High school softball: ALA looks to keep roll going

American Leadership Academy's softball team hopes to build on the most successful season in the school's two-year history.

"We actually had a three-way tie for first place in our region," said ALA coach Tom Fell. "It was the first region championship for any sport in school history. It was nice."

Fell said the addition of two players midway through the season helped the team find both chemistry and firepower. Senior Amber Tuttle injured her knee (ACL) in December and missed the entire preseason. She is now hitting .660 and helping to anchor the defense at third base.

Sophomore Paige Anderson became academically eligible and is key to the team's success as she is the catcher. She and pitcher Sarah Madson, also a sophomore, lead a defense that has just gotten stronger as the season has progressed.

American Leadership will take on Monticello, a 1A school that plays 2A softball, in the first round of the tournament. The Buckaroos have a solid team, led by pitcher Mersades Slade.

Top-ranked San Juan is the favorite to end Manti's three-year grip on the 2A state title. The Broncos rely on pitcher Gennera Nielson, who is a three-time all-state selection now in her senior season. Not only can she pitch, but she is one of the state's best hitters as well. Senior catcher Haven Webb, senior centerfielder Laken Shumway and senior shortstop Heather Meyer make up an athletic and experienced lineup.

"All those girls have been there," said coach Craig Swenson. San Juan played for the title two years ago, losing to Manti.

Swenson is happy with where the team is but certainly not counting any chickens, hatched or unhatched.

"Whoever comes to play," he said, when asked about tournament favorites. "It starts all over now. Everybody is even."

Manti may have lost two-time 2A MVP pitcher Kelsie Johnson, but they have plenty of talent to make a fourth attempt at a title.

Kaitlyn Hatch, pitcher, and hitters like McKenzie Hatch, Megan Dowell and Haley Hatch make the Templars one of the toughest to beat. They solid defensively and the entire line-up can hit the ball.

Parowan won the region 13 title and squares off against Rowland Hall in the first round. Pitcher Kiersten Blauer and players like Jamie Barton will make the team a sure contender.