BROOMFIELD — Shae Rodriguez most recently filled the role of Sacagawea for the Legacy Lightning on their 2007 softball expedition.
With the bases loaded and two out in the first inning of the Class 5A District 3 tournament last weekend, Rodriguez zinged a triple to rally Legacy past Eaglecrest. She then stole home.
“Shae was our Sacagawea,” Legacy coach Dawn Gaffin said. “She was the person who stepped up when we didn’t expect it.”
Sacagawea was a Shoshone woman who proved invaluable to Lewis & Clark’s exploration of the western United States, saving the day when it looked like no one else could.
The Lightning enters the rocky terrain of the state softball tournament, which begins at 10 a.m. Friday and ends with state titles for 5A, 4A and 3A at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Aurora Sports Complex.
A big reason Legacy is in this position is the pitching of sophomore Shelby Babcock. Legacy has outscored opponents 140-23, with 10 shutouts.
“I don’t think she has a weakness,” senior shortstop Breana Mathews said.
Babcock has 202 strikeouts so far, third best in 5A and fifth in the state, and 399 in her two-year prep career. Her ERA this season is a stingy 0.29. She has a simple pitching arsenal – a rise, drop and change – but combined with her velocity, her three pitches are anything but simple to hit.
“She reached 71 (mph) earlier in the season,” freshman catcher Hailey “Buggs” Torrez said.
Gaffin says Babcock has a great work ethic.
“I’ve always been a pretty motivated person,” Babcock said. “It’s just something I’ve always had, and it’s good to have it.”
Legacy is 19-2, and the two losses were decided by a combined two runs over a total of 39 innings. The Lightning lost a 2-1 decision to Edmond (Okla.) North in 20 innings and a 1-0, 19- inning marathon, spread out over weeks, to Jefferson County power Wheat Ridge.
The Front Range champions have won some close games thanks to unexpected heroics from a starting lineup that features six freshmen and sophomores.
The senior Mathews has played a key role a number of times this season. As the team’s RBI leader, however, it’s not much of a surprise anymore when she makes the big play.
Third baseman Cassie Long and Torrez also have stepped in and stepped up to help win games.
The Lightning opens the postseason against ThunderRidge (11-11) and sits in the same half of the bracket as Wheat Ridge (19-2) and Highlands Ranch (18-3).
Top-seeded Bear Creek (20-1), led by pitcher Mallorie Sulaski and the bat of Kate Strobel, are in the other half of the bracket, along with Mountain Vista (18-3) and Columbine (18-3). Reigning state champion Rocky Mountain does not return.
In 4A, defending state champion Windsor (18-2) and runner-up Berthoud (16-5) are among the top seeds, with Mullen (20-1) ranked as the team to beat.
Holy Family (20-1) hasn’t lost since mid- August and is looking to win a second consecutive title in 3A.
