The Uintah Utes call senior Lexi White their "cold weather pitcher" because she seems to do well when there is a chill in the air.
Not that she wants to pitch when it's cold, but that's just the kind of spring it's been this year.
"We just go in the gym, but it's hard," she said after leading her team to a 8-0 region win over Judge Monday. "You can't do as much stuff inside."
When it's cold, she said she alters her style just a bit.
"I try not to throw as hard," she said. "My rotator cuff is stretched — from volleyball."
Her style, regardless of the weather, has helped the Utes to a successful season so far as they 3-0 in region play and 8-3 overall.
"We're lucky that we have two great pitchers," said coach John Nielson. "They do different things for us."
The other pitcher, Kelsi Robb, had a double in Monday's win, as did Jessica Labrum. Teammate Krissy Hacking knocked in two runs in the top of the seventh inning with a triple that she stretched into an in-the-park home run when she scored on the throw. Still, Nielson sees room for the Utes to improve.
"We played pretty well," said Nielson. "We didn't hit the ball as well as we have ... But we also typically have one bad inning, and we didn't have that today."
He was impressed with his team's defense and with Judge pitcher Maggie Holden, who threw the entire game.
"Judge has a nice team, and a great pitcher," he said. "She throws really well."
While Uintah has been outside a few times this season, Sunday's practice just before Monday's game was the first time the Bulldogs have been on their home field this season.
"On Saturday, we had a pump out here pumping water off the field," said coach Carolyn Richards. "The first time we practiced on this field was yesterday."
Not only that, but the Bulldogs only have 10 varsity players and they start three freshman. Jace Bachus, normally a centerfielder, played shortstop for the first time Monday.
E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com