High school 5A softball: Viewmont shuts down Taylorsville

TAYLORSVILLE — Shelbi Tyteca moved toward the final chapter of her impressive high-school Thursday, and the Viewmont Vikings stepped into the Cinderella role of the 5A softball state tournament.

Tyteca scattered three hits and struck out 14 batters as the Vikings bounced Taylorsville 3-1 in a quarterfinal game on a sunny afternoon. Viewmont is now just two wins away from its first title since 2003.

"It's no surprise," said Viewmont coach Tiffany Randall. "Our region is tough. We are constantly playing good teams."

Having Tyteca on the mound for most of them hasn't hurt. The senior righthander allowed just six base runners. She gave up a lone run in the sixth inning that made the game interesting, but retired the side in order in the seventh after her teammates rallied for two runs in the top of the final frame.

With the win, Viewmont improved to 16-7 overall and advanced to play Spanish Fork in a semifinal game May 19 at the Valley Softball Complex.

Taylorsville, meanwhile, saw its 12-game win streak end, and now must win six straight games in the losers bracket for a possible state title.

The Warriors got a fine pitching performance from Nicole Huntsman, who also gave up just three hits. Taylorsville, however, hurt itself with four errors, including two in the last inning. In fact, none of Viewmont's runs were earned.

"We were tight, and we were playing one of the best pitchers in the state," said Taylorsville coach Rich Kaelin. "We've had only two times (this season) when we've needed to come from behind. A lot of this is a new experience."

Trailing 1-0 in the sixth inning, the Warriors rallied as Brita Noble singled and advanced on Sami Parry's single. Huntsman then hit a ground ball to second baseman Cina Cummings, who bobbled the ball.

Coaching from third base, Kaelin said he recognized Taylorsville had to play aggressively with the few offensive chances it had. He sent Noble to the plate and she slid in just ahead of the tag.

Taylorsville had a chance to score again, but Kaelin's action failed this time when a suicide squeeze left Parry in a rundown, and ended the Warriors chance to take the lead.

It took Viewmont just a few minutes to take advantage.