushakova. Junior Olivia Hill then delivered a two-run double to further extend the lead. Additional runs came across due to a fielder's choice, a hit-by-pitch, and a pair of walks, sealing the victory for Boulder at 22-5.

Key Stats:

• Channing Wheeler (Sr): 3-for-3, 4 runs, 2 RBIs, 2 walks

• Ellie Jones (Sr): 2-for-2, 4 runs, 4 RBIs, 2 doubles, 3 walks

• Avery Stuhlbarg (Sr): 2-for-5, 3 runs, 1 RBI

• Olivia Hill (Jr): 1-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBIs, 1 double

• Kendal Evans (So): 1-for-2, 1 run, 2 RBIs, 1 double, 1 walk

• Ria Ushakova (Sr): 1-for-3, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, 1 walk

Boulder totaled 13 hits, 9 walks, and 18 RBIs in the game, taking advantage of every opportunity Fort Lupton presented. Ellie Jones continued her exceptional season, driving in four runs and reaching base five times, while Wheeler remained a key contributor at the top of the lineup.

Pitching Performance

Lillian Vaughn earned the win, pitching four innings while allowing five runs on five hits. She struck out none but kept Fort Lupton off balance. The defensive support, along with Vaughn's control, ensured the Panthers stayed in control throughout the game.

Zaeluh Vigil and Areliana Bravo shared pitching duties for Fort Lupton, but they struggled against Boulder's potent lineup. Vigil allowed eight runs on two hits in just over an inning of work, while Bravo surrendered nine runs on six hits across 2.2 innings.

Next Up:

The Panthers, now 10-6, will look to carry this momentum into their next game against Brighton (10-6, 6-1 in conference play) on September 24 at 4:00 PM at Boulder High School. This game will be a key test as both teams look to gain ground in the standings.