ST. GEORGE – Region 9 play is not far away (next week), and Desert Hills is using its last few preseason games to get tuned up for league play, including Thursday’s dominant 7-1 victory over reigning 2A champion South Summit.
“South Summit has a really good pitcher,” said Thunder coach Brady Fonnesbeck. “She will be one of the best, if not the best, pitcher we will face this year. Our girls were able to hit against her.”
Desert Hills put up a run early when Sophie Wilcox’s single got Brianna St. Clair across in the first. The Thunder added three more in the third. Kodi Salisbury knocked in Shelby Reynolds and Morgynn Rosemeyer. Sammi Clark then batted in Salisbury to give the Thunder a 4-0 advantage. Ashley File got a solo-shot homer in the fifth to put Desert Hills up 5-0.
“The pitch came in high and inside,” said File. “That is my favorite pitch to hit. I have been slumping lately, so it felt great to get that one.”
South Summit finally got on the board in the sixth inning. The Lady Wildcats had trouble all game figuring out Thunder pitcher St. Clair.
“Brianna just moved in this year,” said Fonnesbeck. “We have been pitching our best athletes. But Brianna has been pitching from an early age. She has great control and speed.” St. Clair had 10 strikeouts.
“I was nervous at the beginning of the year,” said St. Clair. “But the more I have played, I have gotten more comfortable with my teammates defensively.”
Reynolds added to the scoring in the sixth with a two-run double, scoring Clark and St. Clair. In the top of the seventh, St. Clair got one batter to pop up and then struck out two to end the game.
The Lady Thunder move to 4-2 with the win.
“This is the best we have started,” said Fonnesbeck. “We normally come out of the gate slowly, but this year the girls have gelled quickly and are playing well together.”
Desert Hills will now participate in the 2A/3A March Warmup Classic with five games over the next two days. Friday, the Thunder will start with an 11:15 a.m. game against Bonneville. At 1:30, they will play Ogden. Their night game will be at 6 p.m. against Grand County. On Saturday, they will play Skyline at 11:15 a.m. Their final game of the weekend will be against Beaver at 1:30 p.m..
Cedar 6, Canyon View 5
The Lady Reds vanquished former Region 9 and crosstown rival Canyon View.
Cedar took a 6-0 lead into the seventh inning. The Lady Falcons put together a ferocious comeback, but fell one run short. Bryton Holyoak got her first win from the circle, pitching six solid innings. Sage Oldroyd came in and got the final two outs of the game.
Hannah Williams and Dream Weaver had solid games at the plate. Williams had a two-run shot and Weaver also had multiple RBIs. Third baseman Abby Anderson had an incredible game in the field, assisting on nine outs.
The Lady Reds improve to 3-4. Cedar will host Desert Hills Tuesday at 4 p.m. to begin Region 9 play.
Gunnison 14, Hurricane 4
The Lady Tigers were 10-runned by visiting Gunnison on Thursday, with the defense as the main culprit. The Lady Tigers committed 11 errors. Only two of Gunnison’s 14 runs were earned.
Hurricane falls to 2-3 heading into Region 9 play on Tuesday against Snow Canyon. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
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If you aren’t going to cover all local high school softball teams then don’t cover any of them. This is a continued example of picking one team for coverage at the expense of the other teams. Not good reporting.