Every high school team has that one team they want to beat. For the Conifer High School softball team, that school is Arvada West. The softball team played against Arvada West on September 8, 2021, at Conifer.

      The team came in ready to show Arvada West their hard work. For some of the girls, their goal in practice was to get prepared for this game. Arvada West is one of the biggest competitors for the team, and they were determined to win this year. Which is exactly what Conifer did- leaving the game with a score of 9-3.

      Conifer’s softball team is currently second in the state in their division. They have also stayed undefeated, with this game being the sixth game of their season. 

      “I want to see us continue to come together,” senior, Katy Sims, said. “I especially want to see us continue to win more games.”

      Conifer played strong defense, with dive plays from senior Ashley Fritz and strategic base running from sophomore Kellyn Dougherty.

      “Honestly, I didn’t think I was going to make that dive. I just pushed as far as I could,” Fritz stated. “I think if I didn’t make it, they would’ve scored, and that would’ve brought their momentum up.”

      The state tournament is still in the back of the Conifer girls’ minds this year. They stated previously that their goal is to make it past the first day of the state tournament, which they continue to work towards in every game and practice.

      The Conifer team plays again from September 10-12. They will be playing in the yearly Berthoud tournament against numerous other schools.

       “For the next game, I want to make contact with the ball and keep myself in the game,” junior, Regan Pell, said. “State is the all-time goal, but for me personally, I want to make it a good year for the seniors.”