In front of a lively crowd at Fairview High School on Saturday, the Boulder Varsity Softball team secured a crucial 14-10 victory over their rivals, improving their record to 5-5 on the season. In a game filled with offensive fireworks and back-and-forth momentum swings, Boulder finally took control in the late innings to walk away with the win.
Early Action: Boulder Strikes First, Fairview Responds
The Panthers came out aggressive, getting on the board early in the first inning. Walks by Sophia Pereira, Ellie Jones, and Annali Langenegger set the stage, and a double from Sophie Jones brought in the opening run. Fairview responded in the bottom of the inning, taking advantage of key hits by Brooklyn Dangott to grab an early lead.
Fairview added to their tally in the second inning with a double by Julia Savage and an RBI groundout by Dangott, stretching the lead to 4-1. However, Boulder showed their resilience, tying the game in the top of the third after a key double by Channing Wheeler and smart situational hitting by Langenegger and Ria Ushakova.
Mid-Game Tension: Errors and Big Hits Keep It Close
The momentum continued to swing throughout the third and fourth innings. Fairview capitalized on an error to regain the lead, but Boulder wasn't done. In the fourth inning, Pereira singled to spark another rally, and Fairview's defense faltered, allowing Boulder to go up 6-5. The game seemed destined to stay tight, especially after a solo homer by Savage tied it up once again for Fairview in the bottom of the fourth.
Boulder jumped back in front in the top of the fifth when Kendal Evans singled to put the Panthers ahead 8-7, only for Fairview to fight back once more and reclaim the lead at 9-8 after another Panther error.
Boulder Takes Control Late
The turning point came in the top of the sixth. With two outs and the game hanging in the balance, Ria Ushakova came through with a double that brought in two runs, followed by an RBI single from Avery Stuhlbarg that gave Boulder a 12-9 advantage. Fairview couldn't recover after that, and Boulder's defense held firm in the final innings, highlighted by a clutch double play from Stuhlbarg and Ellie Jones to seal the win.
Pitching and Offensive Leaders
Pereira went the distance in the circle, giving up six hits and 10 runs (six earned) while striking out five. Despite allowing 12 walks, Pereira's ability to keep battling was key to the Panthers' win.
At the plate, Sophie Jones led the charge with three hits in five at-bats. Ushakova, Langenegger, and Stuhlbarg each drove in two runs, contributing to Boulder's 14-hit output. The Panthers also showcased patience at the plate, drawing six walks to keep constant pressure on Fairview's pitching.
Stats Summary:
• Sophie Jones: 3-for-5, 2 RBIs
• Ria Ushakova: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 2 walks
• Avery Stuhlbarg: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs
• Ellie Jones: Multiple hits
• Channing Wheeler: 1-for-4, key double
• Pitching: Sophia Pereira – 7 IP, 6 hits, 10 runs (6 earned), 5 strikeouts, 12 walks
Looking Ahead
With the win, Boulder improved their record to 5-5 and will look to keep their momentum going as they return home to face Mountain Range on Tuesday. The Panthers are finding their rhythm, and with this victory, they hope to push above .500 in their next outing.
