In the team’s first meeting since the tense doubleheader state championship last summer, Creek took down Regis again in a 2-1 win on March 27.
“It was a great stepping stone early in the season,” Smith said via email. “It’s always nice to come out on top in a one-run ballgame, especially against a strong rival like Regis. More importantly, it provided plenty of teaching opportunities that we can grow from while celebrating a victory.”
Sophomore outfielder Tyler Reeves (#16) felt the same.
“After winning, we all felt a sense of joy but also pride that we had just defended our state title against a tough opponent,” Reeves said.
Creek’s first tally came on a throwing error over third base, where senior shortstop Sean Goldy (#5) capitalized and stole a run.
“We have a lot of athleticism and speed on the team this year, and our goal is to apply constant pressure on the defense,” Smith said. “We want to force the other team to make plays to get us out. Sometimes, that means taking risks and getting thrown out by a significant margin, but other times, it pays off by creating mistakes that we can capitalize on. We were fortunate it worked in our favor last night.”
After facing 4 straight losses in Arizona, with a state championship title to defend, and going up against one of Creek’s biggest rivals, the team knew that everyone would need to put in their all to win. And they did just that.
“The game had so much energy, and we knew that it was going to be a tough game,” Reeves said. “In the end, we all played as one team, and everyone did their job.”
Creek’s season kicked off with a peculiar game against Fossil Ridge on March 8. After falling behind 10-1, they came back in the last inning to win by a run. Creek was unable to pull off any more miracles after that, losing four straight on a road trip through Arizona.
“Losing four games, blowing leads, and dropping three one-run games was tough, but it’s just one small chapter in a season-long book,” Smith said. “The team leaders and I were never overly concerned about team morale because our focus is on playing our best baseball in May, not March.”
After coming back to Colorado, though, they returned to a winning streak, beating Lakewood 9-3 on March 25, then Regis, and a blowout 12-1 win over Rock Canyon on March 31.
“I am very much looking forward to the rest of the season,” senior outfielder and pitcher Joel Gibas said. “We have a very talented team who has a good chance at winning a state title.”
The season is just beginning; Smith is excited for the team’s development and improvement.
“I’m looking forward to watching these young men continue to grow and mature both on and off the field,” Smith said. “Wherever the season takes us, this is the final opportunity for this group of seniors to wear a Cherry Creek uniform, and I want to make the most of every moment with them. I feel fortunate to be part of their journey.”
