Chaffee coasts to crown

Last year, the Chaffee softball program sacrificed the comfort of spring -- and the big win totals the team had accumulated in recent seasons -- for the chance at a district title in the fall.

In their second season of fall softball, the Red Devils made the move pay off.

Chaffee routed Delta 15-0 in four innings on Friday in the championship of the Class 1 District 1 tournament at Chaffee. This is the first softball district title for the Red Devils.

"It's pretty amazing," Chaffee coach Debbie Lewis said. "Our second year out and to be able to do this. I feel very fortunate. A lot of softball teams have been in the fall and haven't had a chance to do this."

Chaffee will host Miller (13-13) in a sectional contest Wednesday.

"It's amazing, it's crazy," Chaffee first baseman Mindy Hendrix said. "It's something our school's never done."

The Red Devils were able to use patience as their main weapon in beating the Bobcats. Delta, whose main pitcher left the team during the middle of the season, walked 13 Chaffee batters. Delta starter Jodi Menz walked seven batters in 1 1/3 innings, and Kaci Menz walked six hitters in two innings.

When the Red Devils did see a pitch to hit, they were usually able to stay back and drive the ball. Mindy Hendrix and Rachel Hendrix each had two of Chaffee's six hits.

"You never know what you're going to face out there," Lewis said. "It's hard to tell the girls to stay back and wait, but they have to stay disciplined."

Chaffee jumped out in front with three runs in the first without getting a hit. The three runs came on three errors and five walks.

In the second, the Red Devils put the game away, scoring nine runs on five hits, five walks and two errors. Mindy Hendrix and Madeline Kiefer each had RBI hits in the inning. Whitney Horrell and Sarah Dooley added run-scoring walks.

Mindy Hendrix added a two-run single in the fourth, and the game-winning run scored on an error.

Sarah Benton pitched four scoreless innings for the win. Benton allowed four hits, struck out two and walked none.

The win may have been a little more special for the Red Devils coming against their former rivals in the spring and main rival on the diamond.

"It makes it so much better," Mindy Hendrix said. "I don't think I would have wanted to win against anyone else."

The win moved Chaffee's record to 11-6. Last year, in their first year of fall softball, the Red Devils were 7-6.

"I thought we had the talent, but we knew we had to work hard for it," Chaffee third baseman Courtney Walter said.

Now that the Red Devils are in the state tournament, they will attempt to win Chaffee's first girls team state title.

"I definitely want our team to go as far as they can," Lewis said. "I think it's a great opportunity for our girls and our community."

Chaffee 15, Delta 0, 4 innings

Delta 000 0 -- 0 4 6

Chaffee 390 3 -- 15 6 0

WP -- Sarah Benton. LP -- Jodi Menz. 2B -- Sara Blattel (D). Multiple hits -- Delta, Blattel 2-2; Chaffee, Rachel Hendrix 2-3; Mindy Hendrix 2-3. Records -- Chaffee 11-6, Delta 6-12.