Softball in northern Utah has always been an impressive institution with perennial powers like Box Elder and Bonneville vying for state titles almost every season.
Then add Bountiful and Woods Cross into the mix and it seems a bit unfair to put so many good teams in one region. Then again, coaches believe all of 4A is even more competitive this year than it was last season.
"I like the idea of our new region," said Bountiful softball coach Kelly Anderson, whose Braves were voted No. 1 in preseason polls. "It's so tough. We're hoping just to get out and go to state."
The Braves return a lot of experience and talent this season led by pitcher Stephanie Holmes and catcher Kim Weese. Weese moved from third to catcher, and it's helped the team defensively as she calls most of the pitches for the team.
Robin Wall returns as the team's shortstop, while junior Kylie Flannary plays outfield and pitches. Senior Jessica Smith, who will play basketball for Weber State next year, plays first base, while Jessie Martin pitches and plays outfield.
"I think we'll be as good as anybody," Anderson said. "I think all of 4A is going to be pretty tough this year."
Bonneville was voted No. 2 in the preseason polls, in large part because of the experience they return. The roster is led by senior Shay Jenkins, who plays catch and shortstop and has already signed with BYU. She currently leads the Lakers in hitting.
For the Lakers to continue to do well, senior pitcher Perri Grilz and senior pitcher Amanda Hancock will have to help the team defensively.
"We're expecting a lot of good things from Perri," said coach Brenda Stauffer. "And we will be relying more heavily on Amanda. . . . We have a very young team. We lost almost our whole infield (to graduation)."
Senior Melanie Chase leads the Lakers in the outfield as she plays centerfield. Sophomore Dayna Nichols plays catch when Jenkins is at shortstop and has been hitting extremely well this season.
"Usually there is a game or two that you can relax and get some practice in or take it easy," Stauffer said. "But I don't think we'll have any of those games this year."
Sky View, voted No. 3, is already shaking things up this season. The Bobcats defeated Bountiful in their first region game this season.
"We're loaded with seniors," said coach Shane Jones. Sky View has nine seniors led by catcher Lindsey Nielson, who has had a base hit in every game so far. Shortstop Nicole Sorenson, an all-state volleyball and basketball player, has played well so far this season, especially offensively.
"She's just putting the hurt on the ball," he said. Sarah Anderson had seven RBIs in the team's first two region games, and Tracy Preece and Natalie Gunnell take turns pitching or playing centerfield.
Jones said it will benefit the Bobcats to play in such a tough region, even if they don't escape unbeaten.
"It's definitely to our advantage to have a tough region schedule," he said. "If your goal is to do well at state, then it's to your advantage to have those teams in your region."
The Bees were voted No. 4 and Woods Cross was voted No. 5.
The Wildcats return junior pitcher Kiersten Brown, who leads a young team with no seniors on the roster. Casey Plowman and Mattie Sutherland lead a talented lineup that just needs to find some consistency.
"We will be competitive," said coach Donna Tippetts. "We're returning many from last season and adding two strong freshman."
Roy was voted No. 6, while Mountain Crest was No. 7 in Region 5's preseason rankings.
Roy is led by Vanessa Farris, a senior shortstop, and Kristen Jachmin, a freshman pitcher. Junior Alix Holt also pitches and plays second base when she's not in the circle.
"I think having a tough region is kind of exciting because you always have to play on your toes," said coach Amanda Koford. "By the end of May I expect us to be exhausted."
Region 5 Preseason Rankings
1. Bountiful
2. Bonneville
3. Sky View
4. Box Elder
5. Woods Cross
6. Roy
7. Mtn. Crest
E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com