Taylorsville on top: Warriors expected to roll in Region 2 softball
Maybe they have every right to do so. The Warriors only lost two members from last year's team and no less than five players on this year's squad already have college scholarships.
But this cheeky nature, in fact, is the very problem that worries head coach Rich Kaelin. "Our biggest thing to deal with," he said, "is that they worked so hard last year."
Kaelin did his very best to state the problem in a positive context but it was evident he wants to avoid over confidence and not experience a let down. Given the talent level on this team, it is not very likely.
Cyd Allen returns as the best power hitter the state has ever seen according to Kaelin. Last year, as a junior, she hit a state-record 14 home runs. As a sophomore, she belted 12 and as a freshman she hit six. This year she already has five and Kaelin said she will surely hold the career all-time record before she is done.
Allen's teammates say she has a rocket arm that she uses to consistently throw out runners from her catcher's position. She'll play at BYU next year.
"That was good for our team," Kaelin said.
In their next tournament, the Warriors also lost a couple of games to stiff competition. Tia Palauni, who has signed with Utah, "hit the ball extremely well in that first tournament," said Kaelin. Marqi Gray, who has signed with SLCC, is the second best power hitter on the team. She blasted 12 home runs last year and she has signed with SLCC.
As for the pitchers, Heather Gardner and Ashlee Moore return with solid credentials.
Gardner, who will play at Snow College next year, is very friendly and she has a strong confidence in her persona. She delivered the team's motto: "Respect all, fear none."
Other returnees on the team are Michon Vanderpool, a defensive-minded third baseman and Alicia Milar, who plays in the outfield. Up-and-coming youngsters are Sami Perry, who played a little last year as a freshman, and Keeley Kirby.
Region 2 softball
(Coaches' predicted order of finish)
1. TAYLORSVILLE: No need to worry about the defending champions' 5-4 record. The Warriors have played a brutal schedule, and were edged by top-ranked Riverton. Cyd Allen leads a group of five talented players who have been awarded college scholarships, and she will likely give opposing pitchers nightmares throughout the season. 2007 record: 21-5. Playoffs: Won state championship
Recent comments
way to go uncle pete, you rock
Anonymous | March 31, 2008 at 11:39 a.m.
Hillcrest is goin all the way this year...
it takes more heart...
Anonymous | March 30, 2008 at 8:01 p.m.
My comments weren't about Taylorsville. I said that they were...
From Ho Hum | March 29, 2008 at 10:33 p.m.
