High school soccer: Lehi tops Vikes, grabs No. 2 seed

LEHI — Tuesday was a good day for the Lehi softball team as the Pioneers completed their season sweep of Pleasant Grove, securing the Region 4 No. 2 seed after their 5-3 victory.

The win also gives the Pioneers something else — a chance for redemption. Last year the Pioneers found themselves in the same position with a second seed and a first-round home-field advantage, but failed to get to the state tournament site at Valley Complex after two straight losses.

"We definitely want to win in the first round and put ourselves into a good bracket up at the complex," said Lehi coach Leslie Warr.

"If we can play like we did today, I think we'll be in good shape. I was impressed with the defense. I think it was the best defense we've had all year. And I was proud of the way we kept the momentum going the whole game. ... We never let up," Warr said.

The Pioneers got off to a quick start with a single by leadoff hitter Ally White and a run-scoring double by Shelby Lund. A passed ball brought in the second run of the inning.

But in the third inning, the Vikings made a comeback and tied things up on a single to Camille Lines, a walk by Katie Briggs, a single to Kenzie Jardine and a two-RBI double to Lisa Castleberry.

Whitney Cook came out leading off in the Lehi half of the fourth and launched a home run over the center-field fence, giving herself an RBI in the process.

"Whitney had another great shot. I believe she's our leading home run hitter this year," said Warr, who has been impressed all season with Cook's hitting prowess.

But the home run ball and a 3-2 lead didn't stand up long as Pleasant Grove took its turn on the bases in the top of the fifth with a single to Briggs, a walk to Mac Larson, a bunt single for Jardine and a single straight up the middle by Castleberry, who sent home her third RBI of the game.

But the Pioneers also celebrated one of their most spectacular defensive plays of the game on that same hit as center fielder Ashley Zimmerman proved just how strong her arm is when she threw out a second runner trying to score from second.

The Pioneers also celebrated a double play in the fourth inning as after the runner was thrown out at first, Cook threw a spot on pass to third, where Lund tagged out the second runner.

Those two plays just might have given the Pioneers a little extra emotional boost as well as keeping the Vikings from scoring and giving themselves a chance to take the lead for good in the bottom of the fifth.

Lund reached on a single, followed by Bree McBride, and Ariel Zimmerman singled in the game-winning run, picking up two RBIs and giving herself the pitching victory.

"Ariel pitched a great game. She's had a bad cold all week, and she was down and out at practice yesterday," said Warr of her warrior pitcher.

The Vikings have clinched themselves the third spot in the region and a spot in the playoffs as well but will have to open on the road.

E-MAIL: jolsen@desnews.com