The Durango Demons softball team recovered after losing its opening game at the Ponderosa Mustang Stampede on Friday to finish the tournament with two wins.
DHS lost its opening game to Heritage, 21-2. Alaysia Kremer smacked a two-run home run for Durango in the loss.
Defensively, however, Durango committed six errors, and only fve of Heritage’s 21 runs were earned.
The Demons, however, played much better after that.
“They completely changed their attitude and said, ‘that’s not going to happen again,’” said DHS head coach John Bernazzani.
Durango beat Rampart 6-2 later Friday and took down Mesa Ridge, 12-2 on Saturday.
“The defense was a lot cleaner behind (Sydney Flores), and she pitched her way out of various jams,” Bernazzani said about the Rampart game. Flores struck out eight batters in five innings to get the win. “She did really well in the circle and bounced back.”
Rampart scored first in the game, but Durango responded with a five-run third inning. “We had a nice long rally there coming up with 7-8-9 and then the top of the order,” Bernazzani said.
Carly Piccoli went 2-for-3 in the game and scored once. She also scored a run against Heritage. “She has just been a force,” Bernazzani said. “She had a great day today at the plate, taking extra bases here and there.”
Kelly Arthur also went 2-for-3 against Rampart. “She has been very effective at the plate and is doing a great job,” the coach said.
Against Mesa Ridge, Durango scored six runs in the first, three in the third, two in the fourth and one in the fifth.
Flores hit two doubles, driving in two RBIs and also scoring twice. Tehya Barnes and Mia Baguskas both had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice.
Teagan Kehm, meanwhile, got the win on the mound for Durango, striking out four in three innings of work.
“It was a good event, top to bottom,” Bernazzani said. “It was good for Durango to see and figure out that if they can make fundamental plays, they can compete with Front Range teams.”
Durango is now 6-3 overall and 1-1 in the 4A/5A Southwestern League.
The Demons will next host Alamosa for a double header on Sept. 7.
