Florence Lady Huskies: A Force to Reckon With as Playoffs Approach

Last Saturday marked a pivotal moment for the Florence Lady Huskies as they entered the final doubleheader of their regular season against Burlington. Anticipation filled the air, mingled with a healthy dose of determination. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Lady Huskies swept their way to victory, clinching a rightful spot in the regional bracket with resounding victories of 16-4 and 13-3.

The Lady Huskies showcasing their skills on the diamond.

The first game kicked off with the Lady Huskies seizing control right from the start, unleashing an impressive offensive display that saw them score six runs in the top of the first inning. Momentum wasn’t lacking as they added four more runs in the second inning, establishing an early lead of 10-1 by the end of the third. The home team struggled to keep pace, as Florence maintained their lead, ultimately sealing the game with a shutout in the final frame.

Lilly Roe was undeniably the star of the show, wrapping up the game with an immaculate 4-for-4 at the plate, leading her team with two stolen bases and scoring four times. Not far behind was Addison Dalton, who combined her pitching prowess with an offensive explosion—recording three hits, including a double. The dynamic efforts of Kendra Steffenson, Makala Miller, and Aidan Hindman added depth to the batting lineup as they each contributed two hits, solidifying their success.

As for the Lady Huskies’ pitching, Dalton delivered a commendable performance on the mound, allowing only one earned run on just one hit, while striking out eight batters. She continued her dominance in the second game, proving instrumental in yet another victory that solidified their strong end to the season.

Season standings reveal a stark contrast to the previous year—they now sit at a commendable 13-7-1, a monumental improvement from last year’s 0-23 record. With a newfound vigor, they are set to face The Academy in the upcoming regional clash. The stage is set, with hopes high for what promises to be an exciting playoff run.

Cross Country Achievements Shine

The momentum of success also extended beyond the diamond to the track. Familiar trails in Monument Valley Park provided a supportive backdrop as the Florence Huskies took part in the Black Forest/Tri-Peaks league meet. With the air buzzing with expectation, Collin Godfrey ran a personal best, finishing 41st out of 99 and recording a splendid time of 19:44.56. Meanwhile, Dallin Blair also tested his limits, claiming 46th place.

The excitement for the upcoming Rye Thunderbolt Invitational is palpable as the Huskies gear up for regional competitions in the weeks ahead. It’s a season of growth and personal bests, a chapter waiting to be written in their athletic journey.

Florence Huskies at their league meet.

Football’s Winning Streak

On the gridiron, the Florence football team added to their triumphs with a solid 28-0 shutout against Banning Lewis, marking their second win in a row. Fresh off their first victory of the season, they didn’t hold back, demonstrating tenacity and skill that has characterized their play recently.

Utilizing an effective ground game, quarterback Noah Howard asserted himself, rushing for 205 yards and contributing to the score with a touchdown. Brady Hunsberger provided substantial support, with his own two touchdowns adding to the team’s momentum. The defense was equally impressive, standing strong and forcing turnovers, showcasing a well-rounded approach that left spectators cheering.

With a record of 2-0 in the 2A South East division, the upcoming match against Woodland Park will be another opportunity to rise to the challenge. With their heads held high and spirits unyielding, the Huskies are driving forward with determination.

Volleyball Squad on the Rise

As if that wasn’t enough, the Lady Huskies volleyball team also made headlines by securing consecutive victories, defeating Ellicott and then Rocky Ford with a decisive 3-0 performance. Callie Church emerged as a key player, leading the team in kills while Keely Nix delivered a standout performance at the service line.

The resilience of this team shines through, especially during a stretch without Kaylyn Vittetoe. The Lady Huskies proved their depth and determination, with performances that have placed them firmly in the league competition.

The Lady Huskies celebrating their volleyball victory.

Looking Ahead

As we look towards the future, the energy surrounding Florence athletics remains electric. With the calendar packed with events—football battling against unbeaten teams, and the Lady Huskies stepping onto the court for key matches—there’s much excitement on the horizon.

The community rallies behind its teams, embodying the spirit of resilience that defines the Huskie lineage. Each athlete is not just playing a game; they’re representing a commitment to excellence, embodying what it truly means to be a part of the Florence family.

So here’s to the Florence Huskies in all their endeavors—may they continue to chase victories and push the boundaries of success in every competition!

Weekly Schedule

• MONDAY: Football vs Ellicott (JV 4 p.m.)
• TUESDAY: Volleyball at CSCS (4 p.m.)
• THURSDAY: Volleyball at Atlas Prep (4 p.m.)
• FRIDAY: Cross country at Rye Thunderbolt Invitational, Football at Woodland Park (7 p.m.)