Cherokee Trail Will Host Windsor in Softball Showdown
The top-ranked Class 5A and 4A teams face off on October 9 in a high-stakes regular season finale.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Softball
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On October 9, Colorado state softball powers Cherokee Trail and Windsor will meet in a highly anticipated game. This matchup features the top-ranked teams from Class 5A and Class 4A to conclude their regular seasons.
Why it matters
The game serves as a critical test for two undefeated title favorites before the postseason begins. Both teams are looking to maintain their dominant momentum as they enter the regional playoff bracket.
Windsor enters the game with a 21-0 record and a scoring margin of 265-17, while Cherokee Trail has allowed only 15 runs against in-state opponents. Windsor pitchers Jenna McGinnis and Shannon Nielsen hold a combined 17-0 record with over 150 strikeouts.
The players
Cherokee Trail
The program is currently ranked as the number one softball team in Colorado's Class 5A.
Windsor
The team is the top-ranked softball program in Class 4A and currently holds an undefeated 21-0 record.
Jenna McGinnis
She is a starting pitcher for Windsor who has contributed to the team's undefeated record.
Shannon Nielsen
She serves as a key pitcher for Windsor and has played a central role in the team's defensive success.
The details
Windsor enters the contest with an impressive offensive resume, featuring five players with batting averages above .500 and an average of 13 runs per game. Meanwhile, Cherokee Trail stands as the top-ranked program in Class 5A, having defeated 11 top-10 teams across three classifications this season.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: Windsor plays against Severance.
October 9, 2026: Cherokee Trail hosts Windsor.
October 15, 2026: State playoffs begin with regional play.
October 24, 2026: Championship Saturday at Aurora Sports Park.
Season Trajectory
This game functions as a barometer for the state playoffs, establishing which team carries the most momentum into the regional brackets. A victory for either side reinforces their status as the clear favorite to reach the championship at Aurora Sports Park.
This game will directly influence the final power rankings and playoff seeding heading into the regional tournament. Players and fans should monitor the result for its immediate impact on the path to the state championship.
The takeaway
This matchup between two undefeated state powers highlights the intense preparation required to compete for a championship title. Readers can look to these teams as examples of how consistent pitching and high batting averages build a sustainable path to success.
What happens next
The state playoffs will begin with regional play on October 15, followed by the state championship game on October 24, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local high school athletics, visit Colorado Softball.
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