Silverwolves run over Wolverines

WEST VALLEY CITY — The Riverton softball team won its first two region softball games, but both the players and the coach said there was a big difference between the first victory and the second.

"We came out really strong today," said catcher Sophia Gomez after the top-ranked Silverwolves defeated Hunter 11-3 Thursday. "We had a lot more energy than we did against Copper Hills. We were pumped, more confident."

So instead of a one-run victory like they earned against the Grizzlies, the offensively loaded squad nearly 10-runned the Wolverines.

Riverton got its offense going with a two-run home run by Allie Carter in the fourth inning.

In the fifth inning, everybody found their bats starting with Cassie Avery's single. Bunts by Sandy Bowles and Trina Gomez loaded the bases. Then a double by shortstop Kelsi Hoopiiana drove in two runs, which was followed by Symbree Minniear's double that drove in another run.

"They just started making adjustments to the pitcher," said Riverton coach Emily Cederholm. "It finally all clicked."

Her advice after three scoreless innings was simple.

"I told them, 'The first good pitch you see, I want you to swing at it'," she said. They were waiting too long and then swinging out of desperation rather than because a ball looked inviting."

Gomez attributed Thursday's win to Wednesday's practice.

"We worked hard," she said. "We all mesh really good."

Cederholm said the players had to deal with an off-field issues which affected their play Tuesday.

"We just came out flat against Copper Hills," she said. "We resolved some things (Wednesday) and it just goes to show if you're not on the same page, you're going to struggle. You have to have unity and trust in each other. That chemistry really does affect the way you play together."

Thursday's victory is just the second region win for Riverton, but it sets a tone for the squad.

"This is a big win for us," she said. "They've (Hunter) got good pitching."

The Wolverines didn't get their offense started until the sixth inning, when Desi Hoffman smacked a single to left field. She stole second base and then Sade Wilkinson hit a double to the left field fence to score Hoffman. Wilkinson scored on Meranda Wood's single to center field. Wilkinson drove in Hunter's third run in the seventh inning with another double, which again, scored Hoffman.

Sophomore Sammi Powell earned the win for the Silverwolves.

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