The Fossil Ridge softball team defeated Fountain Fort-Carson and Eaglecrest to win Regionals and qualify for their tenth consecutive State Tournament appearance.

Fossil trailed early by a run, showing their rust from no action for a week. The Sabercats rebounded with two runs in the third inning, but really blew the game open with eight runs in the fourth, leading 10-1. The highlight was a three-run double from catcher Kodi Alvord, which turned the tide for the Sabercats, as they finished the game in six innings, with a final score of 12-2.

“I was relieved. It’s not been my best hitting season, but I was relieved to finally get back into it, make some solid contact, and get some runs for my team,” Alvord said.

Fossil’s second game was a closer affair, as Eaglecrest came in determined to win that regional title. The Sabercats jumped out to an early lead, scoring five runs in the bottom of the second inning. However Eaglecrest would bounce back, scoring two runs in the third and two in the fifth, cutting the lead down to one. The Sabercats widened their lead in the sixth with two insurance runs, and were able to hold off a seventh inning rally, defeating Eaglecrest 7-5.

The majority of the Sabercats hitting came from the bottom of the order, demonstrating Fossil’s depth and trust in their players.

“We know it’s not going to take one person, we have to try and get on base as much as we can…everyone is hitting for everybody else,” Alvord said.

During Fossil’s offensive burst in the second inning, shortstop Katelyn Hayes hit a ball down the third base line in a perfect spot, resulting in a two-run triple.

“I was just doing it for my team. I’m going to hit the ball as hard as I can and get these runs in,” Hayes said.

Fossil will look to defend their 2020 state title during the State Tournament at Aurora Sports Park. The Sabercats will open the tournament against Arvada West on Friday, October 22, at 12:15 PM.

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