Softball teams seek consistency

This year's softball season will mirror last year's in one significant way — the teams that do well will have consistently solid hitting.

In preseason polls, many of last year's top squads are expected to be in the title chase again, but most coaches agree what batters can do for a team will be critical in separating from the pack.

5A SOFTBALL

Most coaches expect defending 5A state champion Taylorsville to be one of the top teams again. The Warriors started the season with a solid win over Bingham but stumbled last week against Riverton, a squad that lost a number of key seniors.

"It's different having everybody back," said Warriors head coach Rich Kaelin. And he admits that while the team returned most of last year's state championship lineup, there are still holes to fill.

"Even though we didn't lose a lot, we have five new players, and we're still adjusting to playing together this year," he said. "We still have a few holes in our batting lineup, but we're just working to get better every game."

Kaelin said this year's team has great chemistry and is a lot of fun to coach. Taylorsville is led by last year's 5A MVP and the Gatorade Player of the Year, catcher Cyd Allen, who will play for BYU next year. Senior shortstop Tia Palauni, who signed with Utah, anchors the defense, while senior Marqi Gray, outfield and catcher, has committed to SLCC. Six of Taylorsville's seven seniors have committed to play college softball.

"I actually don't feel any pressure," Kaelin said. "This year will be a lot like last year. I expect everybody to score a lot of runs, and the team that makes the least amount of errors will be winning ... We're just going to relax and have fun."

The Silverwolves may have lost some senior leadership, but they are playing some of their most consistent softball. The team is led by junior Kelsi Hoopiiaina, pitcher Sami Powell and outfielder Sandy Bowles.

"The funnest thing about this team is the battles at practice," said Riverton coach Emily Cederholm. "We've got a group that wants to work hard."

Bingham, with two solid pitchers in Cienna Smith and Tori Almond, will also be in the chase again. Region 3 maybe the toughest top to bottom with Hunter, led by pitcher Saphina Butler and hitters like Latiesha Webster, Copper Hills, a young but very promising squad, and West Jordan, a group of solid athletes, all capable of competing with the state's best.