Slowly but surely, the Montezuma-Cortez High School softball team continues to improve.
Opening a weekend doubleheader on the road against Palisade on Aug. 29, the Panthers won for the first time this season, defeating the Bulldogs 14-11.
Keying M-CHS’s win was a 9-run fifth inning, which saw two home runs from standout junior Tayla Topaha.
As a team, the Panthers slugged 13 hits on the day, while committing just two errors.
“It was pretty good,” said M-CHS manager Brett Martin. “I was pretty pleased with that game.”
Unfortunately for the Panthers, things did not go as well during a 16-3 loss to Delta on Aug. 30.
According to Martin, the Panthers struggled against Delta pitcher Hannah Easter, who allowed just three hits while striking out 10 M-CHS batters.
An 11-run third inning by Delta, keyed by several Panthers errors, also contributed to the loss.
“We didn’t play a very good game,” said Martin. We just weren’t able to connect. We have to get better mentally.”
With their record now at 1-2 on the year, M-CHS will next play on the road matchup against Durango on Sept. 2. The Panthers then return home for a doubleheader against Delta on Aug. 30.