High school softball: Dons again look like team to beat in Region 4

Spanish Fork has long been a hotbed of softball. Two-time state champions, with their last title coming in 2006, the Dons are always one of the state's top teams to be feared and are always in the hunt for yet another state title.

Region titles have come as easily as spreading butter on toast the last couple of years, and the Dons are once again riding in the top spot this season as the midway point looms with spring break in the air. If nothing changes, the Dons should yet again snare the Region 4 championship and take the league's No. 1 seed into the state tournament.

It seems with this Spanish Fork team, the guns are always reloading, and the coaches never have to look to rebuild. Superstars like Whitney Holm graduate, and other stars like Tina Ferguson and Katelyn Elliott take over. The Dons, this year — like they do every year — have a great mix of youth and experience as the young players learn from those who have been there and not only help the team win during the current season but are also well-poised for seasons to come.

Kylee Brinkerhoff was often overlooked as a hitter at the bottom of the Spanish Fork thunder-and-lightning lineup last season, and she's now moved into a prominent spot in the middle of the order this year. She's joined by leadoff hitter Ferguson, who's always a threat for a deep ball as well as maintaining a top-notch batting average. All of which leads Spanish Fork coach Don Andrews to just shake his head when talking about everything Ferguson does for the team in the leadoff spot in the batting order and behind the plate.

"When you start the game with Tina ...," Andrews smiled and let his thought trail away as he was reminded of all of the extra bases and timely hits Ferguson brings to the team.

But the Dons are a hitting powerhouse yet again this season from top to bottom, as Tina's younger sister Patti Ferguson joined the team at second base. Elliott mans the shortstop position, Lea Adamson brings her powerful bat to the forefront, Kylie Bufton is still hitting rockets, and Ashley Allred and her thin frame provide more power than anyone would think possible as she steps to the plate.

Cami Robinson and Dezlee Roberts are the solid core of the pitching staff, which also sports freshman Kailey Christensen, who should be good for years to come.

Yes, yet again, the Dons should not only be the top contender for the tough Region 4 crown, but should battle voraciously for the top spot in the state..

But Andrews admits Region 4 is possibly tougher this year than ever before.