Prep previews: Battle Mountain ladies’ softball crew brings excessive expectations, steadiness and enjoyable to 2026 season

Fresh off its most profitable season but, the Battle Mountain ladies’ softball crew enters the 2026 season hoping to take one other step ahead.

“It was incredible to see the hard work of the girls pay off and be able to incorporate more higher-level game play,” said Allison Brost, who launched this system in 2022. After going 2-9, 4-8 and 4-13 of their first three campaigns, the Huskies posted an 8-11 file final yr. Entering her fifth season on the helm, Brost stated one aim this yr is to attain higher steadiness.

“Our demanding schedule didn’t allow any of us much time to take a break from softball and focus on other things that filled our cup,” she stated. “This year, we are doing a few different things to combat the burnout before it happens.”

---

---

Brost is planning shorter practices and deliberately scheduling team-bonding occasion and needed breaks. Also, the Huskies will solely have a varsity crew this season, she stated.

“I would say that the main takeaway for both the team and the coaches is that we need to support each other, give each other grace and keep the atmosphere fun,” Brost stated.

---

---

The commencement of Annika Hurt and Lola Behlendorf leaves two large sneakers to fill this fall.

“They were two seniors that always brought a positive attitude, led by example, were extremely coachable and true team players,” Brost stated.

Battle Mountain brings again seniors Ellie Rella and Addi Smith in addition to junior Perla Chavez and sophomore Harper Jimenez Anders. Anders led the crew in nearly each offensive statistical class final yr. As a freshman, she collected 29 hits, posted a .690 batting common and drove in 20 runs. Rella was second on the crew with 24 hits, 1 house run and 24 runs scored. Additionally, Brost stated the wholesome inflow of freshmen arriving this fall has offered a brilliant outlook for the longer term.

“All four of our returners have taken each one under their wing, are giving girls productive feedback, highlighting little successes often, and maintaining a positive and welcoming atmosphere,” Brost stated. “I’m proud of the way they have stepped up as leaders and am excited to watch them continue to grow.”

The Western Slope has mixed right into a crossover league beginning this season, Brost stated, which suggests the Huskies shall be taking part in in opposition to groups they’ve by no means seen earlier than. The 12-team league consists of Eagle Valley, Rifle, Aspen, Moffat County, Middle Park, Basalt, Gunnison, Cedaredge, Delta, Montezuma-Cortez and Meeker. The Huskies host Meeker for a doubleheader on Aug. 28 earlier than touring to Eagle Valley on Sept. 8. They’ll see the Devils — who’ve gained all six video games within the rivalry’s historical past — once more within the final two video games of the season a month later.

“(They’re) always highly anticipated because of the strong community rivalry,” Brost stated. “While I always look forward to competing against a rival, Coach Jesse (Meryhew) and I have developed a great relationship over the years and it’s great to see how things are going for softball in the valley as a whole.”

Brost stated her predominant focus this yr is to “highlight as many little moments of success as possible.”

“Softball is a game where you fail way more often than you succeed,” she defined. “To me, playing a game that is mostly failure can help develop grit, determination, and most importantly, perseverance.”

The coach stated the crew’s theme for the yr is ‘Raise the Standard.’

“If we continue to hold ourselves to a higher standard and push ourselves to reach that standard,” Brost stated, “It will only make us better people and a better team.”