Grand Junction, CO – The Southwestern League proved its competitive nature Tuesday in a high school softball doubleheader, showcasing strong performances from Montrose and a dramatic comeback from Fruita Monument.
The day's first game featured the defending champion Grand Junction Tigers taking on the Montrose Red Hawks. Montrose entered the contest with an impressive 9-1 overall record, including a perfect 3-0 start in league play, and a four-game winning streak during which they had outscored opponents 47-2. The Tigers, meanwhile, were coming off a weekend sweep of Durango.
Montrose quickly established its lead when Zuri Balleck hit a liner, leading to the Red Hawks going up 2-0 after a play at the plate was ruled safe. Grand Junction pitcher Kloe Donahue began to find her rhythm, finishing the day with five strikeouts, but the Montrose offense continued to challenge.
The Tigers' bats broke through when Jacquelyn Boyd connected for a hit that found outfield grass, allowing Ashlyn Warinner to score and cutting Montrose's lead to 2-1. However, Montrose answered back, extending their lead to 3-1. Maya Yacovetta’s bunt attempt, though not hit hard, landed in an area unreachable by Grand Junction fielders, allowing Cheyenne Whitcomb to score. Later in the game, with Montrose leading 4-1, Bentley Shiller scored after a ball got past the backstop. The Red Hawks secured the victory over the defending champions with a final score of 5-1. This win brings Montrose's season record to 9-1 overall and 4-0 in league play, putting them one win away from double-digit victories.
The second game of the doubleheader took place over at Colorado Mesa University, where the Palisade Bulldogs faced the Fruita Monument Wildcats. Both teams were vying to climb into the top tier of the league standings, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.
Early on, the game was characterized by strong pitching and defense, making runs a scarcity. Fruita’s Cadence Segers made a key defensive play at third base, handling a sharply hit ball to help get Chloe Cummings and her teammates out of an early jam. Fruita pitcher Kensley Hassenstab also stifled the Bulldog bats, recording a strikeout that kept the score quiet in the initial innings.
Palisade eventually broke the scoring open in the top of the third inning. Lexi Trottier hit a liner down the left field foul line, bringing two Palisade runners across the plate and giving the Bulldogs a 2-1 lead. Trottier then scored herself after a ball got past the Fruita Monument backstop, extending Palisade's early lead to 3-1.
However, the tide turned dramatically in the bottom of the sixth inning. With their backs against the wall, the Fruita Monument Wildcats staged a massive rally, scoring seven runs to complete a significant comeback. This explosive inning secured a 9-5 victory for Fruita Monument over Palisade. Key offensive contributions to the Wildcats’ rally included Addison Cutshall, who finished the game with two doubles and drove in two runs, and Macy Veek, who was credited with three runs batted in during the win.
