Pioneers complete sweep, secure No. 2 seed in state tourney

LEHI — It was a good day for the Lehi softball team as the Pioneers completed their sweep of the season series with Pleasant Grove, securing the No. 2 seed from Region 7 for themselves with their 5-3 victory Tuesday.

This victory also gives the Pioneers something else — a chance for redemption. Last year, the Pioneers found themselves in exactly the same position with a second seed and the home-field advantage in the first round. They immediately went out and lost two straight games, failing to reach the state tournament at the Valley Complex.

This year, they want to change all of that.

"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.

The one thing the Pioneers don't want to do is lose their first-round contest for the second year in a row.

"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," said Warr.

The Pioneers got off to a quick start with a single by leadoff hitter Ally White and a run-scoring double to 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 by Camille Lines, a walk by Katie Briggs, a single by Kenzie Jardine and a two-run double to Lisa Castleberry.

The two teams decided to play tag through the top of the fifth.

Whitney Cook led off Lehi's half of the fourth frame by launching a home run over the center-field fence.

"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 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 by Briggs, a walk to Mac Larson, a bunt single by Jardine and a single straight up the middle by Castleberry, who picked up 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 base.