Utah County teams struggled in playoffs

The teams picked in the preseason to have the most success in girls prep soccer didn't disappoint — at least in the regular season.

But it was one of those playoff years that most Utah Valley teams would like to forget. With the exception of Lehi and Timpview, who made it to the state semifinals, most of the other teams exited the playoffs earlier than expected. But that's the nature of soccer, when good defense and a few good breaks can result in upsets.

The season started with the Timpanogos Timberwolves picked to win it all. The T-Wolves cruised through the regular season undefeated and won the Region 7 title, but the year was spoiled when Timpview ended its season in the tournament's first round. The Thunderbirds came on strong, thanks mainly to a few key players returning from injuries to run off two impressive playoff wins.

Lehi won the Region 8 crown and then added two tournament wins before running into a tough Park City bunch. Springville won the Region 6 title then lost in the first playoff round. Orem, Provo and Mountain View also had good seasons and were expected to make some noise in the state playoffs, but all also lost in round one.

The seven teams had good records for good reason — because they had a lot of good talent and players who turned in excellent seasons. That's why players from those seven teams dominate the Deseret Morning News All-Utah Valley team.

MVP - JANA DAVIS, PROVO BULLDOGS: Yes, Davis' team finished third in Region 6 and lost in the first playoff round, but her numbers are hard to ignore when considering which Utah Valley player had the best season. In fact, Davis' numbers are staggering. She was tops in the state with 33 goals, and finished her career with 108 goals — best in school history. Coach Cesar Cardoso says Davis is the best player he's ever coached. Twice this season she scored six goals in a game and twice scored four. She's taking her talents to Idaho State, where she'll also study sports medicine.

BETH WORTHINGTON, LEHI PIONEERS: The feisty goal keeper posted an incredible nine shutouts, tops in Class 3A. He had a goals-against-average of 0.64 per game. She's a physical player who has excellent anticipation and reaction.

SUTTON CHERRINGTON, TIMPANOGOS TIMBERWOLVES: Called by her coach a "fabulous" goalkeeper who plays with an incredible attitude, she finished the season with a state-high 10 shutouts and allowed only six goals the entire year. She also scored a goal.

CROSBY JOYNER, SPRINGVILLE RED DEVILS: Only a sophomore, she led the Red Devils early in the season and finished the year with 15 goals and five assists. She has great skills and is a competitive player who should only improve.

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