The Eaton Reds Softball Girls finish off the 2019 season in eighth place after losing the Quarterfinal game to Brush 12-2. Walking into the State Competition, the Eaton Reds knew that Brush, Strasburg, and University, who’s Bulldogs took first at state, would be their hardest competition. In round one of the state tournament, the Eaton girls won the game against Rocky Ford, 9-8. Later in the state competition, the girls put their hearts on the line but unfortunately came up short losing round two of the State tournament to Brush. “State went how it was supposed to go. Did we play as well as we could, no. Could we of played better, yes” said Coach Chad Shaw. 

Before the state tournament on October 25, the Eaton girls took first for the fourth consecutive year at the regional tournament. This year taking on The Academy winning 14-4. “After the regional game, we felt we had a good start to state.” Coach Chad Shaw said, “Our confidence was relatively high.” Finishing off the season with a record of 17-9, next year’s team anticipates competing at another state championships. In this year’s season, the Reds accompanied seven seniors on their roster. “This year’s seniors did their very best of trying to lead,” said Shaw, “They were an action-oriented type of group.”

 In this year’s season, the Reds accompanied seven seniors on their roster. “This year’s seniors did their very best of trying to lead,” said Shaw, “They were an action-oriented type of group.” 

Ault High School senior, Remington Ross, who played for Eaton while also attending Highland for her academic years, has played varsity for Eaton since her freshman year. Ross earned a total of 205 runs, and 210 hits in her time at Eaton. This season, Remi was named 3A Player of the Year and signed to attend the rest of the softball career at California State University Fullerton. 

“I will miss all of the girls and not being able to see them every day like I can during the season,” Ross said. “I am just so thankful for the Eaton girls and the Eaton community for accepting me. It has been a pleasure playing for them and I will always be an Eaton Red!” 

Sophia Comer, who has played softball since first grade, and played for the Reds since her freshman year. “I will miss the girls, but I’m excited to see where they go next season,” Comer said, “Hopefully next year they use this year’s lessons and learn from them. I have high hopes for next year’s seniors and the leaders they will be.” After graduation Comer plans on attending UNC and studying dietetics. 

 Jazmine Davis has played for the Eaton Reds Softball team since her freshman year. Davis had a total of .705 on-base percentage in her high school career. “Overall this season went well. We won 17 total games which are pretty good,” Davis said, “We did great, we might have not been where we wanted but the overall season was great. I will miss the jokes we all had and laughing together the most.”

Senior Pitcher Dawn Renner, who’s twin sister who is also a senior, has played for the Reds softball team since her freshman year. Dawn earned a total of 4.41 Earned Run Average (ERA) this season.“The Windsor game was a highlight of this year’s season. It was great being able to pitch the game,” said Dawn. “I’m going to miss this year’s freshman girls, they were great,” said Dawn 

Catcher Shaylyn Renner, twin sister to Dawn Renner, has played for the Reds since her freshman 

year. Through her high school career, Shaylyn has achieved an on-base percentage of .778. “I’m gonna miss my friends on JV. I love them all. They are nice, amazing and positive and always build each other up instead of bringing each other down,” said Shaylyn. Typically the twins came as a pitching catching duo, but during the State game against Brush coaches opted to put Yaritza Puente (21) in at the catcher position. Shaw said the reason for the switch was because, “Yaritza is an amazing thrower, we just needed to have a threat to prevent stolen bases.” 

Senior Shae Bucke has played for the Reds since her freshman year. Bucke said, “This season was good but it wasn’t our best even though we did try our best. We had our ups and downs,” Shae said 

 Macy Gurnsey has played for the reds since her freshman year. Through the course of her career, Macy had an on-base percentage of .457, “Overall the season was good. I think I improved a lot as a leader, and ill be able to carry those lessons forward into my athletic career.” said Gurnsey. After this season Macy will continue her athletic career at Colby Community College in Kansas.

“We did great, we might not have been where we wanted but the overall season was great,” said Jazmine Davis (19). “We appreciate all the efforts. I’m sad to see them go but it was nice to see them grow,” said Shaw.