ST. GEORGE – Being undefeated is a special accomplishment that a perfect team carries with it all the time. But it’s also a moot point at the state tournament, where any team, regardless of its regular season success, can win it all.
“We don’t think about being undefeated much,” senior Autumn Shipp said. “It’s all about the state tournament now.”
Flexing its collective muscle, Snow Canyon blasted Payson 10-0 in a five inning mercy-rule game at the Little Valley softball complex in St. George to advance in the 3A State Softball Tournament Thursday.
“Yeah, we knew this was a big game for us to play well after last week,” SC third baseman Shelbee Hutchings said. “We wanted to play good and smooth and strong.”
Hutchings had a three-run double in the first inning and the Warriors pounded 12 hits en route to the easy win. Sonya Hardy also doubled and Snow Canyon scored five in the first and five in the third.
“My team’s always got my back,” said pitcher Brytni Gurney, who scattered four hits in five innings. “I expect a lot from my team and they always come through.”
Snow Canyon has taken the field 22 times this season and has left victorious each time
Shipp had an RBI single in the fifth inning and generally enjoyed her first start since last season. She tore her knee ligaments just before this past basketball season.
“It’s fantastic having her back,” Gurney said. “She’s an inspiration. It brings back memories of when we were little. We’ve always played together.”
There was no doubt Snow Canyon came into the game with a purpose. After mowing down the Lions 1-2-3 in the top of the first, the Warriors collected five hits in the bottom of the inning, including Hutchings’ double and singles by Grace Walton, Gurney, Natalie Coulam and Skylar Gates.
It remained 5-0 until the third when Snow Canyon rapped out another five hits. Shipp, Hardy, Kenzee Langston and Mitzi Gates all had RBIs in the inning.
On the other side, Gurney was in control all the way, not letting a single Payson runner past second base.
The Lady Warriors advanced in the no-loss side of the bracket with the win and will play Stansbury Friday at 5:30 p.m.
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Shelbee Hutchings slides in safe Thursday afternoon at the 3A State Softball Tournament, Snow Canyon vs. Payson. St. George, Utah, May 16, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News McKenzee Langston with the stretch, Thursday afternoon at the 3A State Softball Tournament, Snow Canyon vs. Payson. St. George, Utah, May 16, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News Grace Walton makes a catch Thursday afternoon at the 3A State Softball Tournament, Snow Canyon vs. Payson. St. George, Utah, May 16, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News Skylar Gates head for home Thursday afternoon at the 3A State Softball Tournament, Snow Canyon vs. Payson. St. George, Utah, May 16, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News Payson's Makenzie Simons delivers Thursday afternoon at the 3A State Softball Tournament, Snow Canyon vs. Payson. St. George, Utah, May 16, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News Grace Walton scores Thursday afternoon at the 3A State Softball Tournament, Snow Canyon vs. Payson. St. George, Utah, May 16, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News SC wins Thursday afternoon at the 3A State Softball Tournament, Snow Canyon vs. Payson. St. George, Utah, May 16, 2013 | Photo by Chris Caldwell, St. George News
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