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West Jordan Journal

Grizzlies Play Hard, Humble And Hungry

May 15, 2015 07:13PM ● By Greg James

Copper Hills senior Sky Cook has reached base in every game this season. Photo courtesy of dbaphotography.com

West Jordan - The Copper Hills High School girls softball team needs to have an ambulance on standby at their games. The team has had its share of close competitions, and their fans may go into cardiac arrest. 

“We have had some good wins and some tough losses. We are learning from each of our games. We keep working to find the best combinations (of players) on the field,” head coach Jentry Johnson said.

The Grizzlies have started their season by splitting their first 10 games, with five wins and five losses, including a 1-3 trip to Phoenix, Ariz. 

The Grizzlies have had 11 games decided by three runs or less, including a come-from-behind 10-9 victory over Riverton March 10. In that game they had fallen behind 9-0. Ashley Anderson singled and Alyssa Garcia scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh. 

“We are relentless; we have had several come-from-behind wins. When we get down we never give in. That is who our team is. We do not give up before the last pitch or out,” Johnson said.

Senior captain Sky Cook is hitting .443 as the team’s leadoff hitter. Johnson said she has become a big part of the team’s success. She has signed to continue playing softball after graduation at College of Southern Idaho.

“Sky is a quick learner and fierce competitor. Last season she took the challenge to switch to be a left-handed hitter. She was good last year and this season she is even better. She has a full complement of swings: bunt, slap and a full left-handed swing. That makes her a tough out. She is also very quick on the bases,” Johnson said.

Paige Watts leads the team with five homeruns. Ashlee Anderson has four, Kylie Jones three and Maci Brogdon and Jaici Bishop both have two.

“Maci had a spine fracture and could not even play last season. This year she has come up in some clutch situations and been hot.  As a sophomore she has risen to the occasion,” Johnson said.

The Grizzlies finished in second place in Region 3 last season. Johnson said her team could contend again this year. “Bingham is a powerhouse. Alta has great pitching and we are right there,” she said.