The Aspen High Girls Softball Team is starting off the season strong with a win of 19-18 in their 5th game of the season. The last time the AHS Softball Team won a game at the varsity level was in 2009, and since then the players have kept their spirits high and have continued to practice year after year. Their hard work has paid off as on Monday, September 17, the softball team won their first game in 9 years.

David Fuentes, the head coach for the softball team, has loved watching the growth and progress that the team has made over the years and is incredibly excited for the upcoming season.

“The work that the girls have done to get to this point, for all of them it’s been a lot of growth. It’s fun to see them develop as players and also as athletes,” Fuentes said. “The support they have for each other is kind of fun to see.”

In light of the team’s recent win, the players are very optimistic and excited about what this year has to bring.

Ellie Martin, a sophomore at AHS, plays right and left field and this is her second year playing for the team.

“We are always trying to make each other better, but at the same time we are always supporting and loving to each other,” Martin said. “We are very good at being a team and always keeping a positive spirit even when we’re not doing so well.”

Lexi Ferlisi, a senior at AHS, is the pitcher and this is her fourth year playing. She loves the sport and has created strong relationships with everyone on the team.

“The team is always supportive, and that makes me feel good being on the mound and knowing that they have my back,” Ferlisi said. “Teamwork is a huge part of sports, and you need to be able to trust your teammates.”

Livi Carr, an AHS senior, plays center position on the field and she has been playing for the softball team for four years. She is incredibly hopeful for the upcoming season and has felt like their recent win has boosted the team’s confidence tremendously. Carr has a very different take on their success and the position they are in as a team.

“I think that it’s a unique position we’re in as athletes to keep losing all the time and still being positive about it,” Carr said. “It’s a really special experience that most teenagers I don’t think get.”

Everyone on the team is incredibly enthusiastic and eager about what the 2018 season has to bring, and they are going to continue to work hard and put 110 percent into each game.

“Overall the season’s going really well in regard to the skill level of the team. We are way better this year than we were the previous years and we just kind of have to keep believing in ourselves,” Fuentes said.