District A

Favorite: Erie

Contenders: Platte Valley, Eaton, Burlington, Brush, Strasburg, Roosevelt

Outlook: The largest district in the classification also is the most stacked. Among the 14 teams are Erie, who has defined 3A softball since its inception in 1998, and state-tournament regulars Burlington and Brush. Platte Valley, Lyons, Roosevelt and Eaton all have, for the most part, been successful in recent seasons. Erie, obviously, will be the team to beat again with players such as catcher Axie Estrada and first baseman Janay Rahrich. The rest of the above-mentioned teams, along with Strasburg, which went 16-8 last season, figure to compete for a high finish. Akron and Holyoke join the district this season. All but two teams qualify for district play.

Key players: IF Kali Anderson, Burlington, Sr.; P Brittany Ashley, Akron, Jr,; C Rochelle Boyve, Akron, So.; SS Katelyn Durham, Strasburg, Sr.; C Axie Estrada, Erie, Sr.; P Molly Jackson, Eaton Sr.; SS Lacey Korell, Jr.; IF Lindsey Nordhues, Strasburg, Sr.; P Stephanie O’Dell, Wray, Jr.; C Kortni Oestman, Wray, Jr.; SS Ashlie Ortega, Erie, Jr.; C/SS Laura Prieur, Strasburg, Sr.; OF Chelsea Purviance, Burlington, Sr.; 1B Janay Rahrich, Erie, Sr., IF Alex Whitmore, Burlington, Sr.

District B

Favorite: Holy Family

Contenders: Faith Christian, Platte Canyon, Denver Lutheran, Machebeuf

Outlook: Defending champion Holy Family again is loaded, and the Tigers are hoping senior Megan McGinnis makes a smooth transition from center fielder to pitcher. Among Holy Family’s several standout hitters is junior second baseman Lara Mathewson. Faith Christian, fresh off a trip to the semifinals, also returns a formidable squad, including the hard-hitting Glory Benson and Mariah Griego. Look for Platte Canyon to challenge behind the arm of pitcher Kyndall Voskamp, a junior who already has two full seasons as the No. 1 pitcher under her belt. Machebeuf has perhaps the speediest player in the league in Ailena McDonald, and Denver Lutheran is a team chock-full of solid hitters.

Key players: 3B Vanessa Abeyta, Denver Lutheran, Sr.; OF Glory Benson, Faith Christian, Sr.; IF Mariah Griego, Faith Christian, Jr.; P Linsey Haight, Faith Christian, Sr.; 1B Alyssa Johnson, Holy Family, Sr.; C Chelsea Kinnett, Platte Canyon, Jr.; 2B Lara Mathewson, Holy Family, Jr.; IF Ailena McDonald, Machebeuf, Sr.; P Megan McGinnis, Holy Family, Sr.; C Malinee Powell, Denver Lutheran, Jr.; SS Lauren Stenger, Platte Canyon, Sr.

District C

Favorite: Limon

Contenders: Lamar, Rocky Ford, La Junta

Outlook: Limon again will be the favorite behind emerging pitcher Kelsey Dutton, but the race could be more tight-knit than ever. Rocky Ford, Lamar and La Junta all boast impressive squads and all have seemed to find their way to the state tournament in recent seasons. Lamar returns the most senior-heavy group, led by pitcher BreOnna Aguilera. Limon, Rocky Ford and Lamar all have pronounced final-four ambitions, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if any or all of them ended up there.

Key players: C Dara Dillon, Rocky Ford, Sr.; P Kesley Dutton, Limon, Jr.; 1B Jessica Karpilo, Florence, Sr.; SS Shrena Lopez, Lamar, Sr.; P Amber Lowther, Rocky Ford, So.; 3B Mary Lucero, Rocky Ford, Sr.; 2B Emmie Malone, Lamar, Sr.; SS LeAndra Ramirez, Limon, Sr.; SS Jasmine Small, Florence, Sr.; C Kari Spencer, Limon, Sr.; OF Angie Tornowski, Limon, Sr.; OF Taryn Woodward, Lamar, Sr.;

District D

Favorite: Gunnison

Contenders: Norwood, Basalt

Outlook: The smallest district in the classification, only six teams reside here and four qualify for districts. All are teams from the western portion of the state, many with relatively new programs. Gunnison, 11-10 last season but 8-0 against Western Slope competition, is the most established team. Word around the league, though, is that senior-laden Norwood could challenge for the top spot. Basalt made headway last season with an 8-10 finish, but lost most of its key contributors to graduation, so the Longhorns will be retooling. Gunnison first baseman Ericka Buscovick is not only one of the best hitters in the league but in the classification.

Key players: P Alexa Aitken, Basalt, So., 1B Ericka Buscovick, Gunnsion, Sr.; P Alyssa Carr, Norwood, Sr.; 2B Abby King, Basalt, So.; C Jacqueline Lovato, Gunnison, Jr., P Janet Peterson, Gunnison, Jr., IF Melissa Smith, Norwood, Sr.