4A high school softball: Royals, fueled by Flint family, roll into finals

TAYLORSVILLE — The first two innings are the toughest for Roy assistant coach Travis Flint.

"I get really nervous the first two innings," said Flint, whose daughter, MaCauley Flint, earned a 6-0 semifinal win against Bonneville in the 4A state softball tournament Wednesday. "Once I get through the first two innings, typically, I relax a little."

The young Royals made it easy on MaCauley Flint, whom they rely on for fiery, pregame pep talks, by scoring five of their six runs in the first two innings. The younger Flint said the hot start also helps her in the circle.

"It's so much easier to pitch with runs on the board," said MaCauley, who will be coached by her father, aunt (head coach Mandy Koford) and grandfather (Stan Flint) in the 4A championship game today at 5 p.m. at the Valley Softball Complex. The Royals will face the winner of the 2:45 p.m. Tooele/Bonneville game.

MaCauley got the Royals' offense started with a single as the lead-off batter in the first inning. She scored on a fielder's choice by Shaylee Barfuss. Solid hits and a few Laker errors combined to give the Royals two high-scoring innings.

Second basemen and relief pitcher Sam Edstrom hit a solo home run in the fifth inning to put an exclamation point on the win.

The Royals also played a flawless defensive game with no errors. Flint earned six strikeouts and then Edstrom came in to throw the last two innings and earned four strikeouts of her own.

Both coaches and players don't care who the other team on the field is today.

"They're two fabulous teams," said Travis Flint. "It is nice to know we will be fresh."

Knowing it is a double-elimination tournament brings the coaches little comfort.

"You better win the first one," Travis Flint said. "We're going to treat that first one like it is the state championship, because it is."

Catcher Jessyca Fulmer said the Roy players are just enjoying such a unique experience.

"It's kind of like a dream," said the junior. "It's exciting. I've never played in a state game."

Fulmer said playing for the Flint family is no different for those players who don't share the same name.

"(Travis) is really good at inspirational talks," said Fulmer.

Adds MaCauley, "They all do something different for us."