October 26th 2024.
The Lutheran softball program may be relatively young, but they have already established themselves as a dominant force in the sport. This was evident in their recent game against Windsor for the Class 4A title, which they won by a narrow margin of 1-0. Led by sophomore pitcher Annie Schroeder, the Lions were able to secure their fourth consecutive championship and third in the 4A category.
Head coach Glen Maestretti couldn't be prouder of his team's accomplishments, especially considering the short span of just five years since the program's inception in 2020. He commended the senior players for their impressive contribution, with a combined total of 107 wins. Maestretti even joked that he would have a drink with anyone who could show him a better group of freshmen through seniors.
While Windsor also put up a strong fight, it was Lutheran's senior third baseman Aleksia Severson who sealed the deal with an RBI single in the first inning. Schroeder's pitching skills were also a crucial factor in their victory, despite being injured for most of the season. She made a remarkable comeback, with two relief appearances and a start in the two-day tournament.
The fourth and fifth innings were tense as Windsor threatened to score, but Schroeder remained composed and managed to get crucial outs when it mattered most. She finished the game with a complete shutout, securing the team's much-deserved win. It's worth noting that this was a particularly special moment for Schroeder, who had been working tirelessly to recover from a torn UCL in her right elbow.
The Lions' impressive record of 26-1 speaks for itself, and it was no surprise when they went wild with celebrations after the final out. They became only the fourth team in Colorado high school softball history to win four consecutive state titles, joining the ranks of other powerhouse teams like Arvada West, Erie, and Legacy. Maestretti couldn't help but bask in the glory of their achievement, praising his team's mental strength and composure under pressure.
The Lutheran softball program is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and their future looks bright with young talents like Schroeder leading the way. As for Schroeder herself, she couldn't be happier with her comeback and credited her faith for getting her through the tough times. Windsor also deserves recognition for their valiant effort, making it to their third title game appearance and finishing with an impressive 27-3 record.
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