TAYLORSVILLE — Kaycee Prevedel's pitching in the Cougars' win over Manti was almost flawless Thursday.
But what makes the Union junior even more confident in the circle is knowing that she doesn't actually have to be perfect for the third-ranked Cougars to come out on top.
"It's so easy to pitch with this team behind me," she said after striking out 11 Templar batters, which helped the Cougars to a 9-2 win. "I am not afraid to just throw it down the middle because I know we'll get the out."
Union coach Loa Kay Bowthorpe said everything about this year's team, which went undefeated in region play, is different except the names on the jerseys.
"Everything is different," she said. "The whole feeling is different with this group of players than it's ever been in the past. Their presentation is different; their focus is different; their attitude is different; their drive is different. It's a very calming attitude and feeling to be here with them."
The Cougars started strong and really never let Manti gain any kind of momentum.
Union scored its first runs thanks to a two-out rally started by Chelsee Durfey, who reached base on a Manti fielding error. Casee Ames hit a single and then junior Brandi Percival hit a double that scored both base runners.
The best was yet to come, however, when senior catcher Jocelyn Stubbs hit a solo home run in the fourth and then a grand slam in the fifth.
Hitting it over the fence at the Valley Softball Complex is not what Stubbs was thinking when she walked to the plate.
"To be honest, I was thinking this is my last tournament and I've got to make it worth it," she said with a smile. "I haven't been hitting that well. Those are the kind of hits I like."
The Cougars have been hitting well most of the season. Manti tried two different pitchers against the Union lineup, but couldn't keep them from getting on base. Both teams played well in the field with some impressive plays.
Union senior Chelsi Townsend (who is Stubbs' cousin) showed off her (former) dance skills with four pick-ups at first base that required her to do the splits. She started dancing at age 3, but softball won her heart eventually as she gave up dancing and drill to play in the dirt.
"I love the sport," she said. "It's my favorite."
As for the team's performance Thursday, even she was impressed.
"Amazing," she said. "It's great to make a statement." It was the kind of beginning a coach dreams about getting. The home runs just put an exclamation point on the effort
Stubbs said when she stepped into the batter's box before hitting the grand slam, she was just trying to keep the Cougar rally going.
"A home run was not expected," she said.
The senior, who will play for Western Nebraska Community College next season, said the Cougars are feeling confident in all areas of the game.
"We're playing really well," she said. "We have two amazing pitchers and we just have to stand behind them and hit. We'd like to go as far as we can. We'll just play hard and see how things turn out."
e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com