Photo by Katie Boyer

On Tuesday, October 5th, the Spartan Softball team took on George Washington High School, winning 5-3. According to Senior Pitcher Lauren Jorgenson, the game was a good display of team spirit and effort. “We came to play when it came to competing,” said Jorgenson. “We acted like we really wanted the win, and it came out to be a great game.”

Senior Outfielder Melissa Acker has similar opinions. “The game against George was really successful,” said Acker. “We kept up a lot of energy, and really went at it to beat them.”

However, on Thursday, October 7th, the Spartans lost against Lincoln 15-5. “Lincoln didn’t beat us, we beat ourselves with our errors,” said Acker. “It was a really disappointing game.”

“Lincoln was an embarrassing game,” said Jorgenson. “We came in very confident that we were going to win, and that was our downfall. We took on a very lazy attitude, and it showed. I kind of want a redo on the whole game.”

Despite the loss, Varsity Softball is anticipating the playoffs that will arrive on Saturday, October 16th, with high hopes. “As disappointing as the game against George was, it gave us a lot of motivation for the playoffs,” said Acker. “Now we want it more than ever.”

“If we have the right, ‘in it to win it’, mindset, we can win all of the games,” said Jorgenson. “It’s just a matter of coming to compete, and coming to win.”

Receiving the number 21 seed for the playoffs, Softball’s next game will be Saturday, October 16th.

TJ Softball Schedule:

8/25 – Aurora Central High School W 11-1

8/31 – Golden Senior High School L 14-4

9/1 – D’Evelyn Senior High School L 14-4

9/3 – Peach Fuzz Tournament L 8-9 & 21-1

9/4 – Peach Fuzz Tournament L 16-14

9/7 – Hinkley High School W 20-3

9/8 – Pomona High School L 16-1

9/9 – Overland High School (@ home) W 18-8

9/10 – Evergreen High School L 9-3

9/17 – Denver East High School W 5-3

9/21 – Denver North High School (@ home) W 21-3

9/22 – Strasburg High School L 14-4

9/24 – Montbello High School (@ home) W 22-2

9/28 – John F. Kennedy W 2-1

9/30 – Denver West High School (@ home) W 5-3

10/5 – League Tournament (versus George Washington High School) W 5-3

10/7 – League Tournament (versus Lincoln High School) L 15-5

Photo by Katie Boyer

On Tuesday, September 28, TJ took on John F. Kennedy High School, taking the lead and winning 2-1. “[Coach Kyler Jackson] said a win is a win,” said Senior Outfielder Melissa Acker. “But it was still a really close game, and it shouldn’t have been that close at all.”

On Thursday, September 30, TJ went up against Denver West High School, again beating the cowboys 5-3. “We knew we had to win that one to become city champs,” said Acker. “But we don’t just want to be city champs, we want to go farther.”

After a week full of victories, TJ’s Varsity Softball team is now tops in the city, and is preparing for the League tournament coming up on Tuesday, October 5. “I feel like it’s one step closer to getting what we’ve been wanting to get forever,” said Acker. “And that’s the state title.”

Photo by Katie Boyer

After a week of two wins and a loss, Senior Outfielder Melissa Acker found the week to be ultimately successful. “We had two easy wins, and they were wins we really needed,” said Acker. “It went alright, overall.”

On Tuesday, September 21, the Spartans battled North High School winning 21-3. “This was a great game to practice,” said Acker. “We got to practice, perfect, and just work on anything we needed to work on. It was a good game.”

On Wednesday, September 22, the softball team went to Strasburg High School, losing a tough game 14-4. “We could have really used that win, “ said Acker. “We expected it to be a hard game though, so we were prepared for a challenge. “

Nonetheless, on Friday, the Spartans took on Montbello High School, winning with a 20 point lead of 22-2. “This game was a blow-out,” said Acker.

Not only was this game significant for the whole team, but it was beneficial for individuals, as well. “[Junior Rebecca Randall] hit a ton of runs,” said Acker. “She’s #2 in the state right now for home runs. In the state! That’ s pretty cool.”

After a week of ups and downs, the Spartans are preparing for their next game on Tuesday, September 28, against John F. Kennedy High School.

photo by Katie Boyer

On Friday, September 17, TJ Varsity Softball took it to East, winning 5-3 in a close game.

According to Senior Outfielder Melissa Acker, the game was difficult, and kept all the players on the edge of their seats. “It was really intense all the way through,” said Acker. “We would score, then they would score, and it kept going back and forth.”

Acker also notes the difficulty in keeping a lead throughout the game. “We never got a big lead, so it was always really scary,” said Acker. “It ended up coming down to the last inning before we could pull out a win.”

The softball team is looking forward to playing Denver North High School on September 21, which will take place at TJ at 4:15 p.m. “We are very confident that the outcome of this game will be in our favor,” said Senior Pitcher Lauren Jorgenson. “Playing Strasburg High School on Wednesday will be our real challenge.”

TJ Softball Schedule:

8/25 – Aurora Central High School W 11-1

8/31 – Golden Senior High School L 14-4

9/1 – D’Evelyn Senior High School L 14-4

9/3 – Peach Fuzz Tournament L 8-9 & 21-1

9/4 – Peach Fuzz Tournament L 16-14

9/7 – Hinkley High School W 20-3

9/8 – Pomona High School L 16-1

9/9 – Overland High School (@ home) W 18-8

9/10 – Evergreen High School L 9-3

9/17 – Denver East High School W 5-3

9/21 – Denver North High School (@ home)

9/22 – Strasburg High School

9/24 – Montbello High School (@ home)

9/28 – John F. Kennedy

9/30 – Denver West High School (@ home)

10/5 – League Tournament

10/7 – League Tournament

Photo by Katie Boyer

On September 7th, Varisty Softball took their game to Hinkley High School, winning 20-3. “This was a lot better than some of our earlier games,” said Senior Pitcher Lauren Jorgenson. “We’ve had a lot of batting practice, and that showed. There were still some fielding errors, but we looked a lot more like a team during this game.”

The next day, September 8th, Varsity Softball played against Pomona High School, loosing 16-1. While Jorgenson remained happy about their previous victory, she still felt as though the team could have been stronger. “It was a little embarrassing, we could have been a lot better,” said Jorgenson. “We really should have been able to pull off the game, but we fell apart. It told us a lot about our team.”

Despite this loss, the Spartans won on September 9th against Overland High School 18-8. “It was a good game, but it wasn’t our best,” said Senior Outfielder Melissa Acker. “We’re going to fight really hard from here on out.”

In addition, Softball Coach Kyler Jackson felt as though the girls truly showed good effort in the past week. “The girls bounced back well after a series of heartbreaking losses to very good teams by pounding the ball,” said Jackson.

On September 10th, Varsity Softball fought Evergreen High School, loosing 9-3.  Jorgenson believes a significant reason for this loss was the lacking of key players. “We were missing three starters,” said Jorgenson. “Because of this handicap, our offense was lacking. Our defense, however, was actually pretty good.”

Overall, Jorgenson is glad the team has improved since prior games. However, she also believes there are various improvements still to be made. “The game wasn’t too bad actually,” said Jorgenson. “We played a lot better than we have in the past. We still need to pick up our overall game, though.”

In addition, Jorgenson feels as though the team as a whole could improve its playing. “I think what we really need to improve on is communication in the field,” said Jorgenson. “We really need to keep our head in the game, know what’s going on, keep track of base runners, and just be smart in general.”

Varsity Softball’s next game will be taking on East High School on September 17th.

TJ Softball Schedule:

8/25 – Aurora Central High School W 11-1

8/31 – Golden Senior High School L 14-4

9/1 – D’Evelyn Senior High School L 14-4

9/3 – Peach Fuzz Tournament L 8-9 & 21-1

9/4 – Peach Fuzz Tournament L 16-14

9/7 – Hinkley High School W 20-3

9/8 – Pomona High School L 16-1

9/9 – Overland High School (@ home) W 18-8

9/10 – Evergreen High School L 9-3

9/17 – Denver East High School

9/21 – Denver North High School (@ home)

9/22 – Strasburg High School

9/24 – Montbello High School (@ home)

9/28 – John F. Kennedy

9/30 – Denver West High School (@ home)

10/5 – League Tournament

10/7 – League Tournament

On August 31st, Girl’s Varsity Softball took their game to Golden Senior High School, losing 14-4.

According to Catcher Sarah Southard, the game was one of the hardest the team has had. However, Southard also notes the improvements made during the last inning. “In the last inning we really pulled whatever energy we had reserved deep down and played our hearts out,” said Southard. “Well, as much as anyone can when you’re down by ten. The first two people in our line up got singles, so there were runners on first and second. After that Becca [Junior Rebecca Randall] was up, and she hit a triple to right field, which scored two. I was right after Becca and I also hit a triple to right field, and Becca scored. Then Morgan [Senior Morgan Bruzas] hit a double and scored me.”

The next day, Softball went up against D’Evelyn Senior High School, losing again 14-4. Southard also notes that this was a difficult game, but also recognizes the good effort the Spartans put forth. “It was definitely a tough game, but we all played hard,” said Southard. “We worked well as a team, although nobody likes to losing, and that’s what killed us. Once people start getting down, it’s really easy for the whole team to take on that mentality, too. We did a good job though, of keeping our heads in the game. And I think that showed.”

Ultimately, Southard feels as though both games were fought hard and well. “It always hurts to lose, but the last inning of that game [8-31] really showed me that no matter who we play, we can always compete,” said Southard. “That’s something Jackson has always told us, but I don’t think anyone really took it to heart until we rallied in that last inning.”

Girl’s Varsity Softball will be playing in the Peach Fuzz Tournament from September 3-4.

TJ Softball Schedule:

8/25 – Aurora Central High School W 11-1

8/31 – Golden Senior High School L 14-4

9/1 – D’Evelyn Senior High School L 14-4

9/3 – Peach Fuzz Tournament

9/4 – Peach Fuzz Tournament

9/7 – Hinkley High School

9/9 – Overland High School (@ home)

9/10 – Evergreen High School

9/17 – Denver East High School

9/21 – Denver North High School (@ home)

9/22 – Strasburg High School

9/24 – Montbello High School (@ home)

9/28 – John F. Kennedy

9/30 – Denver West High School (@ home)

10/5 – League Tournament

10/7 – League Tournament

The Varsity Softball Ladies shake hands after a great win. Photo by Katie Boyer

The Spartan Softball Girls commenced their season on Wednesday at Aurora Central High School, defeating the Trojans 11-1. Junior Rebecca Randall triumphed in the game, hitting a home-run, along with a few triples.

Softball Coach Kyler Jackson sees this opening accomplishment as a good precursor to the upcoming season. “The girls fought back from a tough opening game to beat a much improved Central,” said Jackson.

Senior and Pitcher Lauren Jorgensen also felt like the game was an excellent starter to the season, mainly due to teamwork and consistency. “It was a pretty good game; the top of our lineup was really hitting well, which helped us out a lot,” said Jorgensen. “And when the other team was hitting, our team handled all the plays really well.”

Not only did the Spartans succeed as a team, but they also excelled individually in their performances. “We had a freshman, Allyson Grywusiewicz, pitch during the 4th inning,” said Jorgensen. “And Becca Randall hit a home run, and a few triples. So I’d say both of those were pretty eventful things.”

TJ Softball is also receiving financial support from the Colorado Rockies Charity Fund, in hopes to expand the program, giving the lady Spartans even more reason to celebrate.

Both Jackson and Jorgensen are looking forward to their next game, where the Spartans will go head to head against the Demons. The game will be taking place next Tuesday at Golden High School at 4:00pm.

TJ Softball Schedule:

8/25 – Aurora Central High School         W 11-1

8/31 – Golden Senior High School

9/1 – D’Evelyn Senior High School

9/3 – Peach Fuzz Tournament

9/4 – Peach Fuzz Tournament

9/7 – Hinkley High School

9/9 – Overland High School (@ home)

9/10 – Evergreen High School

9/17 – Denver East High School

9/21 – Denver North High School (@ home)

9/22 – Strasburg High School

9/24 – Montbello High School (@ home)

9/28 – John F. Kennedy

9/30 – Denver West High School (@ home)

10/5 – League Tournament

10/7 – League Tournament

photo by Carlos Covarrubias

The softball team was the ranked 12th coming into the 2009 playoffs, and with the historically great season behind them, they were expected to do great things.  The tournament style was double elimination and the softball team was in a tough region with the top teams in the state competing against them.

On Friday the Spartans took on Silver Creek High School ranked 13th in 4A, and Palisade High School ranked 29th in 4A.  Although the Spartans played as hard as they could, they would lose to Silver Creek by a score of 15-2.  “We made a lot of mental mistakes; mistakes that we haven’t made for a long time now,” said Senior Captain and Pitcher Aryn Grywuiewicz who pitched her heart out in both games.  She noted that the team made base running mistakes, which took away chances for the Spartans to score.  Not only were the Spartans making mistakes, but they also couldn’t get any help from the umpires either.  The Spartans were able to take advantage of Silver Creek’s mistakes, but it wasn’t enough to get the win.

After losing to Silver Creek, the Spartans rallied themselves back up to take on Palisade High School.  The Spartans came in confident and played great the entire game and were up by one going into the ninth inning.  “We made a crucial mistake that gave them some momentum back,” said Grywuiewicz.  When it came time for the Spartans to bat they struggled, not getting many hits, and loosing the game 9-8.  “It’s heartbreaking and it’s going to take a while to get over this loss.  It is hard to end your season like this, but for us seniors it’s even harder because not only did we not win a state title, but also we will most likely never play with the same girls again.  We have some great memories to look back on this year and I am going to miss everything about this team,” said Grywuiewicz. For the five seniors: Lauren Kelsch, Morgan Bertram, Stephanie Warren, Shalece Jackson, and Aryn Grywuiewicz, their high school softball careers are over now.

“We had a good year, but not a great year,” said Head Coach Kyler Jackson, who is already planning for next year’s team.  “I plan to do more fundamental drills like base running and bunting, along with strength training and teaching more signs so we can steal more bases,” said Jackson, who also said that he is very proud of the season and his wonderful team, but is nonetheless disappointed on how it ended.  “We didn’t get beat by the other teams, we beat ourselves.  I feel that we should be playing for state right now, but we’re not.  The only thing we can do is learn from our mistakes and continue moving forward,” said Jackson.

photo by Carlos Covarrubis

On Tuesday October 6, the Spartan softball team took on the Lincoln Lancers at TJ, beating them by a score of 4-1.

The Spartans trailed 1-0 until Senior Captain Aryn Grywuiewicz hit a solid double to bring in the first run.  It wasn’t until the sixth inning when Senior Shalece Jackson hit a triple, scoring three runs.  Junior Lauren Jorgenson also had an impact on the offensive side, stealing bases throughout the game.   “They were a good team and posed a great challenge to us,” said Grywuiewicz, who also threw 11 strikeouts. The softball team played very well and limited their mistakes to a minimum.  Girls’ softball is the first team in Denver to win four consecutive city titles, and to win 29 consecutive league games.  “It was very exciting to accomplish this and we are ready for playoffs now. We feel like we can do anything, including win state,” said Grywuiewicz

With this game being the last regular season outing for the five seniors, Grywuiewicz, Morgan Bertram, Lauren Kelsh, Stephanie Warren, and Shalece Jackson, the game was very memorable.  “It is very emotional.  It made me think about my past four years spent playing on this field.  I will miss everything about this team, but our season isn’t over yet,” said Grywuiewicz.

Head Coach Kyler Jackson was happy with the win, but said,  “Our season isn’t over yet.  The win was nice, but we still have plenty of work to do in order to accomplish more of our goals, which includes winning state.”

On October 8, the Spartans took on the Kennedy Commanders at Kennedy High School in the freezing snow beating the commanders with a score of 17-2, and officially clinched their fourth consecutive city title. The weather didn’t seem to play a factor at all as the Spartans demonstrated with home runs coming from Seniors Morgan Bertram and Aryn Grywuiewicz.  Coach Jackson was very pleased with the win saying, “This is the way we needed to end our regular season, now let’s continue this momentum into the post season.”

The softball team had a tremendous regular season with a record of 14-5, winning their fourth consecutive city title, and remaining undefeated in league play.

Date    Opponent    Played at    Time     Result
Mon      08/24/09    Overland High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM    W 17 -1
Mon 08/31/09    Rock Canyon High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    3:30PM    L 2 – 11
Tue 09/01/09    Valor Christian High School    @ Valor Christian    4:00PM    W 16 – 0
Fri 09/04/09          Palisade High School    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    3:00PM    W 2-1
Sat 09/05/09    Palisade High School    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    9:00AM    W 11-1
Sat 9/5/09    Fruita    @ Peach Fuzz Tourney    11:00AM    L 9-0
Tue 09/08/09    Falcon High School    @ Falcon High School    4:30PM         W 1 – 0

Wed 09/09/09    Woodland Park School District    Thomas Jefferson High School    3:30PM    W 14 – 1
Thu    09/10/09    Montbello High School    @ Montbello High School    4:15PM    W 19 – 0

Thu 09/17/09    Fort Lupton High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:00PM    W 3 – 2
Sat 09/19/09    LaJunta High School    @ La Junta High School    12:00PM    L 3-1
Sat 09/19/09    La Junta High School    @ La Junta High School    2:00pm    L 4-1
Tue 09/22/09    Denver North High School    @ Denver North High School    4:15PM    W 22-3
Thu 09/24/09     George Washington High School    G.Washington High School    4:15PM    W 14-0
Tue 09/29/09    Denver East High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM             W 5-4
Thu 10/01/09     Denver West High School    All City Field    4:15PM    W 14-1
Tue 10/06/09    Abraham Lincoln High School    Thomas Jefferson High School    4:15PM    W 4-1
Thu 10/08/09    John F. Kennedy    All City Field    4:15PM    W 17-2

photo by Rebecca Holt

On Tuesday evening, the TJ softball team played against Denver East at TJ and beat the Angels in exciting fashion 5-4, scoring the winning run in the seventh inning.

With the Spartans trailing the entire game, Junior Angleine Almagure hit a triple to drive in Junior Casey Edelman. “The game was very intense, and it’s only preparing us for those tougher games down the road.  It was scary though, because at one point it seemed like East was going to take away our chances of our fourth consecutive city title,” said Aryn Grywuiewicz. Aryn threw 15 strikeouts setting a new TJ record! “It felt great to play that well, but I’m fortunate enough to have a great team and coach who believe and support me all the time,” said Grywuiewicz.

Even though the softball team played a great game, Head Coach Kyler Jackson still feels that the softball team has room for improvement by fixing the mental mistakes, and continuing to work hard in practice.

On Thursday evening, the Spartans took on the Denver West Cowboys at All City beating them 17-3.  The Spartans had a good offensive night with a triple from junior Lauren Jorgenson; nonetheless the players said they struggled defensively making the same mental mistakes, overthrowing balls and not making the right defensive plays. “We’re underestimating our opponents and it’s showing in our play.  The line between being cocky and confident is being crossed,” said Grywuiewicz. The Spartans have no problem of taking advantage of their opponents’ mistakes, but they still feel they need to grow mentally with their own play, and with two more games left in the regular season, the softball team is looking to pull it all together.  “If we continue to play like this, we will struggle in the post season,” said Grywuiewicz.

“I’m becoming nervous because were still making the same type of mental mistakes and things aren’t changing,” said Senior Morgan Bertram. “This team is a family, and I don’t want our season to end with disappointment.”  The softball team’s next game is against Abraham Lincoln High School on Tuesday here at TJ at 4:15.