University softball sees way is clear to run at 3A state crown
The large obstacle that stood in the way of University’s quest to win last season’s Class 3A state championship is gone.
The Bulldogs got hot late in the regular season and postseason and went on a seven-game winning streak, but suffered a 13-2 loss to top-seeded Lutheran in the state title game at the Aurora Sports Park last fall. A rematch is not in the offing in 2022, however, as the Lions — who steamrolled their way to a perfect 29-0 record — ascended to 4A.
“With all the returning players we have and we have a lot of talent coming in, so it would be the same thing,” Wyatt said. “If we were to face them (Lutheran) again it would be a great matchup, but I’m glad they got to move up to 4A and have some new competition. I think it will be a great season.”
Three of the players who took the field in the state championship game graduated — and five in all — but the Bulldogs (who finished 23-6 last season) still have cause to believe they can make a run at the program’s second all-time state title and first since 2019. Coach Chris Hutson’s Greeley area squad comes into the season as the preseason No. 2 team in the CHSAANow.com 3A coaches poll behind Eaton.
Wyatt is especially determined to have a big season given how her year ended in 2021, when a torn ACL forced her to miss the championship game. In the semifinal, Wyatt homered, drove in two runs and scored twice in University’s 8-7 dramatic win over Eaton.
“My goal is to come back and push myself even harder,” said Wyatt, who finished with a .440 average and 35 RBI. “I just want to carry the team, be a good leader and just keep the generations going for positive success for the future.”
Wyatt certainly won’t have to do it alone with a returning group that also features sophomore Addison Harding, who was a force as a freshman as she hit a team-best .475 and drove in a team-high 55 runs, while she pitched the majority of University’s games and went 18-4 with a 3.97 ERA.
Senior Kendree Kern (.394, 35 RBI) is also back along with some other young players who saw regular playing time a year ago, while some other youngsters are expected to join the mix.
The CHSAANow.com 3A preseason top 10 is rounded out by Eaton — the 2020 3A state champion — Lamar, Sterling, Strasburg (a five-time state champion), LImon, La Junta, Fort Lupton, Brush and Rocky Ford.
