Fresh off its most successful season yet, the Battle Mountain girls’ softball team enters the 2026 season hoping to take another step forward.

“It was incredible to see the hard work of the girls pay off and be able to incorporate more higher-level game play,” stated Allison Brost, who launched the program in 2022. After going 2-9, 4-8 and 4-13 in their first three campaigns, the Huskies posted an 8-11 record last year. Entering her fifth season at the helm, Brost said one goal this year is to achieve better balance.

“Our demanding schedule didn’t allow any of us much time to take a break from softball and focus on other things that filled our cup,” she said. “This year, we are doing a few different things to combat the burnout before it happens.”

Brost is planning shorter practices and intentionally scheduling team-bonding event and necessary breaks. Also, the Huskies will only have a varsity team this season, she said.

“I would say that the main takeaway for both the team and the coaches is that we need to support each other, give each other grace and keep the atmosphere fun,” Brost said.

The graduation of Annika Hurt and Lola Behlendorf leaves two big shoes to fill this fall.

“They were two seniors that always brought a positive attitude, led by example, were extremely coachable and true team players,” Brost said.

Battle Mountain brings back seniors Ellie Rella and Addi Smith as well as junior Perla Chavez and sophomore Harper Jimenez Anders. Anders led the team in almost every offensive statistical category last year. As a freshman, she collected 29 hits, posted a .690 batting average and drove in 20 runs. Rella was second on the team with 24 hits, 1 home run and 24 runs scored. Additionally, Brost said the healthy influx of freshmen arriving this fall has provided a bright outlook for the future.

“All four of our returners have taken each one under their wing, are giving girls productive feedback, highlighting little successes often, and maintaining a positive and welcoming atmosphere,” Brost said. “I’m proud of the way they have stepped up as leaders and am excited to watch them continue to grow.”

The Western Slope has combined into a crossover league starting this season, Brost said, which means the Huskies will be playing against teams they’ve never seen before. The 12-team league includes Eagle Valley, Rifle, Aspen, Moffat County, Middle Park, Basalt, Gunnison, Cedaredge, Delta, Montezuma-Cortez and Meeker. The Huskies host Meeker for a doubleheader on Aug. 28.

Brost said the team plans to play all of its home games on the newly-renovated softball field at Battle Mountain. The coach said $60,000 was raised to start the construction of a backstop and dugouts and plans are in place for a ribbon cutting ceremony before the first game against Meeker on Aug. 28, wherein the people and businesses that helped the team get to the first renovation goal will be recognized.

The Huskies travel to Eagle Valley on Sept. 8. They’ll see the Devils — who have won all six games in the rivalry’s history — again in the last two games of the season a month later.

“(They’re) always highly anticipated because of the strong community rivalry,” Brost said. “While I always look forward to competing against a rival, Coach Jesse (Meryhew) and I have developed a great relationship over the years and it’s great to see how things are going for softball in the valley as a whole.”

Brost said her main focus this year is to “highlight as many little moments of success as possible.”

“Softball is a game where you fail way more often than you succeed,” she explained. “To me, playing a game that is mostly failure can help develop grit, determination, and most importantly, perseverance.”

The coach said the team’s theme for the year is ‘Raise the Standard.’

“If we continue to hold ourselves to a higher standard and push ourselves to reach that standard,” Brost said, “It will only make us better people and a better team.”