Girls are a diamond's best friend

Say Utah Valley softball, and one name comes to mind: Alli Bramwell.

Though the Spanish Fork Dons wrapped up the state title, Bramwell and her tiny frame ruled the roost from the circle as she waltzed through the regular season unscathed.

Yes, her team came through more than they ever have with run production this season, but the pitching virtuoso was so dominant that she didn't need many of those runs in Region 4. Bramwell ran off 10 straight league victories with eight shutouts in a row and 54 straight shutout innings, just one shy of an individual record. She shattered team records in both categories.

Her pitches baffled opponents, as only Pleasant Grove was able to scrape one run against her in region action. And at the state tournament, the only team that managed to figure out the Bramwell serve was the Spanish Fork Dons, who faced the ace four times, taking the final two contests to even the series.

But those tiny legs with the spunky pink shoes didn't just work in the circle. Bramwell led things off for her Timberwolves and did so with style. Her favorite trick was the bunt single, and she did it with success and panache. Watching her run to first sometimes was like watching a blur as she ran out bunts that most other players could only dream about. Other teams dreaded facing No. 1 both in the circle and in the batter's box. And once she landed on first base, she had the players on the other team looking over their shoulders wondering just when she'd take off for the stolen base.

Alli Bramwell did everything for the Timberwolves, undoubtedly her team's MVP.

All-valley first team

CHELSEY BROWN, senior, shortstop, Timpanogos: Bramwell didn't do things alone for Timpanogos, as Chelsey Brown added her prowess to the field with supreme fielding capabilities and a great bat at the plate. Her hitting skills improved dramatically as the year progressed, and she not only played the game with great athleticism but added a huge heart into the mix as well.

One slide too many sliced her leg open and caused tremendous pain and an untimely infection, landing Brown in the hospital just prior to the state tournament. But despite her stay in a hospital bed, a fever of over 100 and barely being able to walk onto the field, Brown played every inning for her team in the tournament.

SUSAN COLE, junior, catcher, Spanish Fork: The young woman who cracked three home runs over the fence at Valley Complex in the state tournament for the Dons — leading them to three victories and the 5A championship — caught fire at the end of the season.