DENVER – Another excellent season for the Panther softball team added one more honor to an already lengthy list of season achievements.
Panther seniors Devyn Cornett and Aubrey Rutherford earned 3A all-state honorable mention selections after M-CHS capped a 14-11 season in the state tournament.
Cornett and Rutherford combined to lead the Panthers in numerous offensive categories, with Cornett leading the team in average, hits, and RBIs while Rutherford paced the team in runs scored and home runs. Cornett also anchored the Panther pitching staff, accounting for the lion’s share of innings pitched and averaging nearly a strikeout per inning in the circle.
Rutherford, meanwhile, provided a steady influence in the Panther infield, leading the team in defensive assists. The postseason honor, which is selected by a vote from coaches from across the state, is the first such honor for both Cornett and Rutherford.
The Panthers captured the 3A Western Slope League title with a 9-3 mark in league play, and won their regional opening round contest to advance to the program’s fourth state appearance in the last seven years.
