While wins elude the Montezuma-Cortez High School softball team, the Panthers remain in the playoff hunt.
Opening last weekend with a road doubleheader against Montrose on Sept. 26, M-CHS was competitive, losing game one, 10-9, and tying another, 8-8.
In game one, the Panthers were paced by Stevee Brenner and Tayla Topaha, who each had two runs batted in.
In game two, the Panthers were led by Topaha and Kitty Wallace, who had two RBIs apiece. Abriana Conklin and Wesley Kirks had three hits.
M-CHS head coach Brett Martin said the Panthers took a 10-8 lead in the top of the seventh inning before the game was suspended due to sunlight.
“They were very competitive games against Montrose,” said Martin. “We fought with them right to the end.”
Wrapping up the weekend with a doubleheader against Fruita Monument on Sept. 27, the Panthers lost game one 20-0 and game two 10-0.
“(Fruita) is the team to beat in our league,” said Martin. “They handled us pretty easily. They are just tough.”
Next up for M-CHS will be a home matchup against Durango on Sept. 30. A win will keep them in playoff contention.
“It’s a really close playoff race between us and Montrose,” said Martin. “If we beat Durango, we’ll travel to Montrose and finish the game that was suspended. The winner will qualify for the playoffs.”