The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
In early April, Metro State’s softball team received a lot of attention for the way it was dominating opponents, sitting on a 24-3 overall record. Since then, the team’s play has only gotten better. The Denver Post writes that the team has a 49-4 record, the best mark in Division II softball. The Roadrunners begin a best-of-three playoff series against Nebraska’s Wayne State Friday at Auraria Field in downtown Denver, with the winner advancing to the College World Series in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Metro State’s coach, Jen Fisher, is warning her team to take things one game at a time, saying the true test of the squad will be its reaction to adversity. The Post notes the Roadrunners haven’t faced much failure this season, winning 25 of their last 26 games and outscoring opponents 80-26 on a current eight-game winning streak.
Unlike some leading teams that have one or two top-shelf players carrying the load, Metro State has great pitching, led by Christie Robinson (26-2, 1.22 ERA), and strong hitting from the top of the order on down, with former Wheat Ridge High School standout Tara Mickelson leading the nation with her 22 home runs.
Coach Fisher says she can’t single out anyone as the team’s best hitter. “It’s pretty hard to say who’s hot,” Fisher tells the Post. “It really can come from anyone. Everyone can swing it.”