The spring sports season has arrived and the Longhorns softball team is ready. Taking a look at the season, these Lady Longhorns have a tough schedule. Despite the tough schedule, these girls have grit and are determined to have a good run. This first season, the team is composed of one senior, nine juniors, four sophomores and six freshmen.
More noteworthy, the Lady Longhorns are in the toughest region in the state. They face the Sky View Bobcats on Friday, March 14th (rescheduled due to weather) for the teams first region game. During the 23-24 season Sky View went 14-12 and an even five and five in region. The Longhorns will also face the reigning 4A state champs, the Ridgeline Riverhawks twice this season. The first game on April 1st, the 2nd being April 25th. During the 2023-24 season freshman pitcher received the Utah Gatorade Player of the year for girls softball and was able to attend the ESPYs the same season.
The girls are led by head coach Mandy Koford and three assistant coaches, Brock Hadley, Stalee Griffin and Mia Tupe. When Koford was asked about her outlook on the season she replied, “I do think that we have a lot of talent… when I look at our team, per position, per player, I think that we are very talented and very gifted as far as players go.” Koford mentioned that she had not been around high school softball for a while and so she was excited to go out and watch the team give it their all.
After two weeks of practicing, the girls were well prepared to face the Weber Warriors in the first game of the thrilling season. Coming into the game with plenty of confidence, the Longhorns stunned the Warriors by smashing them with a final score of 26-1 according to Maxpreps. Cambree Pierson, a sophomore, pitched a total of five innings, only giving up one earned run off five hits. Addi Gibson, a junior, had a great game as well, with a grand slam in the second inning to skyrocket the score 11-1 for the Longhorns. Gibson was asked what her mindset was starting this game and what she thought following her grand slam, and the first ever home run for the West Field High School softball team. She replied “My mindset was to start the season right and make it count. Up to bat I told myself just keep your eye on the ball!” Following Gibson’s performance, Ella Doxey, the Longhorns only senior this season, had an incredible game going three for five at the plate with five RBI’s, three runs and a double. The Longhorns Junior Varsity team also brought home a big victory defeating the Warriors JV team 19-0.
In other news, the Longhorns took the road once again to face the Bonneville Lakers defeating them 11-4, adding another win to the Longhorns’ season. Doxey stood out again, scoring three runs, a stolen base and going three for five at the plate. Doxey was asked about her game performance and she replied, “Both games were great team wins and I felt good about my performance. I didn’t get any defensive plays, but I did well at the plate.” Doxey also stated she was excited for the rest of the season. Brinklee Hadley, a freshman pitcher, threw seven innings against Bonneville striking out eight and only giving up four earned runs on five hits. Hadley stood out at the plate as well, as she went three for four with one RBI.
As far as the team goes, Kamryn Bell, a junior, was asked what she wants most for this team and the season. She replied, “This season I want all of us girls to get really close and bond as a team. If we have a good relationship off the field, then our performance on the field will also increase.” Bell also said, “ I want other schools to be surprised how good our first-year softball team is.” The Longhorns softball team has many leaders and is ready to compete this season. Be sure to watch out for these girls as they compete and put forth their best efforts in region play starting soon.
