For high school athletes, it doesn’t get much better than a game played under the lights. In a supercharged atmosphere and with the fans in full voice, the Holy Family vs Eaton Softball game was one to remember. Although the score didn’t go in the Red’s favor, the opportunity and excitement presented was a one-time experience.
Normally, Reds softball plays at 4 p.m., after school. For softball players, the opportunity to experience the crowds that come along with nightly football games and volleyball games doesn’t usually occur.
“The tradition behind the night game is completely new. I have always thought it would be fun to allow more fans and students an opportunity to catch a game. It’s hard at 4 pm for some to get to a game with after-school activities and work. Additionally, we wanted to fill the stands to replicate an intense environment, and I feel we did exactly that. It was a good game as well against a really good 4A opponent,” said Head Coach, Chad Shaw.
As far as the opponent, the Reds hosted 4A powerhouse, Holy Family. Prior to the matchup, the Reds were ranked number one in 3A, and the Tigers were ranked within the top 10 in 4A, according to MaxPreps.
On the softball diamond, the game was a battle between two prominent competitors in their selective classes. The game remained at zeros until the fourth inning when the Tigers took a one-run lead.
The Reds responded swiftly, scoring two runs to take the lead in the sixth inning. Unfortunately, the Reds were not able to hold onto the advantage and the Tigers scored three more in the seventh to win the game 4-2.
The Reds lost, but their school and community showed up for the team. Reds softball games are seldom seen empty, but during the night game, the atmosphere became electric. Stands were filled with football players, students, and parents cheering on the number one team in 3A softball.
“Friday night lights” turned into “Saturday night lights” for Reds softball. Senior, Zoe Hamilton, said “The experience was truly amazing, there were so many people there that were cheering on us, and getting to play under the lights is always a softball player’s dream. Having all the football boys cheering for us hyped everyone up and it made the game even more exhilarating.”
Unfortunately with the atmosphere, the Reds couldn’t sway a victory their way, but with the postseason approaching, it becomes ever more important to play challenging teams. “For me, it was a pretty frustrating game. Holy Family is a good team and we didn’t bring our best. It’s great to play teams like that in September that prepare us for October,” said Emma Anderson(26).
Following the loss to Holy Family, the Reds resumed Patriot League play against Lyons on Sep 26. The Reds breezed through the matchup and got back on the victory board, winning 17-4. The Reds remained 5-0 in Patriot League, but another tough matchup against 4A side Riverdale Ridge on Sep. 30 meant the Reds would suffer their third loss of the year 8-1.
On Oct. 5, the Reds resumed Patriot League play and dispatched University 22-9. On Oct. 5, the Reds defeated Platte Valley 18-0 to improve to 7-0 in the league and 18-3 overall.
The Reds continue to dominate their opponents and the postseason beckons just around the corner with two games remaining. The Reds will finish out the regular season at home against Weld Central on Oct. 8 and Resurrection Christian on Oct. 10.
The Reds hope to host regionals, win their conference, and defend their 3A state title. “Honestly, we are one game at a time mentality. No changes or adjustments heading toward the postseason. The immediate goal for the team is to win our league and finish as high as we can in MaxPreps/RPI rankings, which provides us the opportunity to host a regional and maintain a high seed. Being able to host a regional is important – games on your home field and ensuring a good night’s sleep and a home-cooked meal encourages better performance,” said Shaw.
