Delta fell in the first round of the 3A state tournament 15-14 to Eaton on Friday, meaning one of the most storied hitting careers in Colorado high school softball history has come to a close.
Panthers senior Lily Lockhart entered the game leading all classes in home runs (17), slugging percentage (1.492) and runs batted in (62) on the season—and she roped two more dingers in the loss to Eaton, bringing her career homer total to 52.
CHSAA does not currently have a softball record book, but according to the National Federation of High Schools’ softball record book, Lockhart’s 52 career home runs rank seventh in the nation—and since there are no other Colorado players on the list, she thus finishes with the most home runs in Colorado high school softball history.
And amazingly enough, Lockhart’s historic softball career has now ended, as the senior will head to Darthmouth College next year to join the Big Green’s track and field team. Last spring, Lockhart was the 4A state champion in the shot put and 4A state runner-up in the discus, and she’ll again be a title favorite in those events this coming spring.
Denver Post preps editor Kyle Newman caught up with Lockhart to discuss Delta’s loss to Eaton, the end to her career as a Panther, the meaning of 52 career home runs and more:
“She just has a great swing—she’s got a strong lower half, sees the ball well and even when she gets out it’s always a loud out… We knew even as a freshman that she would be something special.” —Delta coach Steve Reiher
