Spanish Fork, Lehi look to lead Utah Valley's softball fortunes

In the wonderful world of Utah County softball, several programs have become dynasties. It seems that year after year, no matter who they lose or what happens to the team, they're right back in the mix at both the region and state levels.

Even in a season filled with so much change, the softball kings remain the same. Though six teams moved up in the ranks from 4A to 5A, one team changed from 3A to 4A, and six teams welcomed new coaches to their midst, several things remain constant. First, Spanish Fork is still a favorite to repeat as region champions. Second, so is Lehi. Third, though many region rivalries were destroyed by the new alignment, those rivalries live on through preseason play.

"We're still playing Spanish Fork twice this season. Even though the games won't be for region championships, the rivalry is always going to be there," said Springville coach Suzette Hartvigsen.

The Dons moved up into the 5A ranks with a couple of other powers from last season in Lone Peak and Timpanogos. With these three teams, pitching as usual could tell the tale. Spanish Fork has been picked by Region 4 coaches as the team to beat, and the Dons will field three pitchers to help them accomplish the feat in Whitney Robinson, Ginny Stahle and Whitney Holm.

"I look to rotate them because they are about the same in ability and all three are inexperienced," said Spanish Fork coach Don Andrews, who also likes the look of his team both offensively and defensively. If the Dons' pitching staff can hold things together the rest of this region needs to watch out.

But the Dons aren't the only team coming back from a real run at the state title. Lone Peak came out of the one-loss bracket last year and really made some noise behind the great pitching of Tami Peterson and some tough hitting and defense. Once again the Knights are looking to ride their top-notch pitcher through a tough region battle and into the state playoffs. Peterson grows more dangerous as the game progresses, and her team will use its speed and solid bats to put together some solid runs.

They do have a couple of nagging injuries in Laura Goodrich and Alicia Trujillo that will need to be watched as the season moves along.

"We have a couple of new additions that have really stepped up," said new Lone Peak coach Janae Forsey. And this year Peterson won't have to go it completely alone from the mound. Kelsey Johnson and Janae Webber are both looking to give Peterson a spell if she needs it. But the big problem is that with the girls that did graduate, everyone is having to learn a different spot defensively.