Riverton shows the state it will be force in softball

Building a tradition takes time, but this spring, the Riverton Silverwolves softball team began to show the rest of the state they are a force in the sport — and plan to keep it that way.

First they surprised everyone by coming in unranked and then losing just one region game to Copper Hills. They earned the school's first softball region title, and went on to win their opening round 5A Tournament game. They lost the next two tournament games, but the disappointing end didn't overshadow the historic season.

"My team overcame a lot of obstacles — on and off the field," said Riverton softball coach Emily Cederholm. "I love how they played this year. It was so different than in years past. They supported each other, they trusted each other, and they played all-out every game. I'm just proud of them."

The Silverwolves lose just three seniors, but Cederholm says they'll be missed next spring.

Chelsea Oliverson, Rose Swenson and Kylee Nickle all contributed both statistically and emotionally to the best season of softball at Riverton High.

"Rose was a four-year starter," the coach said. "She struggled at the beginning, but then came back into the line-up and really helped us. Off the softball field, she's a genius. She's going to BYU on a full-ride academic scholarship."

"Kylee was a three-year starter and really helped us by changing positions mid-season. She's a solid defender, and we needed that. She moved from left field to right field and some people might not think that's hard, but it is. She did a great job."

"Chelsea was also a solid defender for us. She was voted the all-around athlete on our team because she did everything well. She did a good job leading the team on the field. It will hurt us to lose her."

The Silverwolves can look forward to a promising season next year as they return a core of solid athletes who know nothing but Cederholm's program.

"Next year we will have the first seniors that have played in our program all four years," she said. "We have the core of our team coming back, and, I think, some sophomores that will shine through."

Among those are short stop Amanda Jensen, while the senior leadership will include Jessie Cozzens, Amanda McAdams, Kylee Haimin, Pitcher Symbree Minniear returns as a junior and was a force offensively for the squad this year.

"We have a lot to look forward to," said Cederholm.