Boulder softball faced a tough challenge on Tuesday, falling 8-4 to the Centaurus Warriors in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Panthers started strong, with Sophie Jones driving in the first run with a single in the bottom of the first inning, giving Boulder an early 1-0 lead.
The momentum continued into the second inning when Sophia Pereira singled to extend the lead to 2-0. In the third, Annali Langenegger added to the tally with another single, pushing Boulder ahead 3-0. The Panthers seemed to be in control, building their lead methodically with solid hitting and base running.
But Centaurus weren't backing down. In the top of the fourth, they mounted a comeback, tying the game at 3-3 with a series of well-placed hits, including a double by Sanders and singles from Penny Fisher and Long. The game took a turn in the fifth when an error allowed the Warriors to break the tie, and a fielder's choice by Samiya Bluitt added another run, putting them up 5-3.
The sixth inning was decisive for Centaurus. A powerful home run to center field by Sizemore brought in three more runs, extending their lead to 8-3. Despite a strong effort from Boulder, including multiple hits from Ellie Jones and Annali Langenegger, the Panthers couldn't close the gap.
On the mound, Lillian Vaughn took the loss for Boulder, pitching three innings and allowing five runs (two earned) on four hits. Vaughn managed to strike out one and walked one. Pereira, who started the game, pitched four innings, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out three and walking three.
Offensively, Ellie Jones and Langenegger each collected two hits, while Langenegger and Pereira contributed RBIs for Boulder. The Panthers showed resilience, but the Warriors' Sizemore led the charge for Centaurus, driving in three runs and going 2-for-3 at the plate. The combination of timely hitting and capitalizing on Boulder's errors sealed the game for Centaurus.
The Panthers will look to bounce back in their next match, traveling to face the Brighton High School Bulldogs in their first league game on Thursday.
