Knights take lead in Region 7

HIGHLAND — Lone Peak toppled Timpanogos for sole possession of the Region 7 lead in a 2-0 pitching duel on the windy Lone Peak softball diamond Thursday.

The teams took their rivalry to new heights as they each came into the contest with 2-0 league records, and it seems this season their battle for playoff positioning will not come down to a third place finish, but a war for the title.

"They're tough," Lone Peak coach Jena Lowry said about the competition. "Timpanogos has a great ball club. This has turned into a big rivalry the last few years. It always seems to come down to that last game."

And this year that last game might mean the difference between walking into the state tournament with a No. 1 or No. 2 seed. And now, the Knights have the advantage, even after playing the Timberwolves during their third game in three days.

"It's not our first choice," said Lowry of the rigorous schedule. "But when mother nature is being a bear like she is, you have to get the games made up when you can."

Lone Peak pitcher Tami Peterson came out firing in her third game in as many days from the mound. She hurled a six-hit shutout with seven strike outs to her credit.

"I was a little tired," said the Knights" ace. "But it wasn't that bad. It was really nice getting this win against them. It's good practice for the tournament."

She was working against one of the toughest pitchers in the valley in Ali Bramwell, who only allowed five hits of her own, but Bramwell isn't only tough from the mound, she also throws fear into the hearts of opponents from the batters box and on the bases. She beat out throws on two bunt singles in this game for base hits.

"We even rigged up a special defense for her, and she still beat it," said Lowry of Bramwell's tendency to play the short game.

"She's just so fast," added Peterson, but those hits never turned into runs because of some solid defense all over the field by the errorless Knights.

"The good thing about this field for us is that we're used to the wind. Our outfield played great, and our infield played great against Timpanogos' short game."

The infield had some nice grabs and solid mental plays, and the outfield made some spectacular running catches in the swirling wind.

Morgan Robinson knocked in the only RBI of the game in the first inning on a double to center field, and Hilary Welch and Laura Goodrich crossed the plate for the only two runs. Jennifer Harris went three for three for the Timberwolves, who only had one error in the contest. Both teams had great fielding efforts in tough conditions, but the Knights took the early lead and didn't ever let up.

"It's a lot less stressful (to pitch with the lead)," said Peterson, who was jubilant after the important victory.

The Knights play Mountain View Monday to finish the first half of the season.