AURORA -- The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) has released its preseason coaches' polls for softball.
Defending state champions Lutheran (4A) and Eaton (3A) claimed the top spot in each of its respective polls, while Broomfield checked in at No. 1 in the 5A poll. The Eagles are coming off a season in which they went undefeated up until the semifinals of the state tournament, where they lost 9-8 to eventual state champions, Riverdale Ridge. The Ravens checked in tied for third with Columbine in this year's preseason poll.
Softball games can start this Thursday with the two-day state championships set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25 at Aurora Sports Park.
The preseason polls:
Class 5A
| Rank |
Team |
| 1 |
Broomfield |
| 2 |
Cherokee Trail |
| 3 |
Columbine |
| 3 |
Riverdale Ridge |
| 5 |
Legend |
| 6 |
Valor Christian |
| 7 |
Grandview |
| 8 |
Arvada West |
| 9 |
Chaparral |
| 10 |
Erie |
Also receiving votes: Arapahoe, Brighton, Chatfield, Cherry Creek, Eaglecrest, Fossil Ridge, Fruita Monument, Grand Junction, Grand Junction Central, Legacy, Loveland, Mountain Vista, Pueblo West, Rock Canyon.
Class 4A
| Rank |
Team |
| 1 |
Lutheran |
| 2 |
Windsor |
| 2 |
Holy Family |
| 4 |
Pueblo County |
| 5 |
Golden |
| 6 |
Elizabeth |
| 7 |
Berthoud |
| 8 |
Palmer Ridge |
| 9 |
Severance |
| 10 |
Pueblo Central |
Also receiving votes: Air Academy, D'Evelyn, Dakota Ridge, Discovery Canyon, Falcon, Frederick, Mead, Mesa Ridge, Niwot, Palisade, Ponderosa, Pueblo Centennial, Pueblo East, Pueblo South, Rifle, Roosevelt.
Class 3A
| Rank |
Team |
| 1 |
Eaton |
| 2 |
University |
| 3 |
Strasburg |
| 4 |
Lamar |
| 5 |
The Academy |
| 6 |
Lyons |
| 7 |
Forge Christian |
| 8 |
Wellington |
| 9 |
La Junta |
| 10 |
Rocky Ford |
Also receiving votes: Alamosa, Brush, Limon, Peak To Peak, Resurrection Christian, Sand Creek, Sterling, The Classical Academy.